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Original WWII U.S. Army Type I high-neck wool sweater manufactured by Empire Knitting Mills, Inc. for the Philadelphia Quartermaster Depot, dated March 27, 1944 and tagged size Medium.
The original Quartermaster label is hand-identified “Lt. Col. Boerem” with officer service number O-253857, identifying the sweater to Lt. Col. Richard D. Boerem.
Measurements (laid flat)
• Pit to pit: 17.25”
• Length, top neckline to bottom: 25”
• Shoulders: 18.5”
• Sleeves: 21.5”
• Pit to bottom: 18”
• Bottom opening: 8.75” unstretched
Tagged size Medium. Please compare measurements to a similar garment for desired fit.
Officer Provenance
Hand-identified across the QM label to Lt. Col. Richard D. Boerem (O-253857):
• Decorated Officer: Awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action near Soputa, New Guinea (Nov 26, 1942).
• 32nd "Red Arrow" Infantry Division: Commanded the central axis during the brutal Buna-Sanananda campaign, later assuming command of the remaining 126th Infantry force before serving as XO of the 127th Infantry Regiment.
• Chronology: Promoted to Lt. Colonel in Jan 1943, perfectly matching the "LT COL" rank on this March 1944 QM tag.
(Note: Dates to March 1944 later in his service; no claim is made that it was worn during the 1942 action.)
This sweater dates to March 1944, later in Boerem’s military service, and retains his name and officer service number directly on the original Quartermaster label.
Acquired alongside a pre-war Champion Knitwear wool sweater retaining an original ROBERT GENE BOEREM ownership tape. The exact relationship between Robert Gene Boerem and Richard D. Boerem has not been established.
Details
• Original WWII U.S. Army Type I high-neck wool sweater
• Olive drab wool knit
• 5-button high-neck front with reinforced placket
• Original buttons
• Empire Knitting Mills, Inc.
• Philadelphia Quartermaster Depot contract P.O. 8343
• Spec. P.Q.D. No. 111E
• Stock No. 55-S-64241
• Contract date: March 27, 1944
• Tagged size Medium
Condition
Excellent vintage condition with very little apparent wear. Wool remains clean overall with good color and shape, and the interior collar shows little evidence of wear or soiling.
Close inspection found approximately seven small scattered areas of moth activity, including tiny nips/holes and light grazing on the front, waistband, collar, rear body and one sleeve. Most are very small and are shown alongside a ruler in the close-up photos for scale. No large holes, repairs or significant structural damage noted.
Please review all photos for exact condition.
