Hello,

I'm posting my latest uniform acquisition for your appreciation and comments.
It's an Ike jacket and garrison cap with the emblem of the 26th Infantry regiment.

It is interesting that on the left shoulder there is the emblem of the 1st infantry division and on the right shoulder the emblem of the 3rd infantry division. In addition to the uniform, it has a Belgian and a French fourragère.

The French appears to have been added later, perhaps for display, as it appears to be a more recent version with an embroidery pattern different from the period originals.
The same thing appears to have happened with one of the regimental badges on the collar which is marked "Vanguard".

Another interesting thing is that the garrison cap is marked with the laundry number "S4086". I haven't yet done any in-depth research into which veteran the laundry number could indicate, which I will do soon. But if anyone has any information about it, I would appreciate it.

I appreciate any comments and opinions.

Thanks

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I believe that your Ike jacket has been put-together. The Vanguard hallmark on the "Blue Spader" DUI is undoubtedly a post war insignia- well past WWII. I find it odd that the soldier would have earned a Meritorious Unit Citation. The French fourragere is also well past WWII in manufacture.

 

Allan

24 minutes ago, Allan H. said:

I believe that your Ike jacket has been put-together. The Vanguard hallmark on the "Blue Spader" DUI is undoubtedly a post war insignia- well past WWII. I find it odd that the soldier would have earned a Meritorious Unit Citation. The French fourragere is also well past WWII in manufacture.

 

Allan

Hello Allan,

 

thanks for your comments. I agree with them!

 

The marking of the other emblem on the collar is not Vanguard, it is a marking consistent with WW2 period manufacturers. I'd like to know why you think the Meritorious Unit Citation on this uniform is unusual.

 

Thanks for the comments!

4 hours ago, joaobr said:

Hello Allan,

 

thanks for your comments. I agree with them!

 

The marking of the other emblem on the collar is not Vanguard, it is a marking consistent with WW2 period manufacturers. I'd like to know why you think the Meritorious Unit Citation on this uniform is unusual.

 

Thanks for the comments!

Typically, the Meritorious Unit Commendation was awarded to support units rather than combat arms units in WWII. To be honest, when I see a uniform with crossed rifles or cannons and then see the wreath on the cuff, I become skeptical as these types of embellishments were big in the reenactor crowd back in the day. They typically added them because they looked cool.

 

I could not find any MUC authorizations from WWII to any of the infantry regiments of the 3rd ID (7th, 15th, or 30th) or 1st ID (16th, 18th, or 26th).

 

Allan

MUC awards to infantry regiments or field artillery battalions were to service batteries/companies, medical detachments and sometimes headquarter companies.  Most common imo is the service units.

I see the MUC awarded to… 
Svc Co and Med Det 16th Infantry 

Svc Co 15th Infantry

Svc Co and Med Det 30th Infantry