Thank you both for the compliments 

Here's my latest Leather jacket patch work, this one going to a veteran's relative, 24th Bombardment Squadron, I did what I call a "dirty wash" effect on the patch via request of the person it's going to, to make it appear old/used , Enjoy :) 

Hey everybody!   Recently, I've been really getting into USMC gear, specifically during the Vietnam War. I wanted to show off my WIP late-war kit.    1st pattern M56 canteen covers (x2) OD plastic canteens (x3)              - One has the NBC cap, I'll replace that soon WW2 era canteen cup M56 e-tool cover M43 e-tool M56 first aid pouch MX-99/U flashlight M17a1 gas mask w/ carrier Trouser belt             - I have the wrong belt in the photo, but I do have the correct one M1 helmet w/ P64 liner Jungle fatigue trousers OD undershirt Black leather combat boots              - I have heard from a few vets (some on this forum, even) that the early-war style boots were still in use at the time 2nd pattern M55 flak, 1971 dated M16a1 rubber duck rifle              - I'm too broke (and young) to buy an actual one                 I also have an M1941 pack and 2 bandoliers that are being shipped to my house right now, so when I get those I will show the full impression.    I still need the belt, suspenders, ammo pouches, and helmet cover.    Let me know what I can improve, and what I can get other than the items I just listed!   Thanks!   Wade

Hell Yes! The antiques area up by Castel St Angelo (Just across the river, city side, from the Vatican). On the Main alleyway there’s a Militaria shop. It’s expensive, but has a continual infusion of legit militaria. The owner has a private collection of primo WW2 gear. I’ll get the name of the place for you.

the top left is early 10th SF group and the 508th is nicer with the silver wings as the black back round make them stand out. The ovals with 2nd Bn ticks 2/508 and 2/325 are  later or probably 70s era. I forget when the started the BN ticks on the ovals and flashes but seems closer to 1980 or when the berets were authorized officially. The ovals are all Vietnam to 70s era prior to merrowed edge styles  

No opinions? 

Here's my FS2 and FS3, both are bring-backs without the ENGLAND stamp.  The FS2 is marked B2, but on the blade side.  It appears to have been disassembled and the blade blued, and when it was put back together the guard was reversed.  This FS2 came out of Italy, and I wish I had some provenance to attach to it.    

I always look in the women's section on the forum. Never look in here because I do not collect groupings. Sometimes I think it depends on where you post an item.   Very nice grouping. I love anything to do with nurses.   ...Kat

I know a good amount of our members have passed away in recent years.  Does anyone belong to the Facebook USMF?  I wonder if more people go there.  I don’t belong to Facebook, so I don’t know.  My kids say forums are only for old farts (like me) these days 😆.   Your grouping is really gorgeous.  Hard to find such WWII groupings anymore.

Recent Antique store find. Group photo of a class of USAAF pilot trainees in 1944, and it looks like every man in picture signed himself to it. A T-6 "Texan" trainer aircraft be seen in background too.   Text reads: "Squadron 2(?) Class 44-H, War Eagle Field, Polaris Flight Academy, Lancaster California"   War Eagle Field was set up in '41, in the Mojave Desert, North of Los Angeles, near Lancaster California. It was only operation in for the war years. Then was closed and the property was sold.    Wikipedia link for some info on the wartime airfield: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_Eagle_Field