Greetings,   Avirex (1998 contract) and Cockpit (2007 contract) models had two interior pockets and a pen pocket.  Keep in mind when pen-pocket is mentioned, its in one of the two interior wallet pockets, not on the sleeve.  These models are also found with side entry pockets.  Weird side note:  The Avirex and Cockpit models are identical to a reproduction A-2 made by Banana Republic in the 80's   Best,   PEter

Sure they would. I don't think the design details changed until after the war. I also don't think early or late WW1 service hats were much different if at all. Plus, just because an item changed somehow doesn't generally mean the older stock would not be sold or issued until exhausted.

Yeah there's definitely evidence to support everything so far. That also explains the hat, he probably bought the hat in Montgomery when he was in Alabama for training. But then the question comes would early campaign hats still be available for purchase in 1917/1918? It looks like he enlisted in August 15 1917 if thats correct?

Could be both, I believe.

Are these 11th airborne division patches from WW2 period or after ? 

Running with the strong possibility the soldier W. A. Fisher was in the 145th Ambulance Company, this turns up in the Ohio WW1 Roster -- perhaps the original owner. Dennis

In 1929 War Department Circular No. 5 (26 Jan) gave all regular army personnel the option of wearing, off duty, the blue uniforms that had been authorized before WW1. At their own expense, of course. The specifications were to be the same as the last regulations before the uniforms were suspended, Special Regulations No. 42, Specifications for the Uniform of the United State Army, August 1917, with the exception that the dimensions of the cap would be the same as the current service cap. The picture shows the "dress" coat of a major general. Here is a 1908 illustration of the coat.   They did not. The uniform regulations of the time did give three- and four-star generals and the Army Chief of Staff the option of prescribing their own collar and cuff ornamentation on the full dress coat, special evening dress coat and blue mess jacket, though.

I have no idea why there would be a date. I have never seen a flag like this in an original picture. The text at the top translates to determined to win. A production year could make sense, but this looks fake, considering only one side has weathering. I've seen others for sale with battle names made post war, I believe.

No hat disks were worn. It wasn't until the advent of the Distinctive Unit Insignia in the 1920's that enlisted men wore insignia on their M1911 service hats. Overly helpful vendors or unknowledgeable collectors often add them to these hats. The hat cord would be for the Army Medical Department, maroon and white.

I would not trust anything coming out of Vietnam that deals with the US war there. Too much of it has proven to be fake. On another note: Why would there be a date on a flag? Just wondering.