There are many legends about the origins of the Oozlefinch. Most agree that the legend began in 1905 at Ft. Monroe, Virginia, then home of the Coast Artillery Corps. Captain Henry MacPherson Merriam, possibly under the effects of alcohol, first reported seeing a large-eyed, flight-challenged bird outside the officers' club. Soon more people reported seeing this bird, and sketches were made. Eventually, the legend of the bird would become so great that a statue was erected at the club in its honor. The Oozlefinch was used on the insignia of the Railway Artillery Reserve during World War I; In some descriptions, this bird is a pelican. The Distinctive Unit Insignia of the 42nd Field Artillery Brigade later included the oozlefinch, describing the insignia as: "On a wreath of the colors (Or and Gules) an oozlefinch (from the shoulder sleeve insignia worn by the Railway Artillery Reserve in France) Vert, armed, capped and collared on the legs." Symbolism The Oozlefinch's eyes are very large, allowing it to see very distant and very clearly in the sky. Its vision is unobstructed by eyelids or eyebrows, and the eyes are said to be able to turn 180 degrees so the Oozlefinch can look inward, symbolizing the need of a good leader for inward reflection.   My Dad took basic at Ft Monroe in 1940. This was taken from a post on the internet exlpaining the Oozlefinch. 

. I Spray stencilled a Jeep on my friends Landrover today.   About two years ago I bought a metal laser cutout stencil of a wartime Jeep and sprayed in on the rear of my local run-around, today I used the same stencil on the rear of a friends Landrover 90 with his permission.         Norman D. Landing, Forum Normandy Correspondent, 15  June  2O26.   ..

Very nice UK Comet Tank model

. local finds   A local friend has just acquired a German Airborne helmet retrieved from an earthen drainage ditch near village of Sainteny alongside the Carentan to Periers road.  There was a six day battle along this road between the 6th German parachute regiment and the American 83rd Division, the 83rd took 1,400 casualties in the first 24 hours and over 3.000 in the course of the six days.  The helmet is possibly from the 6th parachute Regiment and the blown up Jeep parts possibly the remains of a 83rd Division Jeep.      Norman D. Landing, Forum Normandy Correspondent, 15  June  2O26.   ..

Thanks so much for the clarification on the oozlefinch, I really appreciate it.   Every year the Reading show was on the same weekend of the Allendale neighborhood yard sale which at the time was a treasure trove of collectibles as well as a great place to meet WW2 veterans, I always chose Allendale.

This may be something added by a veterans origination for use in their honor guards or ceromonies.  

Was that rear “lid” a later custom job?  I thought GI jeeps had solid tubs.

My first thought on these was Army Corps of Engineers, the civilian origination that maintains inland waterways and flood control then I came to the bullion one and I am not so sure, but something to look into.

USAF Thule Arctic Gear from sold auction listing    

USAF Arctic gear, Thule