Super condition for the amount of miles this piece has traveled.  Not to mention rare to boot! Congrats on your purchase!

Nice, T shirt type fabric seems to be the best to use

I used an old army issue PT top I had kicking around still, it had a little bit of stretch in it. I also used a temporary glue spray on the shell, placed the fabric around it then gently stretched to fit, the tacky glue would hold it in place enough allowing me to gradually work most of the wrinkles out. I could of actually got a better finish underneath had I been a bit more patient, this was an experiment at the end of the day. It also helped with running a wet sponge around the fabric to assist with stretching it into place. Before cutting the excess material away, i just tied it in a not with cable tie. This would add tension whilst the temporary glue dried off. Ill make a start soon on another one using what i've learnt, it should be with any luck a bit neater.  

Now that I think about it, Dad used to have a 1944 dated (if my memory is correct) machete tucked up in the basement rafters. I last saw around 1981 before I moved across the country. For all I know, it could still be there. 

Uh oh, I think you spelled it wrong…   this sounds like one of those stolen valor vids when an actual veteran asks “what’s your MOS” and then they answer “ 82nd cav. Rangers delta force special ops sniper” 🤣

thank you for the clarification, he was stationed in germany so that makes sense

U.S. ARMY ELEMENT CENTRAL ARMY GROUP   This is a NATO command.

Disabled WWII officer’s Victoria Cross to be put up for auction. https://share.google/uBtF1U1w1V6rWp4Mc

I believe 'SWI' stands for 'Schreck Wholesale Industries'. Not WW2 indeed, but they are good quality and are fine to use in re-enactment or in the yard. I do see them at shows regularly, usually coupled with an original scabbard and being offered as original.   I have a few original British machetes, but an original US M1942 always eluded me for some reason...    

Seems like someone made a boo boo.