US USAF Bail Out Map Silk Two Sided Lake Balkhash Ural River Area CL 203

This unique historical artifact is a two-sided silk bail-out map, utilized by the United States Air Force during critical missions. The map, designated CL 203, covers the strategically important regions around Lake Balkhash and the Ural River. Crafted meticulously from silk, the map provides resilient, lightweight, and water-resistant navigational aid, essential for pilots forced to eject over hostile or unfamiliar territories. One side features detailed topographical and geographical information of the Lake Balkhash area, while the other focuses on the expansive Ural River region. These regions, significant during various military operations, are depicted with precision, underscoring the meticulous planning and technological advances of the time. This piece not only serves as an invaluable survival tool but also offers a fascinating glimpse into military history and cartography of the mid-20th century. It is a remarkable collectible for history enthusiasts and collectors of military memorabilia.