Wednesday, January 28, 2015

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.

Friday, January 23, 2015

Thursday, January 22, 2015

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.

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

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.