Wednesday, April 29, 2015

WWII USMC 16th Anti Aircraft Artillary Battalion Display

Jacob Field is a collector and a historian who's main focus of study is his grandfathers Marine unit in WWII: 16th Anti Aircraft Artillery Battalion, 3rd Marine Amphibious Corps IIIMAC. Evolved from the 16th Defense Battalion, this unit was used in a defensive roll during many Marine occupations. What I enjoy about Jacobs displays is his attention to getting the large and small details correct. Its also nice to see a more obscure, but important, Marine unit being showcased. Here's more information from Jacob himself: "My grandfather was a Radar Operator for the 16th Marine Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion on Okinawa. He survived numerous air raid attacks as well as Japanese paratrooper attacks. He enlisted in Sept 43 and was discharged Feb 46. He even instructed Army Dogs on the Radar on Hawaii while he was stationed there with the battalion." Thank you for your service Marine and thank you Jacob for keeping his service in WWII alive with your awesome displays.

Friday, April 24, 2015

WWII Navy Corpsman Medical Supply Trunk

A nice WWII Navy Corpsman trunk, these were used to carry medical supplies and sat in an upright position when in use. These were usually made by the Fisher Price toy company but this one was made by The Displayers out of New York.

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

WWII US Navy Pilot Officers Coat FM-2 Wildcat

My purchasing of uniforms have slowed down in recent times for various reasons but I did pick up this beautiful Navy Officers Service coat who was a pilot in the later part of WWII flying FM-2 Wildcats. Although his unit did participate in the Battle of Iwo Jima, he didn't join his air group until after April, 1945. Although not a combat vet, I am a huge fan of the Wildcat fighter aircraft and anybody who can fly and land off of an Escort Carrier is a hero in my book! Its great to finally add a Wildcat pilot uniform into the collection especially from this incredible pilot.

WWII Coast Guard Cesar Romero Autographed Photo

A really unique WWII item appeared recently of an autographed photo of Cesar Romero in his Coast Guard uniform dating from his time in WWII! Known for portraying the character The Joker in the 1960's Batman TV series, this is an incredible item of one of Hollywood's most iconic actors.