2009-12-02 18:37:34 - Rosemary McKittrick is a storyteller. Her weekly column takes you behind the scenes and into the history of art, antiques and collectibles.

Santa Fe, Dec. 2, 2009 -- Pres. Dwight D. Eisenhower requested a simple $80 government-issue casket when he died in 1969. A $115 glass seal was added.

Eisenhower was laid to rest in his World War II uniform: pink trousers and one of the olive green “Ike” jackets he made so famous. As a five-star U.S. General and one of the most decorated military figures in history, his jacket had only three medals on it at the time of his burial. They were the Army Distinguished Service Medal, the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, and the Legion of Merit.

For a man who boasted about growing up in the “heart” of America (Abilene, Kansas), it was a simple and fitting send

off.

Ike came up with a field jacket design similar to the British battle dress jacket. Practical, roomy in the shoulders with concealed buttons, the jacket could be worn alone or layered.

According to an aide, Ike modified the design at least once by shortening it and making it more comfortable. He wore several versions of the jacket each with different pockets and waist tabs.

On Sept. 9, Alderfer’s Auction in Hatfield, Pa., sold a custom tailored World War II Ike jacket belonging to Eisenhower.

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