US WW2 M1926 INFLATABLE FLOATATION BELT LIFE PRESERVER BY FIRESTONE DATED 1944

This is an original U.S.N M1926 Inflatable Floatation LIFE PRESERVER BELT (DUAL TYPE) dated 1944

This is a nice D-Day Invasion-type LIFE PRESERVER BELT.  Made for amphibious invasions and supplied by the U.S. Navy, belts like these were issued to solders participating in operations such as Operation Overlord and US Marine Corps amphibious landings in the Pacific.

This type of belt is particularly known for use during the D-Day landing on the Normandy beaches on June 6th, 1944.

THE FIRESTONE TIRE AND RUBBER CO.
AKRON OHIO

This life preserver is dated 1944.  The belt measures 60" long and 4.5" wide

The metal buckle surrounding the CO2 containers shows a USN marking.

The instructions are stamped on the canvas, close to the CO2 slots and indicate: "To inflate squeeze arrows together with a hard quick grip and release".

It is in good condition.