Can you identify this and what it was used for?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Oct 2014 14:08:34 -0400

We are standing up a museum for my ABCT. We were a Inf DIV in WWII and had a lot of different unit in the division. It appears to be some sort of apron but I have never seen something like this in use? Can anyone aid in this.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 2 at 2014 2:14 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Oct 2014 14:14:29 -0400

Ahh yes, the invisible apron! I know a guy, that knows a guy, that has one!

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Oct 2 at 2014 2:31 PM

MSG Wade Huffman — Thu, 02 Oct 2014 14:31:40 -0400

It's a PT apron... the predecessor to the mighty PT belt .. see how far we've advanced!!! LOL!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 2 at 2014 3:31 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Oct 2014 15:31:59 -0400

This seems like something someone would have worn, if it was loading buses, boats, or airplanes. I know it's a square hole but someones head can fit it seems. I could also see them cutting a square vs a half circle just to make cutting and sewing easier.
During WWII replacements were coming in and pushed through protocols quickly to get to their unit. This could have been a way to ID their rep for the unit they were assigned to.
Do you have measurements for it, as it's looks to be about 3 cement blocks long (16" a piece). Is why I think someone would have worn this.

Response by SPC David S. made Oct 2 at 2014 3:39 PM

SPC David S. — Thu, 02 Oct 2014 15:39:39 -0400

I'm thinking this was worn for civilian purposes like maybe a parade or some sort of human way finder for pay or a rally point.

Response by SFC Stephen Carden made Oct 3 at 2014 11:49 AM

SFC Stephen Carden — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 11:49:26 -0400

A seat cover for a VIP jeep maybe? They used to bling out the jeeps that generals rode around in. I think I remember reading that they put chrome grab bars, white seat covers, oversized rank placards, and other things on the jeeps that Generals rode during official functions. There would be no purpose for the hole though, as jeeps had no headrests. This could have been a marshalling vest used by ground guides at marshalling areas so tank drivers could identify thier unit's guides and park in the right area. Just a guess though.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2014 1:27 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 13:27:14 -0400

You would wear these when going on liberty. When you got to drunk to make your way back to the base, the taxi driver would drive you to the location for the unit on the apron. It was quickly abandoned as it was not in fashion.

(that was satire for those who did not get it)

Response by SPC Brian Aranda made Oct 3 at 2014 4:36 PM

SPC Brian Aranda — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 16:36:45 -0400

I think those guessing apron are close, but it may not have been meant for personnel. It looks lit something that would get draped across a pole or post with a crosspiece. Not a unit guidon, but more of a gathering point designator for the unit or where the unit's equipment was staged. That's my guess.