The 28th lost many NCO's during fighting so it was not uncommon to see a 1st sergeant fighting with their men due to troop shortages during battles like the hürtgen forrest for the 28th. So I was trying to ask if this setup would be unusual ( apart from that the garand is already unusual ). But thank you for this great and broad explanation and info!

Too bad you couldn't have gotten lucky before the other 2 wives.  Just think how much money they cost you and what military items you could've purchased.  On second thought, don't think about that.  Just live in the present and enjoy what you have. :)

What do the wings look like on back?

Steve layed it out pretty well, when it comes to training cycles you might want to look at the ships themselves Of the almost 50 USN APA/LSI, US Army Transport Service and almost 200 USMM Ships that carried troops to Normandy I would read the history of a handful of them and you will see how they bounced from the Med,Pacific and atlantic invasions. The dictionary of Naval ships even includes the ships training for the next landing. Pick  a handful of the Navy attack transports APA and Landing Ship infantry LSI , it will be insiteful.

His rating badge is BM3. His rate title is Coxswain.  Any one who drives a boat is also called “Coxswain”, just like the commanding officer of a ship is called “Captain”, regardless of rank. This distinction was created in 1866, with the new “rate badges” that were created. The most junior PO in Deck Department was the Coxswain. His function was to maintain and operate ships boats and train the crews. It was just a traditional hold over. 

And this link also:    

Well, the role of the 1SG was NOT to get into the thick of the fight on purpose.  The 1SG typically was with the rear TOC (tactical operations center) along with the supply NCO, commo guys, company mess section and the company clerks. His role was to oversee and document the coming and going of troops from the company, submit ration request, unit reports, assure the evacuation of wounded, receive new men and ammunition ensure the mess keep the men at the front fed with hot chow when possible by any means, arrange leave for any that rated it and when possible source a laundry/bath unit as the company was relieved from front duty. The 1SG also usually was involved in the selection of new locations for the company when ordered to move; this was called a “quartering party” and they scouted in advance of the units movement and found suitable locations for the company HQ. These duties are typically why the 1SG had a pistol or carbine or SMG….personal defense, not usually offensive.  Thats just the role the top NCO in the company had; yes you can always find the exceptions but his role was vital for the commander and men to ensure the survival and well being of the company daily.

Hello,    Please see this link below for a long post thread for lots on this topic; I think the first pattern was 1951 with 100% wool, and then various new patterns from 1951 onward with increasing amounts of nylon.      

Wow! Amazing examples! Thanks for showing!

Really nice, and RARE, medal.