Cool right  

Walika,    Here’s the background:    I began to search for more information on a pilot (Maj W.F. Whitley) who owned an A-2 jacket I’m wanting to replicate.   I do not own the original jacket, but found the photos in the book AMERICAN FLIGHT JACKETS, AIRMEN & AIRCRAFT (see attached.) I believe the jacket to be an A-2 made by Aero Leather (?)   Through online searches and with forum member’s help we found the background for W.F. Whitley, and he was confirmed as having been the C.O. of the 10th Combat Camera Unit in the CBI (see attached.)   Maj W.F. Whitley was an older-than-usual pilot, having been born in 1908. (Before and after the war, he was in the motion picture industry as a cameraman, having received many awards for important films.)   While in the CBI, he was a pilot in the 10th Combat Camera Unit (a photo recon squadron) and possibly other squadrons.   I also found another B&W photo showing two pilots next to a P-40.  Their A-2 had the same patch as the one in the book above 👆.  I also noticed the A-2 on the left has the exact creases on the blood chit + a defect on the flag, as the A-2 in the book 👆.  So I’m confident that is Maj Whitley.   Finally, I contacted the NASM (as the b&w photo with the two pilots came from the Smithsonian.) I got a reply with many photo archives, including the color version of the B&W, and an explanation that the photo was not taken in the CBI theater, but rather, back stateside.   WHAT IS MISSING:     Finding any online clear, close-up photos of the unit patch has netted zero results thus far.   We have the attached images but their quality makes it impossible to tell exactly what’s on the patch, and let alone, make a good replica of it.   In another forum, one member stated:   “According to BATTLE COLORS Vol. VI by Robert A. Watkins this [the patch I posted] was the emblem of the 20th Photo Recon Squadron of the 10th Air Force. It's on page 123.”   But I’m currently on an overseas assignment and do not have the Battle Colors book 😔   Therefore, any assistance you may be able to provide in finding a clearer image of the patch in question would be welcomed.     

These commemorative knives have been mentioned in some other posts. These pictures are from an eBay auction and the seller says this is a full set. The blades are etched on one side and plain on the other. The picture on the box depicts what is etched on the blade.      

The "Walt Mt Joy" name on the sheath I believe refers to my Dad--Walter Mountjoy--who served on LST 501. My Dad passed in 1985, but I do remember him talking about his buddy "Messics" who served on the ship with him. My Dad was one if not the oldest guy on the ship at 26-years old. Last thing, I have his US Navy ka-bar knife and sheath just like the one pictured in this thread. If you'd like to discuss, please feel free to contact me. 

The "Walt Mt Joy" name on the sheath I believe refers to my Dad--Walter Mountjoy--who served on LST 501. My Dad passed in 1985, but I do remember him talking about his buddy "Messics" who served on the ship with him. My Dad was one if not the oldest guy on the ship at 26-years old. Last thing, I have his US Navy ka-bar knife and sheath just like the one pictured in this thread. If you'd like to discuss, please feel free to contact me. 

Well, I saw this thing. It appears to possibly be a "pig in a poke", meaning you are buying with a hope and a prayer that what is advertized is what you desire. I had (have) this hole in my "stuff" that this M1 fit. So I lept into the void and won it.   I don't view most cosmolened and othe wise preserved artifacts as sacred, AND SO I RIPPED THE WAXED PAPER OFF to see how bad my decision was ànd what that sealed bayonet really cost me.   I was pleasantly surprised. It  Is the best condition M1 transitional bayonet I have. It truly had been preserved for, maybe 75 years? My gamble paid off.   Upon àutopsying the bayonet I noticed some very early features.   1)1942 square fuller. 2) Legend on the guard lacts the "H" after the UF. 3)Chamfer on front of barrel clearance hole in guard and no chamfer on the rear hole. (Can I say that?). 4)Catch lever has been "dressed" or ground on 3 sides at the catch hook.   Other notes:   Scales were in the best condition. "HS"  and "AFH" stamped on handle. Nice contour of blade regrind, great false edge. Note the beautiful original, bright edge grind in one pic.   The last pics it's all cleaned and greased up for display.   Let me know what I missed or got wrong....   hyrax222  

K-2Bs were worn by helo crews.. however..also the 27/p came out late in the war… there is the Army two piece nomex flight suit.. and at least two other cotton flight suits worn by the helo flight crews.. your question is vague … what area are you focusing on such as, which branch , what years..      

I acknowledged the price as reference. 

Never could figure out how someone could let family history go like that.

Great find on both groups.  Where did you find them?