WWII Navy Corpsman Knife Embossed MD USN by Imperial

Here is a variation of the US Navy Corpsman pocket knife that was part of the UNIT-3 contents of the Corpsman bag. This version made by Imperial has the MD USN stamped on the the blade rather than on a plate on the body.

WWII Navy Corpsman 14-030 Unit 5 Case Medical USN

Here is one of the standard pieces of Corpsman battalion or company level aid station gear that was common on most amphibious assaults in later part of WWII. These cases had assigned gear that was included with them, this one being the Unit 5 set of equipment. These style cases are common in combat photos including D-day and Iwo Jima.

Here is another Corpsman Case.

WWII BAR Leather Pouch Tool Modified with Hanger

One of those items I have been trying to locate is a WWII BAR Automatic Rifle Leather Tool Case modified with a hanger to attach to a cartridge or pistol belt. While the pouch is very common its finding a modified one with a hanger that has proven to be extremely difficult. Here is the one I picked up recently a BDR made in 1942. Talking with another collector it appears his was modified the exact same way with four rivets. a marine style hanger and the lighter shade of leather for the hanger attachment. A nice addition to the collection.....now if I could only afford the Browning Automatic rifle...

Another of these cases appeared with the same construction method but modified with a paint reflecting its usage as a first aid case. Not sure if this was done postwar or not.

WWII USMC Marine Bible New Testament EGA Embossed

A nice item that I wish I could find at a library book sale for $.50!

WWII 1930's-40's USMC Marine Soap dish

Here is one of those items that don't pop up as often as they should. This is a US marines embossed soap dish that was part of a larger personal kit that could be bought at PXs that also included a toothbrush holder as well. There was also a set made for the Army and typically you can find pieces such as this separately. For those who are trying to acquire USMC specific items this one is a must for the collection.

WWII US Marines Recruitment Pamphlet The Fightin'est Men 1942

If you ever wondered if "Fightin'est" is a real word look no further to this 1942 WWII USMC recruitment pamphlet, stamped for a recruitment office in Greeley, Colorado. These are the types of WWII paper products I enjoy finding.

WWII USMC HBT Jacket Sgt 3rd Tank Battalion, 3rd Marine Division

Last weekend I also found a WWII HBT USMC coat belonging to a Marine who was in "C" company, 3rd Tank Battalion 3rd Marine Division. His MOS was Tank Crew Member and was attached to the unit from 1943-1945, when he left the service. Lots of interesting details here including a WWII rank stencil something that wasn't as common in WWII as it was in the post war years. IDed HBT coats to WWII combat vets are not the easiest to find, as this is only but the third one I found. Due to the years he was with the 3rd MarDiv most likely saw action at Bougainville, Guam and Iwo. I will update this thread as soon as I find more information.

WWII-Viet Nam Navy Ship M1 Helmet Blue Painted 3rd Division Markings

Give me your tired and poor....yesterday I was out with my friend looking for Militaria and I was bemoaning the fact that I didn't own a WWII Navy painted M1 helmet in my collection. Roughly around 15 minutes I spotted the beauty on a dealer table. Upon closer inspection I realized it was front seam, swivel loop helmet produced by Schueter, the first one I have found in my collection. M1 helmets usually stayed with the ship at a particular station. Over time one will see these Navy ship helmets with numerous repaints due to being exposed to the elements at sea, this helmet helmet sporting at least seven repaints!! Since it had 50's-60's helmet straps on the helmet this helmet has been around aboard ship for a very long time, as you can see how salty it is in the photos. Incredibly underneath all those layers of paint, on the first layer is a very nice hand painted stencil stating "3rd Div, DeForest". Navy Ship main decks were divided in Divisions and this helmet was at the "3Rd Division" station aboard ship. I love salty helmets like this, I plan to do some minor preservation on this helmet otherwise this helmet will stay how it is, Salty and with a long story.

WWII Navy LCVP Higgins Boat Landing Craft Parts

I love the randomness of Craig's list as you never know what you are going to find. Here we have a dealer selling LCVP Higgins Boats parts, looking like throttle and steering parts, items you rarely see up close.