Hi folks, I’m new and would like to say thanks for taking me in. I came across some WW II patches that had obviously been on uniforms, and with them came this…. large old-school parachute emblem. very much like the (fold the edges back square, and sew it on) EIB, Rank Insignia, Drill SGT, etc that I wore from ‘77-‘01, except it’s on like a tan (khakis?) background. I suspect this is a cupcake for you guys; I wore the stuff, and loved it, but I never collected it and really still don’t!   Interesting to me that (I think) this is WW II era, and it is still in the original cellophane or plastic with the GEMSCO Sticker. I’m almost positive that the stuff I bought/wore was by GEMSCO!   Anyhow…what is this “badge” for, who wore it, and during what time frame was it authorized/worn? Thanks guys (and gals).  

Nice original OL, dated!   I have informed several auctioneers over the last few years, that their 1943 dated OL  bayo was a reproduction ( presented as original and "rare", I hate that word).   Most tell me their expert has vetted it and to fo....   hyrax222

Isn’t this the same design and the theoretical 4th award of the CIB that was thought up during the cold war?

Interesting...   hyrax222

Thanks Rick. That is what I thought but felt worth a shot if could obtain at fair price and that it was missing the logo “red mouse sq” as a possible variation. Once in hand was not crazy about the back appearance though it has no glow. Thanks that we have this forum to get opinions and ideas and learn no matter how much you think you know.

Wow! that first pattern meat can is a rare item. Congratulations on the find!

nice score!

The lack of military markings does not rule out military service. The 1908 Stonebridge Folding Lantern was used by all arms of the US Army and was ubiquitous in Allied Service. They occur with medical and commissary corps stampings in the upper left corner of the front facing side of the "roof". of the marked examples, the former seem to be more common.   Those used outside of these two services in the US Army were normally without such markings. It is not uncommon to see them painted black as well.   Aluminum lanterns were not, as far as I know, used by the military but they were manufactured for the civilian market some time after the Great War. Your lantern falls under this category.    Still a cool item! I like vintage camping gear as well as militaria, and one of my favorite items is a depression era lantern made out of a Mason jar and pieces of scrap metal with a wire bail for hanging.

Charles, one more thing. If you do not have any connections at the V.A. develop one. From time to time I find personal affects and they have been good enough to help me out and send me complete packets on those listed as fatal. In the packet you will find a ton of information including insurance payments that extend 20 years. This helps in tracking down family you may want to talk to. A long time ago they would  also help in connecting me with widow's so I could return found items. Most of that generation has passed, but with the information I have been able to find the children and grandchildren. They are good at filling in missing information.

Thanks Rob   BTW Who believes in OMENS just Noticed something while organizing the 100 + Letters Dated from 1940 to 1947 and ONLY 1 With an *************** UPSIDE DOWN STAMP ******************* now showing an INVERTED Aircraft Written on the same day he was KIA Postmarked on 20 MARCH 1945 The ONLY letter in this collection with the Stamp affixed upsidedown (nearly all the letters have planes pictured on stamps) was Returned-TO-Sender STAMP affixed UPSIDE DOWN SHOWING AN INVERTED PLANE