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3rd BN USMC Tanker Grouping - “that tanker grouping”


ArchangelDM
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Evening All

Finally Im able to show everyone that tanker grouping that came under discussion here a month ago.

First and foremost let me say that the OP never intended to split the group up and is a stand up guy. Me and him have spoken many times about the grouping and he was happy it stayed together and went to a good home, hes had the grouping for 20 years.

 

Robert Lee Anderson USMC 3rd Battalion Tank Mech

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Robert joined the USMC in July of 1943 and honorably discharged in Feb 23rd 1946 - He was a tank Mechanic for the 3rd BN and participated in the invasion of Guam and Iwo Jima.

 

Here are the items that have come from this grouping, the P41 is stenciled to him and the short shows heavy sun bleaching and some nice wear. I’m guessing the shirt was worn with some regular P41s as included is his P41 shirt, lightly used but no trousers.

 

All the items here have the names of his crew on in the picture. They are then named to him, I’m guessing at some point maybe one or more passed away either in theatre or after and they where kept as a Jeep sake.

 

The belt which is named was found to have invasion money and a 48 Star flag in the first aid pouch so much have been carried with him while on the islands.

 

The white belt which I’m guessing was painted for parade detail carried the photo in the pouch of him and his friends. Without doing extensive research on each individual it would be impossible to say exactly where it and they all fit in but he kept it all for a reason.

 

What’s interesting is the word written “WASP” on his sheet, could that be the name of the tank ? Or is it the operational name given.

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated, Ive looked at quite a few photos on Iwo Jima of the 3rd BN in action but it’s hard to pin point which tank he was In.

Maybe someone here has better detective skills and we can find a photo or video with this tank and it’s crew In action.

I’m guessing as he was a mechanic he would have stayed with the tank and saw some pretty heavy action on Iwo Jima.

 

Enjoy the new Pictures of the very cool grouping

 

- Dean

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