Hi Andreas   Afghanistan/OEF operated  various Joint Combined Command structure (Multi National-Coalition) due to Geopolitics.   The 2 TIOH authorized SSI were NTM-A National Training Mission Afghanistan c 2011-2014  and IJC was a US Army Element HQ ISAF Joint command (US, NATO,Afghanistan) 2013-2014.   As you know Resolute Support was an operation , I don't know if that was approved , I think not but stand to be corrected.   As for the shapes the TIOH authorized US ones are the slim rounded bottom NTM-A and IJC-NATO.   The 2 other pointed ones would be unauthorized local made , note IJC-NATO is partially embroidered that  is not an authorized US Army patch. Authorized US Army SSI are fully embroidered.   I think they are more NATO orientated that US personel had made (or NATO forces) who served alongside NATO forces , there was a huge interoperability between nations.   Below is an Afghan made patch and I have few other Afghan patches.   An interesting one is this ACU ISAF Roundle is it US personnel serving alongside NATO or NATO individual working with US personnel in combined operations role?   Hope that helps   Phill            

I was wondering if I could get some opinions on this Purple Heart if it is one of the USN/USMC variants or if it’s just an army issue any help is appreciated 

Well, I'm moving along. I painted and decaled the propellers and spinner. I have one more decal to add, attach the landing gears and propellers then mask the canopy.    Semper Fi.   Manny  

Congrats Kurt on some great items.   If you have time can you post the back of the Philippines collar disc?

Congrats on these wonderful items you already have acquired.

The best item in the group is the Philadelphia Quartermaster’s foul weather flag with those heavy zinc cast grommets.   It’s only fair to mention that it’s also known as a KIA flag.   Although it’s a leap of faith to believe it came from a code talker, without direct provenance, like the box it’s shipped in when sent to next of kin, it’s just a KIA flag.   There are many people on this forum who wish this group was free of problems so they could add it to their collections.

I paid about $100 for my first example in the 1980s so I would expect to pay $200 or a bit more now.  There were a couple at the St. Louis cartridge show I just attended but I missed them and didn't hear what they sold for. Very hard to find today.

I kept these photos of a WW2 Merchant Marine jumper as well as a black and white period photo of two WW2 era Merchant Marine sailors wearing their jumpers.  However my father served in the Merchant Marines during WW2 and I remember him telling me that the only time he ever wore those jumpers was during the time he spent attending the US Maritime School at Saint Petersburg, Florida.     Sorry I goofed and misunderstood your question.  It is my understanding that merchant marine sailors during the Korean War rarely ever wore those USN style jumpers preferring more practical civilian workwear.   Some had them stored away being veterans from WW2 or newly graduated cadets from the merchant marine academies.     I found one article on Korean War merchant marines and in the few period photos they are wearing civilian work clothing (see link below).   https://nedforney.com/index.php/2018/04/08/us-merchant-marine-korean-war/    

Thank you so much. I did transfer the KIA/WIA status onto the glass on the yard long I have with marker for now.  Thanks so much. 

Thanks Manky really appreciate you looking him up. Awesome that he’s a PH recipient. I’ll probably reach out to Matt and he might be able to find some stuff on him. Thanks!