USdog Posted January 4, 2015 Share #1 Posted January 4, 2015 I got this off of ebay recently... Originally came from an estate not too far from me. These came from the estate of Don Walters, a mechanic in 2nd Battalion, 28th Marines and was at Iwo Jima. There were three HBTs from the same estate listed, the other 2 were named UNIS marked and went into the hundreds, but this one stood out to me. It's really ragged and beat up, dirt on elbows and in person you can notice more dirt on the right side chest area. USMC emblem is not all there and some fading here and there. Oil stains too? Unfortunately not named to the marine on the shirt but knowing where it came from is enough for me. My friend on the forum, AirCorpsHJS, got some of his other items from his estate and have been posted here before. We think the marine might still be living, but not positive yet. Hope you enjoy this piece... Thanks for looking! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USdog Posted January 4, 2015 Author Share #2 Posted January 4, 2015 ,, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USdog Posted January 4, 2015 Author Share #3 Posted January 4, 2015 ,,, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USdog Posted January 4, 2015 Author Share #4 Posted January 4, 2015 ,,, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USdog Posted January 4, 2015 Author Share #5 Posted January 4, 2015 ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
knd643 Posted January 5, 2015 Share #6 Posted January 5, 2015 That is an awesome piece. A jewel to any Marine collector. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David D Posted January 5, 2015 Share #7 Posted January 5, 2015 Great find! Only the stories it could tell... -Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigDogMilitaria Posted January 5, 2015 Share #8 Posted January 5, 2015 Great snag Connor! I'm still scratching my head at how I missed those extra HBT's! Here is the original thread to the find http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/217394-5th-marine-division-uniform/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USdog Posted January 5, 2015 Author Share #9 Posted January 5, 2015 Thanks for the compliments guys! Jay, I asked the seller if he had any more items from the estate and he said no, so I think you just missed out on the 3 hbts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USdog Posted February 8, 2015 Author Share #10 Posted February 8, 2015 Well I was able to get into contact with Don. Got to talk to him about Iwo and it was really cool! I got a photo of him with his jacket. Heard some amazing stories including a close call he had on the first day on Iwo. A mortar landed in the foxhole of Don and 2 other men, the 2 men with him were killed, but he made it. Enjoy you guys! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David D Posted February 9, 2015 Share #11 Posted February 9, 2015 That must have been an amazing experience. I wish I could meet the veterans who I own stuff from them. But they have all since passed -Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USdog Posted February 9, 2015 Author Share #12 Posted February 9, 2015 Dave, Yes it was for sure. I was very luck to have been able to meet him..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USdog Posted February 9, 2015 Author Share #13 Posted February 9, 2015 Forgot to add a period portrait photo of him Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigDogMilitaria Posted February 9, 2015 Share #14 Posted February 9, 2015 Congratulations Connor. I know I told you already, but this is one of the coolest stories I have seen on the forum. From what you told me, he was really happy to see and talk to you. To be able to give back some happiness to one of these great men is really something special. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Bast Posted February 9, 2015 Share #15 Posted February 9, 2015 Such a rare opportunity to match the veteran with anything nowadays. Great pickup - thanks for sharing with Mr. Walters and with us! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ViewfinderGyrene Posted February 9, 2015 Share #16 Posted February 9, 2015 Priceless find Connor, congrats- what a crown jewel!!! God bless him, especially on that close call! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USdog Posted February 9, 2015 Author Share #17 Posted February 9, 2015 Thanks guys! It was quite an honor meeting him and I probably won't get another opportunity like this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USMCman01 Posted February 9, 2015 Share #18 Posted February 9, 2015 Just...wow! Very nice! ~Matt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blitzkrieg gsd Posted February 9, 2015 Share #19 Posted February 9, 2015 Very nice jacket and a chance to talk to the owner don't get any better then that. Did you have a chance to ask him if he wore that jacket while on Iwo? That would be very cool if he did. I would almost ask him if you get a chance to write you out a little statement of ownership and provenance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USdog Posted February 9, 2015 Author Share #20 Posted February 9, 2015 I did ask him but he couldn't recall if he did or not. After all, it was 70 years ago. He did know that he wore the shirt (not mine) in the motorcycle photo in April 1945 on Iwo. Anyone know what type of shirt that is? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raidercollector Posted February 9, 2015 Share #21 Posted February 9, 2015 Looks like he is wearing the Shirt Flannel . If your talking about the guy driving the motor cycle . Nick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bellasilva Posted February 9, 2015 Share #22 Posted February 9, 2015 Wow man this is great. What an awesome opportunity to talk to an Iwo vet. Congrats! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USdog Posted February 9, 2015 Author Share #23 Posted February 9, 2015 Looks like he is wearing the Shirt Flannel . If your talking about the guy driving the motor cycle . Nick Yes that is him. Sorry for not identifying I forgot. Thanks for the ID on the shirt! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USdog Posted February 9, 2015 Author Share #24 Posted February 9, 2015 Wow man this is great. What an awesome opportunity to talk to an Iwo vet. Congrats! Thanks Phil! It was quite an opportunity indeed..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GIJive Posted February 9, 2015 Share #25 Posted February 9, 2015 You mean the guy in the driver's seat? It is regulation Marine Corps uniform shirt of the type worn with the blouse. You can tell it is USMC issue by the pointed pocket flaps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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