1956 Dated Summer Uniform for Major (MGen.) James Dozier.

Description

1956 Dated Summer Uniform for Major (MGen.) James Dozier.
James L. Dozier, from Florida originally, graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1956; he took his basic and advanced training at the Armor School at Fort Knox, Kentucky.  During the Vietnam War, General Dozier serviced with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (1968- 69), where he was awarded the Silver Star Medal.
General Dozier had several tours of duty in Germany, the Pentagon, and as an instructor at West Point.  During his time in service, he attended several service schools, including the Army Command & Staff, General Staff, and Army War Colleges.  He also graduated with a Master of Science degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Arizona.
Later in his career, in December of 1981, while acting as Deputy Chief of Staff at Nato's Southern European Land Forces Headquarters at Verona, Italy, General Dozier was kidnapped by Red Brigades and held for 42 days, from December 17, to January 28th, 1982.  Although not kidnapped, but held at gun point, Mrs. Dozier was used by the captures to coerce the general to comply with their demands. The terrorists left her in chains in their apartment.
General Dozier was kept chained to a steel cot while forced to wear a set of headphones and listen to loud music, as well as enduring other such unpleasantries.  He was finally rescued from an apartment in Padua, Italy a city about 15 miles southeasterly from Venice.  His rescue was conducted by elements of the Italian State Police.  One of the guards of the Red Brigade was ordered to kill the general in case of a rescue attempt, but most fortunately chose not to do so. Shortly after his ordeal, and return to the U.S. Army in Vicenza, President Reagan called him, congratulating on his return, and good health.
General Dozier retired from military service after 35 years of service to his Country in 1985, and enjoying retirement now at the age of 89 years.
This uniform was obtained from a military collector (and WWII Navy veteran) in 1985, directly from the general with documentation, including an autographed letter on 2 star Flag Officer letter head,  dated 22 July, '85, to the collector Schuyler Tallman, "Dear Mr. Tallman-   This uniform was last worn when I was an instructor in the Dept. of Mechanics at USMA, as a matter of fact it was at the Army -Penn St game ('65 or "66) which we won. I bought it when I graduated in '56 & believe it or not, it still fits.
Hope to see you next year, Respectfully- Jim Dozier."
A follow up letter in November of '85, to Mr. Tallman, the general answered questions concerning how and what he wore on the uniform. Dozier was a captain and promoted to major while an instructor in USMA.  I assume by the answers in this letter, that Gen. Dozier had given the coat to Tallman without insignia, and Tallman restored the uniform as Dozier had worn it the last time at West Point. This letter is simply signed "Jim."
The condition of the uniform coat and trousers is excellent. There is the slightest bit of staining, a small patch, on the trouser let (see photo). The coat was purchased by Jacob Reed Sons, Phila., and it has his name inside the breast pocket and the date.
A great piece of history, worn by the only American flag officer captured by a radical and violent non-state group.