U.S. Army regulation dress wool coat, ca. 1945

The 36th "Texas" Infantry Division, made up of troops from both Texas and Oklahoma, was among the second wave of guard units to be mobilized during World War II. During their drive into Bavatia, Germany, the 36th was ordered to locate and secure all concentration camps along their route.

Technical sergeant James Nelson served with both the 142nd and 143rd Infantry Regiments, and 36th Infantry Division. Nelson was severely wounded on March 15, 1945 and lost his leg below the knee. He received a SIlver Star medal for the action. On his coat, a T-Patch (insignia of the 36th Infantry Division) is worn on the left shoulder and his Technical Sergeant stripes are on both sleeves. His U.S. collar brass and a 143rd Infantry Regiment Distinctive Unit Insignia (DUI) pin, Ruptured Duck (Discharge patch), Combat Infantryman Badge, and ribbon bars for a Silver Star Medal and a Purple Heart Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster can be seen on the front of the jacket.