I found an interesting Escape & Evasion (?) map. I would like to know if anyone may have seen anything similar or have information on. This is a British cloth escape map of SAIGON Vietnam & BANGKOK Thailand published by the War Office 1957 that has an ink stamp "INSPECTED U.S. ARMY, V.C. 1962". Has anyone ever seen something similar? V.C. the inspector? Possibly used by early US Advisors (MACV) and / or aircrews? Cheers  

Very nice PASGT helmet!  Didn’t seen this one on eBay, did it come from somewhere else?

Looks legit, they started issuing Velcro fastened headbands in the late 90’s, as a more comfortable replacement for the metal clips. The same thing happened for the webbing and chinstrap as the Army moved towards more nylon materials, and less cotton. Note the chinstrap assembly is entirely synthetic, aside for the chin-cup piece (The chin-cup was kept cotton for comfort). Police PASGT helmets usually had a black shell with white lettering, and/ or a black cover.

Yes, I think it helps,  thanks for the comment... I think it shows one particular example of how a uniform can remain unpatched. I think the focus of my question has more to do with men who were assigned to a particular unit, yet had no SSI throughout their time in the Army....cool group you posted, thank you :)  

Just noticed this 7th class has been listed for sale on Time Traveler Antiques.   https://www.ttmilitaria.com/product/ymu4869/   It is attributed to: Robert E. Langershausen Jr. (St. Louis, MO).  Not able to find what service he was in.

Better late than never. Crest Craft is a logo merchandise producer. They were founded in 1946.  That answers your question. Apparently, they made a lot of lighters in the 1960s, gauging from what's being sold online. 

Reproduction “Confederate Navy” buckle:  

Does anyone know how old he was?   I never met him personally but it sounds like he was fairly young.

Russian Anantov cargo aircraft doing anything with engines started and British Tornado fighters in afterburner takeoff.

Everforward,   I cannot attest how common it was for members of the AEF to not wear patches; however I can say I have handled a group that appears to have never had an SSI ever applied:     The officer who this group belonged to was listed as "QMC At Large" on transport records to and from Europe.  His WWI officer's uniform shows no signs of any unit patch ever being applied. Hope this helps!   Best Regards, -J.D.