Original U.S. Vietnam War Identified & Patched G-1 Flight Jacket of Captain John David Eaton, Commander of Submarine Squadron 2

Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. This is the outstanding G-1 Flight jacket of Captain John David Eaton, Commander of Submarine Squadron 2. Eaton held a long career in the Navy, serving as an Ensign during the final two years of World War II and serving in various commands throughout the following 2 decades. He wore this jacket around 1969-1971.

The jacket retains its maker’s tag which is heavily faded:

JACKET, FLYING, MAN’S
INTERMEDIATE, TYPE G-1
SIZE 42
MIL-J-7823D (WP)
DSA 100-70-C-0484
BRILL BROS., INC.
8415-268-7800

The jacket is in great shape without any serious damage to the knit cuffs or waistband, or to any of the leather. The front bears a gorgeous patch for Submarine Squadron 2, and his nametag with submarine dolphins reading:

CAPT J.D. EATON, U.S.N.
COMMANDER
SUBMARINE SQUADRON TWO

Captain Eaton graduated from the U. S. Naval Academy and was commissioned an Ensign in June 1944. His first assignment was to USS WASP (CV-18) as Assistant Navigator and Gunnery Division Officer. From August 1946 to March 1947 he served on board USS VALLEY FORGE (CV-45), followed by a tour on the staff of Commander Cruiser Division EIGHT. His next assignment was to submarine duty. After completing Submarine School in December 1947, he reported on board SEA POACHER (SS-406). From June 1950 to June 1953 he earned a law degree at the George Washington University Law School, Washington, D.C.

Captain Eaton was assigned as Executive Officer, USS TORO (SS422), from August 1953 to June 1955, after which he assumed command of the USS ROCK (SSR-274). From August 1957 to June 1958 he attended the Command and Staff course at the Naval War College. From 1958 to 1961, he served as a legislative attorney in the Office of Legislative Affairs, Navy Department, Washington, D.C. From July 1961 to July 1963 he was Plans Officer on the Staff of Commander Carrier Division SIXTEEN.

In July 1963 he reported as Operations Officer, Staff, Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR, following this with a tour as Commander Submarine Division FORTY-TWO from June 1964 to August 1965. From August 1965 to June 1966 he attended the Naval Warfare Course at the Naval War College. From August 1966 to December 1967, Captain Eaton was the Commanding Officer of the USS CANOPUS and took the ship from its original homeport of Charleston, South Carolina to Rota Spain. He then served on the staff of Command Naval Forces, Vietnam for 16 months. Upon return to the states, he assumed command of Submarine Squadron EIGHT in New London. He then joined the staff of the Joint Logistics Review Board in Washington, D.C. He returned to the fleet and became Commanding Officer of Submarine Squadron TWO. His last assignment, from 1971-1974, was as a member of CINCLAN Fleet staff. 

Captain Eaton has been awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with 6 stars; Presidential Unit Citation; Legion of Merit (two awards) in addition to various other campaign medals.

A fantastic identified jacket, ready for further research and display.