Timberwolf Posted February 17, 2013 Share #1 Posted February 17, 2013 Hi all, This uniform was actually a birthday gift from my folks (I know I got some pretty awesome parents!). William Purnell Payne served as in the 86th Division as their band leader. The 86th was one of only two divisions to see service in both the ETO and PTO. I was able to find a really awesome interview that the Milton Hershey School did with him (he was a music teacher there). Here's the link, the part about his military service starts on page 13. He passed passed away in 2010 at age 99! Picture of W. Purnell Payne during civilian life. As a teacher His ike jacket and overseas cap (also have his service coat but the insignia was removed) His dogtag, 2 extra 86th Div. patches and his summer overseas cap with embroidered WOJG rank Thanks for looking! Ben Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firefighter Posted February 17, 2013 Share #2 Posted February 17, 2013 Is the WOJG direct embroidered on the hat? Nice outfit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timberwolf Posted February 17, 2013 Author Share #3 Posted February 17, 2013 Not direct embroidered. It's similar to the officers BOS embroidered patches that weren't used commonly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firefighter Posted February 17, 2013 Share #4 Posted February 17, 2013 Still very cool with the WO branch color piping. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carbinephalen Posted February 18, 2013 Share #5 Posted February 18, 2013 Very nice!!! I forget sometimes just how many different types of specialties were needed in the Army! If you're going to be a band leader, you're going to be a band leader for Uncle Sam! Thanks for sharing. OH...I almost forgot. Let me get this in the mail to you to put on this uniform.... It's the ultra rare, Sterling Silver, Combat Band Leader Badge. British Made to boot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timberwolf Posted February 18, 2013 Author Share #6 Posted February 18, 2013 Haha! Is there a bullion theater made one too? Also thanks for finding those pics of him! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carbinephalen Posted February 18, 2013 Share #7 Posted February 18, 2013 You betcha man! A uniform is just a uniform without a face to go with the name! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timberwolf Posted February 20, 2013 Author Share #8 Posted February 20, 2013 Does anyone have access to the 86th Division history? Would like to find a pic of the band if possible. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seanmc1114 Posted June 18, 2013 Share #9 Posted June 18, 2013 I thought I would post the pictures here too. I'm pretty sure that's your guy, especially after seeing the picture of him when he was older and wearing glasses. And the way his mouth looks is a giveaway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seanmc1114 Posted June 18, 2013 Share #10 Posted June 18, 2013 Here's a side by side comparison. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timberwolf Posted June 18, 2013 Author Share #11 Posted June 18, 2013 Thanks Sean! That HAS to be him! Very happy to find a wartime photo of WOJG Payne! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seanmc1114 Posted July 3, 2013 Share #12 Posted July 3, 2013 Here are some more pictures of the 86th Division Band in action. These came from an 86th magazine that I believe was published in 1943 or at least earlier in 1944 before they moved to California where the previous picture I posted was taken. I'm not sure if that's your guy with the baton leading the band or maybe marching next to the column. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seanmc1114 Posted July 3, 2013 Share #13 Posted July 3, 2013 This could also be him leading the band, but it's hard to tell. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seanmc1114 Posted July 3, 2013 Share #14 Posted July 3, 2013 There doesn't seem to be a band leader in this picture but it shows what they did. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seanmc1114 Posted July 3, 2013 Share #15 Posted July 3, 2013 Playing in a hospital. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry K. Posted July 3, 2013 Share #16 Posted July 3, 2013 Talk about bringing a uniform to life! Nice find. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timberwolf Posted July 6, 2013 Author Share #17 Posted July 6, 2013 This could also be him leading the band, but it's hard to tell. This looks like this could be him, but the face seems a bit skinnier. Thanks for the photos, I'll add these to my folder on him! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reveille Posted August 16, 2020 Share #18 Posted August 16, 2020 On 7/3/2013 at 7:37 AM, seanmc1114 said: This could also be him leading the band, but it's hard to tell. This is Nathan Cammack conducting, (not sure how to spell his last name). Nathan was the first band leader (WOSG). William Purnell Payne was the 2nd bsnd leader (WOJG). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reveille Posted August 16, 2020 Share #19 Posted August 16, 2020 Just now, Reveille said: This is Nathan Cammack conducting, (not sure how to spell his last name). Nathan was the first band leader (WOSG). William Purnell Payne was the 2nd bsnd leader (WOJG). On 6/18/2013 at 7:43 AM, seanmc1114 said: I thought I would post the pictures here too. I'm pretty sure that's your guy, especially after seeing the picture of him when he was older and wearing glasses. And the way his mouth looks is a giveaway. Don Whitaker (bottom row 2nd from left) was first trumpet in this band and the 86th Division bugler. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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