viper8866 Posted March 7, 2016 Share #1 Posted March 7, 2016 I'm trying to put together a shadow box for my late grandfather. Since the well known fire destroyed his service records I'm using old photos which is proving a challenge. Can anyone ID the unit SSI of the warrant officer in this photo? He was career army and retired in the NY area so this could be an NY unit. I think it's impossible to ID the unit DI but you win the big one if you can. This was an official army photo taken in 1954 when my Dad was being sworn in. My grandfather wore his old uniform but was long since retired. Interestingly he put the ribbon bar on top backwards! The WW1 victory ribbon should be first. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
268th C.A. Posted March 7, 2016 Share #2 Posted March 7, 2016 Take a jewelers loupe 10x $15.00 for a good one at most coin or hobby shops. You'll see everything you need too. I do it all the time....patch looks lke 24th Division. Tropic Thunder! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rakkasan187 Posted March 7, 2016 Share #3 Posted March 7, 2016 I am seeing three possibilities. I see either the Army Service Forces insignia, US Army Western Pacific or the Alaskan Defense Command insignia with the Polar Bear. The odd shape of the lighter part of the insignia looks like it is indented.. Do you know if your grandfather ever served in Alaska?? If you can, take another picture and crop in as close as possible to the patch.. It may reveal better ideas.. Leigh Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teamski Posted March 7, 2016 Share #4 Posted March 7, 2016 I see Army Service Forces..... -Ski Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ocsfollowme Posted March 7, 2016 Share #5 Posted March 7, 2016 Can you scan at 1200 DPI? and then do a screenshot of the patch in question? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
viper8866 Posted March 7, 2016 Author Share #6 Posted March 7, 2016 I know he was never stationed in Alaska but he did earn the asiatic pacific campaign medal while stationed in the Philippines. He was out right before it fell to the Japanese. It was likely his last posting before retiring. So it could be Western Pacific or just army service forces? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ocsfollowme Posted March 7, 2016 Share #7 Posted March 7, 2016 hoping with the 10x loup you can see some stars or a lightning bolt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1SG_1st_Cav Posted March 8, 2016 Share #8 Posted March 8, 2016 Good eyes! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
viper8866 Posted March 8, 2016 Author Share #9 Posted March 8, 2016 Under magnification the SSI turns out to be Army Service Forces - no lightning bolt it small stars which makes sense. The Army Western Pacific was not introduced until 1945, long after my grandfathers Philippine assignment. Special thanks to Leigh and Steve for helping me out. You guys are the best! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rakkasan187 Posted March 8, 2016 Share #10 Posted March 8, 2016 The great thing about this forum is the collaboration between members. We share knowledge and information and we also can learn lots of information from each other.. Glad that we all were able to assist you in this endeavor.. Leigh Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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