Hi Dom   Sure, post away, the more information that is shown, the more interest and research into what the AFS did in helping the allies especially before the US entered the war would be interesting to general readers.   All good Gazoo, glad to help out.   Also, there would be more experienced badge collectors on the forum, who could give you a more detailed answer and maybe correct me, under Hallmark section.     cheers   Phill

I've got a Palm Beach WWII Naval officer's tunic I'm going to attempt to whiten up. The thing I'm concerned about is the metal clasps around the neckband, shown in the attached photos (though I'm sure you all know them :) .)   In my experience, soaking something like this for 2 days or so is a surefire recipe for rust stains.   I can have my tailor remove them and add them back on, but I'm concerned it won't look right/original anymore.   Any suggestions? Thanks!

I have never even seen or heard of these, what Brand/Model is that?

Thanks for posting this picture.  I've heard of these in the past, but I've not got an explanation for you with any provenance.

I knew a guy who worked for a Sheriff department in the mid 80s, he said he was issued a m16a1 for his patrol rifle. He didn't say how he carried it but probably in the trunk of his car. He said for riot gear or during an active shooter situation they issued everybody M69 flak vests, he said some of the SWAT guys were issued m16a1s and surplus m56 gear. He never told me if they issued m56 gear to everybody or just the SWAT guys, but I always wondered how he would carry m16 ammo. From my understanding commercial gear for the m16 wasn't available during the 70s and 80s (I could be wrong). He worked K9, EOD, and hostage negotiation, I remember him telling me some of the SWAT guys in his department in the 80s still used Thompsons. 

No idea what type it is, but that’s a cool round!

Left the way it is.

Hey Joe, I hear where you're coming from. I like Alpines miniatures, but I noticed that their inventory of figures are always standing up. Very little action poses. Well good luck with your search.   Semper Fi.   Manny

and so close to the armistice....

I came across a photo today that I thought someone might find interesting and of some use under the subject of WW2 carrier pigeons. Apparently, this photo was taken in France.