I can see why you stopped. I think I have enough examples in my collection to stop now as well. Thanks for all of the great insight on this subject. 

While rust stains on fabric will not transfer to steel, rust stains will damage fabric material if left untreated over time. Rust (iron oxide) seeps deep into the fabric weave, breaking down fibers and eventually eating holes through the material as a result of dry rot. While rust stains on newer fabric can be removed with lemon & salt or a commercial rust remover, the stains on your cover have most likely been there for a long time and the fabric has been weakened. Therefore, any attempt to remove the stain would most likely result in tearing the material open in that area, so it is best to leave it be. 

Here is some info that may be of interest: FOLD3   You can find morning reports that may include him (up to Dec 44) at this NARA link: https://catalog.archives.gov/search?page=1&q=36738818   Also, you can find morning reports for Co H 143rd IR (Jan-Jul 44) and other documents at this 36th ID link: https://www.36thdivisionarchive.com/     His CIB orders: NARA   His BSM orders: NARA   His SS orders: NARA   VA BIRLS DF: FOLD3   After Action Documents for the 143rd IR that may be of interest:   https://texasmilitaryforcesmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/143rd-aar-to-September-1944.pdf   https://texasmilitaryforcesmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/143rd-October-1944-to-end.pdf   Dan

I personally would not concern myself with that. My opinion..... You could wash the cover or buy  one that has no rust if it bothers you.

I will be curious to (hopefully) hear how this saga plays out!

Hi All, just picked up a new helmet that has very complet paint and wnat to put and ERDL coer on. However the ERDL has some rust stains wher the rim of the helmet it came off had some rust.  My question isit safe to put the cover on the new helmet or do you need to treat cover 1st and if so with what.  Or would you use cling wrap as a barrier?  Thansk in advance for guidance

Greetings, I'm looking for help locating pictures of USMC Brigadier General Harry B. Liversedge (Harry the Horse) wearing a M422a USN leather flight jacket. I believe I may have a jacket belonging to the General but would love to find a picture of him wearing it.    I bought a size 44 wwii M422a leather flight jacket in the early 1990s at a military show in the San Francisco Bay area.  On the chest is a very nicely done theater gold bullion patch featuring a winged pair of boots and under it "Harry the Horse, the Flying Grunt".    Considering the jacket is of a size that would fit the General, he went to college and commanded a post war marine unit in SF area, and his home town was a few hours away, I thought this may be a possibility. There are no rank on the jacket or other noticable ID.    The jacket is not currently at my location and will try to post picture when I gain access to the jacket.    Would love to hear from those who may have any insight on the possibility the jacket belonged to the General.   Thanks for your help advance.       

I would send them the broken ones too,    Let them decide whether they want them or not.   They may have meaning they may not.