US Strategic Communications Command (USASTRATCOM) was a worldwide organization with many assigned units. MPs were assigned as security at communications sites. In 1973-74 the name was changed to US Army Communications Command (USACC). I was with the US Army Signal Support Agency-Mediterranean (USA Sig Spt Agcy-Med), Camp Darby, Italy. It was subordinate to US Army Communications Command-Europe (USACC-E) headquartered in Germany, which itself was subordinate to USACC. In 1974, USACC-E became the 5th Signal Command. In 1976, USA Sig Spt Agcy-Med was redesignated as the 509th Signal Battalion.   USA SIG Spt Agcy-Med had MPs assigned as site security for its big commo site at Coltano. They were not a company or a detachment, but part of the headquarters and headquarters company. We also had a site near the French border, and one at Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, also home to the 509th Infantry Aiborne Battalion Combat Team.

Its a massive rabbit hole, but a fun one at least.  Have a look at Army Regulations No.600-40 Available here.  https://www.usww2uniforms.com/bib_AR600-40_28aug41.html   Also get yourself the book ''SILVER WINGS, PINKS & GREENS Jon A. Maguire'' and the 2nd publication too, both still available and worth its weight in gold in my opinion.  Ill also send you a message.   

When Trumpets Fade -1998

Thanks! Yes I looked into the officers Guide. As far as I could find, they only mention it as part of the wool uniform. Not the possible combinations and occasions.

I hope I am wrong and someone may enlighten us but I am suspicious of it.  I can't find and evidence that anyone other than Winchester made handguards for Winchesters and their handguards are all W stamped.  It will be interesting if it is bull nose.  Early Winchester stuff used the PW stamp more.   Good luck, Jay

I’ll check once I get back home to my resources, but I’d probably start with The Officer’s Guide. You see a lot of combinations in period photos. I’m not sure if they really prescribed specific combinations in theater aside from special occasions, but I could be wrong. Do you have a specific combo or instance in mind?

. postponed post this evening.   I was out today meeting several friends at the site of a great battle for Normandy,  I had intended to post photographs this evening but having had a great day and lovely lunch and arriving home late then hopefully I think I will be making the posts tomorrow evening.   Norman D. Landing, Forum Normandy Correspondent, 06 May  2O26.   ..

. Stand it by the side of the bed and have a lamp attached for nighttime book ( manual ) reading.   Norman D. Landing, Forum Normandy Correspondent, 06 May  2O26.   ..    

Welcome to the forum! I collect mainly World War One and two, but I do have some items dating back to the late 19th century.

Well, I know for sure he wrote three books on the Lost Battalion.  Was that original monument ever moved?  When did they add the unit info?  I know he had some involvement with it somehow.