Just a few notes from the Stanton book on uniforms.    

Hello everyone!   I am researching my grandfather, Ford Wilson, ASN 6665872, and I am hoping someone may have information, photographs, documents, or personal accounts related to him or his unit.  I am researching my grandfather as a project for my father, who never had the opportunity to learn much about his father's wartime experiences. Every new document, photograph, or story helps us better understand and honor his service, and it has become a meaningful way for our family to reconnect with a part of our history that was nearly lost.   What I know so far: • Born March 3, 1916, in Manchester, Kentucky. • Served in the U.S. Army during World War II. • Assigned to the 32nd Field Artillery Battalion, 1st Infantry Division ("The Big Red One"). • Held the rank of First Sergeant. • Served in North Africa, Sicily, Normandy, France, and Germany. • Landed in Normandy (Omaha Beach) on D-Day, June 6, 1944. • Later received the Bronze Star for actions near St. Laurent-sur-Mer on D-Day. • Possibility of name in the battalion history book Proud Americans: Men of the 32nd Field Artillery Battalion in World War II. • Family records indicate he deployed from Salem, Indiana. • Five Wilson brothers reportedly served during World War II at the same time. Like many veterans of his generation, he rarely spoke about his wartime experiences, so much of his story has been left for later generations to piece together. I would be grateful for any information, photographs, unit records, newspaper articles, or personal recollections related to Ford Wilson, the 32nd Field Artillery Battalion, or the Wilson brothers' military service.   Thank you for helping us preserve and honor his story, I never got to meet him.  I am new to researching military history so deeply appreciate any leads.  Amanda    

In warm hot weather they just didn't wear the coat, just shirt sleeves just like during the war in Europe, only in Hawaii, Panama, the Philippines, and Puerto Rico was were the new Khaki uniform issued and worn in the field. this officially approved for standard issue in 1938. 

Manky, My longer post was lost (!) Can you take some close ups of the seam stitching and the latch where it is stitched on? BTW, it's likely from the same helmet. Thanks, Dave

Picked this EDMF Desert Storm/Iraqi Bellringer up not too long ago; been looking for one for years and grabbed it off eBay of all places. 

You would have to do your  impression for the late 1920s through the 1930s up to 1941 (See Rhscott above), that's when they were worn in the field. In the winter the wool overcoat was worn, some troops were issued Mackinaws in winter, with tankers and probably engineers issued overalls and stuff but not as far as we know to the infantry.

Two Allied 'Mates' on Oahu American & Australian        

Is 100% original ww2 British made. Nice find too.

I’ve been looking for an EDMF Iraqi Bellringer/Desert Storm for years; I always considered this version to be the pinnacle one to collect out of all of Dale Sandberg’s knives; found it last year lingering on eBay. I even have the background history and the name of the original Air Force vet owner, thanks to Frank Trzaska! The photos make it look rougher than it actually looks; other than the paint flaking off, it’s actually in excellent condition! 

Yes, but the Veterans Administration said I was too far gone and a hopeless case.  I'm just a realist, I don't play in fantasy land, that's for children and mental challenged individuals.  Sometimes I may sound a little crass, but like I said I'm a realist.  I served 30 years in the military and have seen the best our country has to offer, and the very worst. Harsh? So, someone comes on a military board and starts pontificating about the moral dilemma of collecting a certain trinket and I'm supposed to agree or be cozy with him?  Nope, I know these people, I was raised by them, the original poster strikes me a one, they are what we call "Do-gooders". They like to seek out needy people or stupid causes and insert themselves into the situation to try and make themselves feel important.  They usually lean left and although they like to try and help other people, their own houses are usually a disaster.  I know this from experience and as soon as the original poster made an explanation for his ridiculous typing in caps, I knew exactly who he was.