FYI, I’m out of LIKEs again. So here you go,                             👍👍👍 for all you posts about jeep restoration, battle damaged landmarks and everything else you folks have posted.  mikie

Out with the boys again today. Still no sign of disposed militaria. But if there is a broken furniture and rotting lumber forum, I could join it. Maybe I can start one. I did spot a couple of nice flower pots I may go grab. 

Exactly what I was looking for. Thank you

A 1956 photo of a Adjutant General Branch Specialist 2nd Class at the Point, a member of some RA unit, doesn't look like he's wearing the USMA Unit crests, or they could be, can't tell what they're for, but he is wearing the USMA Cadre Faculty patch with I presume is that USMA PREP Tab.

Very cool. Interesting variations between the two jackets. The VLJ is a treasure trove of jacket info. Thanks for posting. Dave 

An entirely gratuitous pic of my Bren for your enjoyment!     

I’ve been reading a bit about the Korean War. Seems that during the intense night battles when the Americans were doing their fighting withdrawals, the BARs and carbines failed pretty regularly after extended periods of firing. The Garand just soldiered on. I’m guessing the BAR stoppages were due to barbell overheating. A quick change barbell system is a pretty big deal with LMGs fired continuously.

What is this a movie prop Ronnie?

Top loading mag is better in fixed/prone which the BAR wasn’t necessarily made to do. Can agree it does have a better barrel change and gas adjustment, the BAR definitely has better sights in my opinion. I’m not a fan of sights off the side so I could be biased.

In WWI and WWII, soldiers etched aluminum mess kits and canteens using basic, readily available tools like sharpened nails, pocket knives, bayonets, or specialized files, often employing a "rocker engraving" technique to hand-engrave names and art. Stippling, which involves punching dots with pointed instruments, was also used, particularly by POWs or in field conditions.    Rocker Engraving: A steel nail or sharp tool was pressed into the aluminum and rocked back and forth, pushing it forward to create lines. Stippling: A pointed instrument or a metal punch from a stamping kit was used to create intricate designs via small dots.