Ron,   I have one of these that is Japanese made and bullion. While it is possible that they were worn on the pocket later, they were most definitely worn on the right shoulder in Japan during the occupation.   Allan

I was in the First Infantry Division in 1968-1969 in Vietnam. Many guys used the ammo bandoliers to carry mags. I don’t really recall any countervailing SOP’s, directives, or orders that filtered down to “grunt level” anyway. I think I’m proving skautdog’s point that what one unit did one way could be entirely opposite of what another unit did (even in the same Division). Here’s a photo as an example:  

Maybe that was the Soldier's tank that he had to abandon and was going back to take a picture with it later on...   Leigh 

Bought this belt last weekend at the AMCA show in Huntsville, AL.  Even at the smaller shows, this one was roughly 200 tables, you can still find good items.  Rather pleased with it.  Mint condition,

If I recall correctly the one posted in the first topic is more of the pocket patch style for the unit when they were reorganized in the late 50s and worn. This is when we see the 508 thin devil patch and the 505th,506th,502nd all reemerge   

Why is a GI having his photo on a destroyed US tank.  At this time there had to be dead German tanks around. Just weird. Could it be this was a captured Sherman  with German markings? Likely a logical answer lot to time

Those were quite striking as well. Would like to see more picture of them in use. There is always lots to learn about pre-war Army Air Corps material. 

Amazing uniform! I’m getting a late 30s Army Air Corps Cadet greyish-blue uniform, cap, and belt I bought, sometime in the summer

US Army VN infantry vet here.   There were so many units and SOPs it would be impossible to say no one did or didn't do anything. I was in the 1st CAV and don't  recall grunts carryng bandoliers of M-16 ammo VS magazines in pouches. Did some soldier carry just bandoliers??? Maybe. Often soldiers with whom I had experience carried pouches with magazines and perhaps a bandolier or two of ammunition in their ruck or butt pack. Some folks carried an ammunition can in addition to magazines in pouches.   Hope that cleared up everything 😂   Whatever the marines did or didn't do is another story???