Hey everyone! I'm glad to be here. I'm a collector out of Iowa. I got gifted a SOAMXS challenge coin from an aviation maintenance tech a while back and have been hooked ever since, digging into the history behind AFSOC units, 1st SOW/SOAMXS, and gunship lore (Spectre, Spooky, etc). Also picked up an interest in 160th SOAR (Night Stalkers) coins and patches along the way, plus some Desert Storm-era Navy/Air Force squadron patches and Prussian/WWI-WWII European militaria on the side. I try to verify provenance where I can (NSN, DLA contract data, unit history) before adding anything to the collection, still learning a lot as I go though. Right now I'm hunting for a specific AC-130 Spectre "Fire Control" patch if anyone's got leads or has seen one floating around. Looking forward to learning from everyone here and talking unit history. 

Asian made for sure. No earlier than 1960s. Doubtful even that early. Not WW2

It's nice to have the name, but I don't think it adds much/anything. Buy the item not the story. Even the story in this case isn't the greatest. It's still a great piece that any collector, myself included, would love to have.

Unfortunately you can’t create any more attribution than what you have. As Al Gleim once told me “You can believe the story..but can you convince someone else”?   Bill

I was able to put a name to this patch. The individual was probably not a pilot or aircrew member, but more likely administrative staff.  I suspect that he joined the 60th (or perhaps the 33rd Fighter Group) early in the war, as there are indications that he was in North Africa/Tunisia, Sicily, Italy, and the CBI (all places the 60th fought in).  Again, I suspect this was a "bring home" from his service, explaining the near-mint condition.   That being said, does having a name associated with a patch add much to the value?  Just wondering, as I think it remains a great item.   I agreed not to post the Veteran's name for the family's privacy, but I will add a small note to the grouping to keep it all together for historical reasons.   Thanks P

Picked up two sets both wrapped up. One was ripped, so I opened it, and here it is. I have no clue what it is. Anyone have guess? Thanks in advance, Rob

Great shelter half to a 32nd Division unit. That 132nd AAA marking is not a very easy marking to find.

Nice woolie 1st Armored

Another variation for sale on ebarf this week.  Cheers Armygas

I picked this cover up from the Top Pots website in 2010 with no problem. If a majority of people had a problem with Top Pots, I doubt they would be in business today. On another note, you're right to state that this cover would be of use to a reenactor. As a Marine Corps vet and collector of WWII USMC grunt gear, I would be more inclined to have a problem with a reenactor sporting an original in the dirt than to see them donning a Top Pots reproduction. On a final note, this cover was used in a Marine Corps recruiting display at high schools, community colleges and universities to attract attention to the recruiters and I assure you that it was as effective in getting attention as we were in our dress blues.