Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
Boot |
Catalog Number |
2002.28.2 |
Date |
ca.1991 |
Material(s) |
Rubber; suede; Gortex; metal |
Dimensions |
H-10 W-4.5 D-11.5 inches |
Description |
This is a pair of woman's Army National Guard combat boots that were worn during Desert Storm. They are tan leather with black rubber soles. They have metal "speed lacing" and built-in ankle support. The tongue and the upper portion of the boots are made of Gortex material. |
Notes |
Staff Sargeant Shuler was the second Kentucky National Guard woman to be deployed during the Gulf war. The tan desert combat boots are modeled after the jungle boots but they are lighter in weight, unvented to keep out sand, have no metal plate insteps, incorporated speed lacing and have built in ankle supports to prevent sprains while operating in sandy terrain. Although women were not in direct combat in the Gulf, the reality is that women performed many combat roles. They flew refueling planes, flew troop transport aircraft and helicopters, fired patriots that destroyed Scud missiles, supplied mechanized brigades with fuel and ammunition, loaded bombs, operated radios, radar and military vehicles. Women were taken prisoner and some lost their lives in the Gulf. Although there was much controversy over sending women soldiers to the Gulf, including distorted reports of mass pregnancy rates, General Holm in the book "Women in the Military" wrote that after the war DOD reported to Congress that the deployment of women was "highly successful." |
Collection |
Emma Darlene Shuler Collection |
Subjects |
Boots Military uniforms Uniforms |
Search Terms |
Kentucky Army National Guard Military, Women |
Physical Holder |
Kentucky Historical Society - KHS |