NebrPatch

I don't think I'm the first to notice the markings; I've heard or read it somewhere but can't remember where. My friend who also studies WWII Engineers has heard or read about the same thing. We sure would like to find some sort of confirmation to our theory. Getting back to my original questions in my initial post, I don't think the arcs were required on all 5th ESB vehicles. If they were required, there would be lots of photographed vehicles with the markings. Since photographs of vehicles with the arc are somewhat rare, it might have been up to an individual unit or two. I've asked a few veterans about the arc, unfortunately it was too late for them to remember a small detail like that. We'll keep looking. Tom

The modeler idea is a good one; the MODELING section of this forum is right below the MILITARY VEHICLES, maybe we'll catch one someone from that section. Below is a cropped D-Day photo from Fold3. Notice the arc on the jeep's grill; it also appears that the guy behind the steering wheel has a 5th ESB arc on his helmet.

Some of the vehicles appearing in D-Day photos have a white arc, similar to the arc painted on 5th Engineer Special Brigade helmets, painted across the radiator grill. Due to the similarity to the 5th ESB helmets, I'm assuming the arc was used to identify the vehicle as one belonging to the 5th ESB. Is my assumption correct? Here are a few other questions I have about the arc: Was the arc required on all 5th ESB vehicles? If the arc wasn't required, was there a certain unit(s) that painted arcs on the grills of their vehicles? A photo from a copy of YANK magazine showing of a bulldozer with a arc painted on the is attached, some jeeps & trucks have similar paint schemes. Thanks, Tom

Wow, that is a surprise! Like patches ​said, it looks so vintage. PATCHRAT, thanks for the ID.

This patch was purchased at a show a couple of years ago; the dealer was not able to identify it. I was hoping it was from a post-war V2 or other rocket program. I was also hoping it wasn’t a Boy Scout merit badge, which I don’t think it is. So far, I’ve found no info. The patch is green felt, about 2” square, with gauze/cheese cloth on the back. No glow. Thanks, Tom

It looks similar to the handle of a strap wrench, is there a hole on the small end for a pin?

While in Columbus, the birthplace of Higgins, you can also visit the Higgins Room at the Platte County Historical Society museum. The room contains information on Higgins, artifacts from Higgins Industries, and information on the various beaches around the world where Higgins boats were used. http://www.megavision.net/museum/index.htm A copy of the outdoor Higgins Memorial in Columbus was erected in 2015 on UTAH Beach. The display features the boat, bronze statue of Higgins, and bronze WWII infantrymen. Tom

Great piece of D-Day history. The 6th was assigned the 5th Engineer Special Brigade, Landing Force "O". Most of A Co. and Hqs. were scheduled to land on the 2nd Tide, most of B & C Co. with the 1st Tide. Once ashore the mission of the battalion was to survey the beach, mark & remove underwater obstacles, assist landing craft, make emergency boat repairs, operate naval shore to ship communications, control landing craft traffic, evacuate casualties & POW's, and assist in shore operations. Tom

For my microwave/iron idea, I was mainly thinking of older, felt patches. Tom

Here's a couple of ideas I've been kicking around for small items such as patches; has anyone tried the microwave or a hot iron for killing moth eggs & larvae? You'd probably have to start low & work your way up when using the microwave to make sure nothing gets burned. Tom

Thanks for the ID on the patch and I had a hunch the coat wasn't supposed to be green. The ad caught my eye because I have a similar patch in my collection, scans of the front (top) & back (bottom) are attached. The patch is about 2 inches across. Let me know what you think. Tom

This ad is from a 1996 issue of Civil War Times, does anyone know what the red maltese cross on the green jacket is? Tom

Valley Forge Co. is still in business and printed flags have been made for over 100 yrs, so those two factors alone can't be used to date flags. Stay away from synthetic materials such as nylon or polyester, look for cotton or wool. I do like the steel grommet theory, it makes sense.

Tom, It's a Battle of the Bulge commemorative medal. Tom

Garth, Do you remember the name of the Colonel? Tom