My friend found his grandfather's uniform and has been trying to figure out his grandfather's service history, I was told his grandfather didn't talk about the war, but we know he was in the 13th corps but has a 4th tank battalion crest and as far as I know the 4th tank battalion never was assigned to the 13th corps, and he's also been trying to figure out why he has a calvary collar pin, I'm just posting for more information on anything, his name was Francis R Tracy and served from 44 to 46

Lots of helpful folks on the forum. Please take better pictures of the patches, collar brass and ribbons. You’ll get your answers.

4 minutes ago, Marshallj said:

I apologize, he has to send me more photos, so far I only have this up close one 

 

What are the first 3 letters on that arm band?

I think he was in a Corps level reconnaissance unit.

 

What's in the tobacco tin?

Thats a German 98K rifle cleaning kit. 

Its a transportation corps armband 

15 minutes ago, 268th C.A. said:

Thats a German 98K rifle cleaning kit. 

Yup. https://www.ebay.com/itm/267228808595

1 hour ago, 3338thqmtruckco said:

My friend found his grandfather's uniform and has been trying to figure out his grandfather's service history, I was told his grandfather didn't talk about the war, but we know he was in the 13th corps but has a 4th tank battalion crest and as far as I know the 4th tank battalion never was assigned to the 13th corps, and he's also been trying to figure out why he has a calvary collar pin, I'm just posting for more information on anything, his name was Francis R Tracy and served from 44 to 46

 

4th Tank Battalion, 1st Armored Division

aka 72nd Constabulary Squadron

 

Try this instead:  Constabulary units in the American Zone as of 1 July 1946

 

10th Constabulary Regiment

Original designation -->> 4th Tank Battalion, 1st Armored Division

Constabulary designation -->> 72nd Constabulary Squadron - Stuttgart

 

• Returning to “B “ Troop, 15th Squadron, Captain Dennison informed me that he would be returning to the states in a few months and that I would take over the troop. On 19 June 1947, I assumed command of the troop. The problems were the same but things were getting better. The men had improved their training. Esprit de Corps was more evident and morale was higher. Discipline was much better.
• In August 1947, there was more reorganization throughout the Constabulary. The 15th Squadron was put in a sleep status and our personnel was scattered in the reassignment of units. My next assignment was as a platoon leader in “B “ Troop, 72nd Constabulary Squadron in Boblingen outside of Stuttgart, Germany. We had a full complement of officers, all 1st Lieutenants. Colonel Holt, former Constabulary School Commandant, was our new commander of the 15th Constabulary Regiment.      

Source:  CONSTABULARY CONSTABLES BY JIM DOLLAR, Lt. Col., USA (Ret.)

3 minutes ago, Salvage Sailor said:

My friend told me he stayed in England after the German surrender and was at 14th major port part of the organized reserve corps

 

 

1 hour ago, 3338thqmtruckco said:

 

 

 

and...

 

Staff Sergeant Donald E. Rey
U.S. Army
Holt, Michigan

 

Donald E. Rey enlisted in the U.S. Army on October 20, 1942, at Fort Custer, Michigan. After completing basic training, he was shipped to northern Ireland for amphibious training. On D-Day he landed with the 8th Infantry Division on Normandy Beach. After moving inland, he was captured by the Germans on July 4, 1944, near the Cherbourg Peninsula. He remained a P.O.W. until liberated 10 months later. Don reenlisted in the Army on April 4, 1946, and returned to Germany to serve with the 72nd Constabulary Squadron in Boblingen. The United States Constabulary was formed in 1946 as a law enforcement agency to curb anticipated chaos, criminal activities, and localized insurrections in the U.S. Zone of Germany. The Army created and deployed “The Constabulary” as a organization that combined the attributes of the Horse Cavalry with the striking power and mobility of the early 1940 Mechanized Cavalry. Besides the mission of protecting the infant civil government, they had roving police patrols. They also policed the checkpoints along the borders with the Soviet Union. Major areas of concern were the rounding up of Nazi fugitives and control of the many DPs (Displaced Persons) scattered throughout the country. All criminal, black market, and common crimes were dealt with.

 

Troopers in the Constabulary used jeeps, armored cars (M-8), light tanks, and horses in this mission. The weapons used were the .45 caliber pistol or machine gun, M-1 rifle, carbine, or Thompson submachine gun. The Constabulary was established as a Mechanized Cavalry unit with a troop consisting of 140 men, four troops to a squadron, plus headquarters. With three squadrons to a brigade and three brigades, it had the potential for 36,000 men, but most feel it never reached that. By late 1947 and early 1948 it became apparent that the worst fears of the Americans did not come true, and that Germany, with its new local government, had taken over most of the responsibility, so the Constabulary was slowly phased out. Most units became combat units, but some were deactivated. In late 1952 the Constabulary gave up their colorful uniforms and equipment for good.

Here's a dog tag to a soldier at the 15th Port HQ Trans Corps. From Altoona PA