Doron Plate

Doron Plate is a strong fiberglass-based laminate that was first used by the United States military as personal body armor for infantry in the Battle of Okinawa in 1945.^[1] The plates were approximately ¹⁄₈ inch thick and cut into five inch squares then inserted into pockets on a nylon vest that covered the front and back portions of the torso as well as the shoulders.^[2] The vest weighed approximately 8 pounds. The plates consist of fiberglass filaments bonded together with resin under pressure. The plates could be molded to fit the contours of the chest or back.^[3] Dow Company discovered the technology for the doron plate in May 1943 because a shortage of metal during World War II had stimulated research into non-metallic forms of body armor.^[4] The doron plate could not stop direct fire from bullets but was effective at stopping relatively slow moving flak and shrapnel.^[4] The plates were named after General G. F. Doriot who was chief of the Research and Development Branch, Office of the Quartermaster General of the Army during World War II.^[5] The doron plates were used in the Korean War in the M-1951 and T-52-2 vests and the Vietnam War in the M-1952 and M-1955 vests. Stronger and lighter materials such as Kevlar-based body armor eventually superseded the doron plate.

References

1. ↑ Bull, Stephen. Encyclopedia of Military Technology and Innovation. (Greenwood Press: London) (2004) p. 19.
2. ↑ Long, Allen. "New Clothing for Fighters". Science News Letter (February 21, 1953) p. 122.
3. ↑ King, Ludlow. "Lightweight Body Armor". The Quartermaster Review (March–April 1953) http://www.quartermaster.army.mil/OQMG/professional_bulletin/2000/spring2000/Lightweight_Body_Armor.htm.
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Military Handbook: Survivability, Aircraft, Nonnuclear, Airframe Volume 2. The Department of Defense (1983)
5. ↑ Armored Vest Fact Sheet. Office of the Quartermaster General. (1952). http://www.qmmuseum.lee.army.mil/korea/armored_vest.htm.