The Co I 12th IR Fritz Enl. Record: Source: NARA   I did a search for a BSM for the above Fritz in the 4th ID GOs, but did not get any hits. There were more than 6,000 of these awarded by the 4th ID, so my search is likely incomplete. However, I did find his award of the Combat Infantryman Badge through a search of the 12th IR orders; the quality of many of these documents is very poor, so the info is incomplete: G.O. No. 15 Hq 12th IR ?? Oct 44: Source: NARA via Golden Arrow Research   Given that he earned a CIB, he would have been eligible for a retroactive (1947) BSM based on the regulations below (if he or kin requested one):   Award may be made to each Servicemember of the Army who, after 6 December 1941, has been cited in orders or awarded a certificate for exemplary conduct in ground combat against an armed enemy between 7 December 1941 and 2 September 1945, inclusive, or whose meritorious achievement has been otherwise confirmed by documents executed prior to 1 July 1947. For this purpose, an award of the CIB or CMB is considered as a citation in orders. Award of the BSM from these documents will not negate the original award or the CIB or CMB. Documents executed since 4 August 1944 in connection with recommendations for the award of decorations of higher degree than the BSM will not be used as the basis for an award under this paragraph. Veterans and retirees may submit letter application to National Personnel Records Center (NPRC – MPR), 1 Archives Drive, St. Louis, MO 63138 – 1002. Soldiers who retired or were discharged after 1 October 2002 and the primary next of kin of Soldiers who died after 1 October 2002 should send their letter application to Commander, U.S. Army Human Resources Command, (AHRC – PDP – A), 1600 Spearhead Division Avenue, Fort Knox, KY 40122 – 5408. The letter application should include documentary evidence, if possible.   From: Army Regulation 600 –8 –22 Personnel-General Military Awards Headquarters Department of the Army Washington, DC 5 March 2019 3-16 [g(3)]   Change 13 to AR 600-45 dated November 4, 1947, which authorized the retroactive award of the Bronze Star Medal to soldiers who had received the Combat Infantryman Badge or Combat Medical Badge during World War II.   So, that is one possibility, if this is the same James F. Fritz you are inquiring about. If you have the medal, you can post it here, and folks more knowledgeable than me may be able to give input on the engraving/period, etc.   I believe this may be about him:   I hope this helps. Dan

Hi Laurence, Someone else that has better knowledge of caps will have to answer you on the possible age of the cap.  I do think you're correct about Locke & Co cleaning the cap.  Bancroft I know is the maker of the cap.

Ancestry - Russell M. Hanna O'Day.pdf Morning Reports - Russell M H ODay.pdf

Any thoughts as to the date on the Cap? I guess certainly after 1960. I think Locke & Co probably cleaned the cap, but i don't see that they made it. Any thoughts. Beautifull research. Great to see the history come to life. Advertised at $220 on eBay. Thanks again Laurence

Thank you.  I appreciate it.

Thank you all for the replies. It really means a lot. Hoping it will turn up. I know how great of a community this is. Thanks everyone.

Great work so far and an awesome flight jacket, thanks for sharing!

Perhaps this person.   Related to the box you posted above, I believe at the time he was with the United States Air Forces Europe (USAFE) and Missile Defense Command (MDC) / Missile Support Services Group (MSSG).                  

Fine piece of work, Manny!  Weathering is just right.  Not too much, not too little!  Just right!👌