I was recently playing with Google AI and asked about this canteen for kicks. I got to say, it has been my experience that this AI likes to give me the results it think I would like to hear.    Ais argument is this is likely belonged to a member of the 9th cav. It's logic is that the 17 inf co k was wrapping up their tour in the Philippines at same time the 9 cav troop k were starting their tour at the same duty location. It also mentioned that the hand written name and unit were more likely to be done by the 9 th cav instead of the 9th inf stating the 9th inf usually marked their names with proper stencils and although they had just returned from China to the Philippines, they were not stationed in the same part of the country. They also made a case the name was likely of spanish surname and likely a Philippines scout. There was member of this 9th cav with this last name.    This said, who knows if 9th cav or inf but fun to ponder. 

I found this old topic https://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/197578-officers-mess-kits-parts-to-trade/  the tray in here still seems a bit more round then mine.

So they weren’t issued?

To the OP, is this jacket still in your collection?

Long time lurker, glad to have finally joined up.  I collect all sorts of stuff from rifles to accessories, web gear, helmets, you name it.  Have a presence on other forums, but I'm really starting to get into fighting knives and look forward to leaning a lot!     Richard

Wow Matt, very nice grouping, you know I love  groupings.

For your information if you are next of kin you can request your relatives decorations from the department of the Navy free of charge.

Stalag Luft 3 dogtag and gold Irving Caterpillar Club pin with ruby eyes to a 392nd BG Navigator who bailed out on March 18, 1944.    it is difficult to find the gold pins to Americans. Most of the ones you see are to British and Commonwealth POW’s.

Nice gold Irving Caterpillar Club pin with ruby eyes to a 392nd BG Navigator who bailed out on March 18, 1944.    it is difficult to find the gold pins to Americans. Most of the ones you see are to British and Commonwealth POW’s.

Thanks Matt, if my memory is correct(???) we came into Muskogee from the south east add returned the same way. We probably weren't too far from the airfield but since it was a civilian field in the early '70's I wouldn't have paid any attention to it. Thanks again.     Steve