Hi everyone, I am trying to identify a WWII Army officer based on a laundry mark and serial number found on a mint pair of early pre-war (Khaki No. 1) M1938 leggings. The inside canvas is stenciled: TAS O-1586719 Based on the laundry mark logic, his last name should definitively begin with the letter 'S', and his first and middle initials are T.A. I have checked the standard enlistment databases, but because he was a commissioned officer, his records are not showing up. If anyone has access to the digitized hardbound Official Army Registers or proprietary officer database CDs, I would be incredibly grateful if you could see if his full name and unit are listed under this serial number! Thanks in advance for the help.

Possible even a engineer?

I think some people are misunderstanding my intent.   The forum is called “What Is It Worth?”, and that’s exactly what I was asking. When I posted updates or new acquisitions, I wasn’t trying to prove anything, challenge anyone’s expertise, or create controversy. I was simply seeking opinions on value from people with more experience and knowledge than I have.   In all honesty, I didn’t even know this forum existed until it was recommended to me by a knowledgeable individual as a good place to ask these kinds of questions. That’s why I came here.   While I may not agree with every assessment, I appreciate the time and effort that many members took to share their views and expertise.   I appreciate the opinions that have been offered. When it’s time to sell, the market will ultimately determine the item’s value, and we’ll all have a clearer answer.   With that said, this will be my last post on the matter. Thank you to everyone who contributed their knowledge and perspective.

Amazing!  These two liners are so close in condition and appearance.  Ok, will need to start looking for the parts.  Will definitely need help with the leather chin cup... Thank you very much, gentlemen!!!  

Here is a link to a nice website dedicated to Luke Field.  They have most of the class books from the school posted.  After the attack on Pearl Harbor many schools suspended publishing class books.  The book for class 41-I was Volume 1 No. 3.  The next book published was for class 42-D which was Volume 1 No. 4.  Richard Bong was in class 42-C at Luke.   https://lukefieldaz.com/

As already stated, just an amazing collection and fantastic artwork. Thanks for sharing them and I hope that others may share some as well.   Scott

Those are SO wonderful!  They're each not only works of art but are metal documents recording their lives of prisoners.  Some of the artwork on those are amazing.  Some of the work on those is sad, but all tell a story of men waiting to be rescued from their captors hoping to live another day and survive the war to see their loved ones again.  Thank you for sharing all of those. There's no doubt it took a really long time and money to acquire all of those.  What a collection!

I guess my confusion stems from the fact this was offered for sale and passed over two weeks ago, so we're not really talking about a huge gap in the timeline here.    I also don't believe anyone here is questioning the heroics of Lt. Andrews, most of the folks (especially Dave and Kurt) have specialized in this material for decades and have offered their advice as collectors, historians and those who have published research. We do wish you the best in what appears to be an eventual sale here but are likely a bit perplexed at how you've chosen to go about it here. 

Looking for the Posthumous Air Medal for Bernard F Quinlan 12th AF P47 pilot KIA January 1945 in Northern Italy.  

I've never seen anything like it either. Another interesting suggestion. Thanks