WWII Glider Trooper Portrait - Original / Unit ?

[Glidertrooper]

So in keeping with my forum name this is my first post

 

The pictured portrait was something I picked up on eBay as part of what was an obvious put-together group by a militaria dealer, but then I was after the Glider Assault Badge and CIB, so the fact the medal ribbons didn't match those in the picture didn't bother me.

 

But on getting the portrait in hand I found it is actually really nice. Whoever the chap was, from his CIB and PH ribbon he was clearly a brave American serviceman who saw action. Shame the picture didn't encompass his SSI and this is the thing, I would love to try and work out his unit.

 

So to those with far greater knowledge than I, any informed suggestions would be appreciated.

 

Clearly from his crossed rifle collar brass and CIB he was infantry and a glider rider. If I'm correct, he seems to be wearing a EAME ribbon with four campaign stars, but no invasion Arrowhead - but the photo isn't that sharp so I might be wrong.

 

Most interesting is the Glider Wing oval - dark centre and light outer ring - 325th GIR ?? But then it also looks like there is a thin darker outer ring to the light coloured broad ring, although not as dark as the middle section - are my eyes deceiving me?

 

Finally is this an original WWII / post era print of the portrait - or something printed much later as a novelty piece?? The back is set out postcard style and printed 'Kodak' in the centre. Written in pencil are '18/24' and '15.00', mean of which are obviously unknown.

 

All comments welcome.

 

Cheers......John

[Glidertrooper]

Rear of portrait...

[Glidertrooper]

Close-up of the chap's ribbons and badges...

[swmdo]

Very nice photo. Welcome. Not much to go on unless someboday has a year book and a photo of him in it. Looks like his unit also earned the Presidential Unit Citation.

[Jumpin Jack]

From what I can see, I would go with 325th GIR.

[BEAST]

I would go along with 325th GIR also.

 

As far as the card, it looks like a period real picture post card (RPPC). These were a popular way of having portraits printed to send home during WWI through WWII. I haven't seen many examples of portraits printed as RPPCs after WWII.

 

 

As far as the "18/24" it could mean that the soldier ordered 24 copies of the print and this is number 18. As far as the 15.00, that just looks like a price that a dealer wrote on the back.

 

Hope this helps!

[Glidertrooper]

swmdo, Jack and Beast, thank you for your replies gents.

 

So it looks like the chap was with the 82nd Airborne then. Fantastically useful information Beast, really makes sense and nice to know this is a WWII era RPPC. Really happy to have this in my little collection of glidertrooper pieces

 

Cheers......John

[patches]

The WWII Era 325th GIR Oval.

 

[Glidertrooper]

Looking at that 325th oval explains the faint colouring shade I can see on the badge in the picture round the edge of his oval - thanks patches