Also is the rework sticker should indicate NARF Norfolk or NARF North Island, or possibly something else? This could at least tell you which fleet the seat was part of.    Also like to add, these seats  were removed every 224 days from the airframe. The seats were gone over with a rigid and well defined inspection. Most of the time the same seat was re-installed after satisfactorily completing the inspection. Sometimes a discrepancy was found and required a higher maintenance level and a different seat was then installed.    The seats were also removed and inspected every 400 flight hours.    I don’t think Martin-Baker would have any idea what the original bureau number was. I think you would have a better chance identifying the original Buno by contacting Grumman. They are the one who built the complete Aircraft. Probably unlikely that Grumman would even know.    Chris. 

Regardless, what I have doesn't look like what you show on the infantry blanket roll.

Probably going to be difficult to find any history on the seat. As you know, those seats were installed in many different airframes over their service life. The seats themselves had individual logbooks. Those seat logbooks became a sub-section of the Aircraft logbook. Engines were treated the same way.    I would expect any airframe that has survived as a static display might possibly have surviving logbooks. Most airframes have been scrapped and I would think those logbooks might not survive.    Is your seat marked “Pilot” or “RIO” near the headrest?   Chris

The US and UK had the Japanese to fight over thousands of miles of the Pacific/Asia. The Russians did not. They joined in during the last few days for the spoils.     W

Bottom looks like Vietnam War era-1956 type,  i think its an M11

I can’t even put into words how grateful I am Matt! Reading all of this is really mind-blowing! Especially the news articles and personal letters! Thank you so much  Michael

Pic taken around 1978-79 when I  was a kid.   Cream of the crop was a genuine Red Ball Express patch.   My WWII vet grandfather and Vietnam vet Uncle would get me these from garage sales and stuff.  My grandfather was a WWII navy vet, on the USS Whitney AD-4 destroyer tender. My Uncle was a Little Bird- Loach helicopter pilot in Vietnam.   John

Joe Gorene 101 Airborne, boarding the lead aircraft the Stoy Hora, 440th TCG, June 6th 1944.

Great jacket! I’ve been digging around a good bit on 9th army stuff I’ve picked up two local uniforms very similar to this one including a medical one, 185th Medical Battalion to be exact probably served somewhere near Newhouse. Always see the 9th patch on the previous service shoulder.

newfound respect for Norinco in the US market, i think.   The SKS is a fine durable rifle.  Coyotes are not match for it.   I bought mine for about the same price, even less I think, brand new in late 80's.  Now i hear they go for $800 or $1000 in california at least.