I wanted to provide an update on my ongoing research into 2nd Lt. Lloyd J. Andrews Jr., P-38 pilot, 392nd Fighter Squadron, 367th Fighter Group (“The Dynamite Gang”), who was killed in action on 20 October 1944.   Since originally acquiring the archive, I have been fortunate enough to secure several additional items that remained with the family and were not included when the grouping first surfaced. These additions have helped make the archive substantially more complete.   Recent additions include:   • Original Purple Heart awarded to Lt. Andrews • Original sterling pilot wings • Original pilot insignia • Original marriage certificate of Lloyd and Anne Andrews • Additional family correspondence • Correspondence from Anne’s future husband, Jack Wilson, a former Marine • Original Ninth Air Force press release issued shortly before Andrews was lost • Original press photograph showing Andrews with Capt. Robert E. Douglas in France approximately one week before his final mission   In addition to the physical archive, I have continued researching Andrews’ final combat. Through information generously shared by members of this forum and other aviation researchers, I have obtained German records relating to the engagement of 20 October 1944, including information concerning III./JG 2 “Richthofen,” the Luftwaffe unit involved in the battle during which Andrews was lost.   I have also discovered that Andrews is specifically mentioned in Richard Groh’s history of the 367th Fighter Group, “The Dynamite Gang,” where he appears in photographs and is discussed in the narrative covering the group’s combat operations.   What began as a medal and document group has developed into a much more complete archive documenting Andrews’ life from flight training, marriage, combat service, decorations, and final mission through the family’s postwar correspondence and remembrance.   I wanted to thank everyone who has contributed information, research leads, and advice during this project. Every new piece of information has helped bring the story of Lt. Andrews and his family into clearer focus.

That's a really nice cap! I think 1883 was the year the gold lace chinstrap came in. Thanks for the post.

Amazing it’s not even a WW2 era 

Thank you everyone for your input on this. I am glad I went with my gut feeling! It just seemed too good to be true! What a shame. And the fact that the owner is openly selling it as authentic is a shame. 

That is a beautiful jacket! Great score!   Jules

I see your point, but I must say, that it would be interesting to see the outcome. MAYBE (very unlikely) RKurz was right all along and we owe him an apology (I honestly don't think so). But overall, I think, that it is important to apologise if one insulted people or accused them of something. Making mistakes is okay as long as one can admit to them. And apologise if people ended up catching strays. But in the end, you are right, too. Why bother. This will change nothing and nothing is really gained from getting told a fact, that all the members on this forum (or the majority) already knew.   Cheers, Jules

Hi all. I have inherited the "shinybugle" described in the memoirs of. PFC Don Ross 101st airborne 506th PIR  in his memoirs. My Stepfather was the little kid the bugle was given to shortly before d.day at Chilton Foliat. He kept it unplanned until his passing in 2020, have passed it on to me. It is in uncleaned original condition

That is a very nice example and thank you for your service.

That looks Like a 1960s Schott Brothers jacket all dressed up.   Kurt

Looking again though the pocket are "puckered" type so, It's made from 2 M1910 belts rather than 2 M1917 belts, I know the 17s were really ment to be a wartime simplified production version of the 10s