I’m not entirely sure of the identity of this particular 405 FG pilot. But the style matches similar photos I have of 405 FG / 509 FS pilots that you previously posted. I will do some digging to see if I can’t ID him. It’s proved difficult in the past since these guys ages ridiculously fast during the war— what they look like in their pre-war portraits vs. what they look like after a few months of combat can be completely different!   

I found this collection on a great site and couldn't pass it up. His name is Cpl. Lohr and become a Lt. Look like he was a prison guard after his service. Here is a photo of what I bought. It was a wonderful price. Would love to get any information on him. Thanks for looking.

Wonderful portrait! Great find! Congrats  

. Hi mankybandage,   I also wondered if this was the answer but didn't propose it as I wanted to see what others thought, too many Jeeps have this scallop for it to be added post manufacture, and what tools would even be available to be done in the field by the average soldier.   I wondered if it had been proposed to the manufacturers but didn't filter down successfully to the shop floor worker to achieve a standardised grind.   I will be interested if earlymb and Johan post photos of their own Jeeps or friends of theirs.    Norman D. Landing, Forum Normandy Correspondent, 29 March  2O26.   …

The hallmark, an "S" within a diamond shape frame, is on the back of a enlisted collar disk for the Headquarters, 29th Engineer Battalion (TOPO).  I've searched the internet but no luck.  I hope someone can help me.  Thanks.    

In that same 40 year old issue of Guns & Ammo I also noticed the ad below for a JPSK knockoff.  While it is admitted to be an imported blade no information is given on who the actual manufacturer was.  Although the ad proclaims that it is the 48th year for Midwest Knife Company a brief search on the 'net did not reveal any further information on them.  I suspect it was simply an importer.   Regards. Charlie  

Every now and then a question pops up about what appears to be a non-USGI Jet Pilot Survival Knife.  One species of this class of blades are those that made by Camillus.  They were 5 inch blades that were in most respects identical to the USGI versions made by Camillus except that the blades and metal fittings were bright and had the fullers eliminated.  Blade whiz Frank Trzaska educated me on these many years ago telling me that Camillus called these "platform knives".  By that Camillus meant that they were to be used by other vendors for the creation of commemorative knives of various sorts.   It is possible that Camillus also used them for their own commemorative type of knives.   The example shown below is from my collection.  It has not had any type of commemorative treatment affixed to it.  Note that the sheath has bright snaps and rivets in contrast to the USGI version.     To fill this topic out I am now going to show an advertisement for one of the Camillus platform knives that has had the commemorative treatment applied.  In this case it is an ad I ran across recently which was published in the December 1984 issue of Guns & Ammo magazine by Westwind Productions.  As can be seen it is part of a series of seven such knives commemorating the "Aircraft of Vietnam".  This particular one is a tribute to the F4 Phantom.  The ad indicates that 1000 such blades will be made for each aircraft.  It acknowledges that each knife will be accompanied by "...a signed letter from Camillus Cutlery verifying that this is the same knife issued to U.S. Pilots during the Vietnam conflict."  Well, not exactly but close.  Note also that the pommel and guard appear to be parkerized with only the blade left bright.     This one was described in the ad as the second in the series.  I don't know if the series was every completed.  I don't recall ever seeing one but it would not have left a big impression on me as commemorative items are not something that hold much interest to me.  I bought my example shown up top as it seemed to be an odd ball blade and I was yet to be educated by Frank T. on its purpose.   So if you see one of these around you now know a bit of its history and when and where it came from.     Regards, Charlie

You might try the World Militaria Forum since this forum is for US only.

Clearing out my storage; top one, before the “demotion,” the bottom one after, lol!

Thank you!