Interesting read on barrel heat from US Army Ord Dept. Bore erosion and muzzle erosion were still the deciding factors.  

Nice buckle. “AS” is an aviation support equipment technician. They maintain the tow tractors, electrical power units, hydraulic generators etc etc. 

Thanks. Great to hear, looking forward to getting good with this monster!

I was on Swift Boats 69-70 and my Gunnersmate volunteered for an Incountry Sniper School. I think it only lasted a week. Came back with a scoped M14 in a nice case. Don’t remember him ever using it. We needed him on the twin 50s. We were Mostly in canals 100’ wide, so no need for sniping. 

106th Cavalry

Scratching around, hunting and pecking. Then ... I SPY ..... Contacted this FB Mkt seller out of PA when I spotted a nugget in their lot. Asked for better picture of of the nugget. I got the pic. I didn't/don't want the lot of buckles, so I sent an offer ... Crickets. Enjoy the pictures. Said buckle: Richard K. Chambers, Readiness, Professionalism, NAVAIRRESFOR              

From the same seller. A Nice color plate illustration of the slate gray uniforms.     

Saw this on FB Mkt out of Boise, ID.  $50 (or best offer) plus shipping! Includes the jacket and visor cap cover. These "slate gray" working uniforms appeared in 1943, and were intended to both better blend in with the color of the wearer's ship and to help hide dirt and grime. They were ultimately not particularly popular, owing to their likeness to a bus driver's uniform, and were phased out in 1949. Unfortunately this set is unnamed. The jacket is in good condition. There is a small wear hole under the right armpit, and the shoulder boards are a bit dirty. Interestingly, it has gold buttons instead of the "normal" black plastic type - from what I understand, gold buttons were permitted until March 1944 due to a shortage of the black ones. The jacket has approximately a 38" chest and a 24" sleeve, and the visor cap cover is for a size 7 1/4 cap.        

Hi Andersen44,   Come on, get a matching tab (Type 1 Mark Bando's classification).   Dominique

I picked up one at a gun show for 5-10 bucks several years ago.  The dealer had an open case full of common medals you could sift through.  Still one of my best “cheap finds”