. Veteran visit Carentan 6 June 2025.   Mr Shapiro said that he was nineteen years of age when the photograph of him in leather flying jacket was taken during flight training.         Norman D. Landing, Forum Normandy Correspondent, June 20  2O25.    ….

I have a photo of the other items with the grouping. It all seems legit to me and checks out via basic research. I pulled the trigger on the purchase. I like the personalized scrolls and patches.

They're in the National Archives - Civil War regimental documents - US Volunteers - 'Galvanized Yankees'   I've trolled through them several times while researching the Northwest Indian Expedition, specifically those posted at Fort Rice, Dakotah Territory.      

I pulled it from worthpoint 

From Findagrave and other sources:   He was the son of Herman and Freidla (Lewkowitz) Smietana. He served in the US Army from 1943-1947. Dr Smietana opened a medical practice in Montebello after graduating from medical school, specializing in gynecology and obstetrics. He is survived by his wife, Jirina and their son Stefan.   Name Joel Smietana Birth Date 7 Oct 1920 Death Date 11 Dec 1992   Enlistment Branch ARMY Enlistment Date 20 Mar 1943 Discharge Date 9 Jun 1947   Looks like he went in as a Private, under the name of Joel Smythe then maybe changed to Officer (?)   Name Joel Smythe Race White Marital Status Single, without dependents (Single) Rank Private Birth Year1920 Nativity State or Country Danzig or Germany Citizenship Not Yet a Citizen Residenc eAlameda, California Education 3 years of college Civil Occupation Sales clerks Enlistment Date20 Mar 1943 Enlistment Place San Francisco, California Service Number 39127940 Branch No branch assignment Component Selectees (Enlisted Men) Source Civil Life Height 46 Weight 119

I just happen to stumble upon a discussion about the Vietnam war on the forum where a member mentioned Bernard Falls book Street Without Joy and I thought I’d post about copy that I purchased several years ago. There was a small quantity of that book that came from if I recall correctly, either the Department of Defense or Department of the Army. Inside the cover it is stamped PROPERTY US GOVERNMENT. The copy is a fourth edition, second printing November 1965. I just found it interesting that there were several copies of this book in our military’s hands, all showing signs of being well used. Great book about the French experience in Vietnam.

Thank you very much!  I will inquire there.

Maybe Sophie should ask, how many of us have tinnitus!!!!  How bout you Sophie? Whats the loudest military aircraft you've heard in China? Bonus points if you have a good story and some photos to share.

I’m so sad to hear this.  I never met Eric in person but I corresponded with him on a number of occasions through the forum.  He was always so nice and helpful.  I’m so sorry for his loved ones.

Just my opinion, but the kanji could translate accurately and still be a "fake".  Another indication is how poorly the dye on the sun held.     Could it be an original homemade flag that used food or plant dye?  Sure, but I've seen very few original prayer flags that suffered from this issue.   I'd wait for other opinions - that is just mine.