WWII AAF Knife Photo

[smwinter207]

 

Hello,

 

Can anyone tell me what kind of knife this is? The photo is of an AAF soldier in the Pacific.

 

Thanks!
S

 

 

[crotalus358]

Looks like an M3 fighting knife in a M6 scabbard.

 

Steve

[siclfde]

Pretty grainy pic (Capt obvious here). Looks like a M3 trench knife in an M6 scabbard to me. They started making them in 1943. Mostly issued to Army, but I don't know about AAF - maybe so.

[smwinter207]

Thanks guys.

[doyler]

As stated.A M3 in a M6 scabbard.

 

Have seen several in Air Corps vets groups over the years.Also common to see Glider pilots issued them.

 

I have one in the fiber scabbard from such a pilot who flew the second drop at Market Garden and the assault wave at Varsity.

[dustin]

The Army Air Corps or Army Air Force is/was the US Army. M-3 knives are in USAAF Table's of Organization & Equipment. They were available to the USAAF through the same supply channels as infantry, armored etc. etc. You will see an abundance of sheath knives or M-3 knives being worn in PTO and CBI photographs as there was an eventual practical use for one were as in the ETO there was not.

[dustin]

I think this is the same picture

 

[smwinter207]

 

Nice detective work! You must be good at puzzles too : )

 

I did a screen copy of the knife yesterday, and I was actually trying to find the photo again. Thanks!