W McSwiggan

Many officers procure uniforms from other than official sources. If the uniforms meet specification there is absolutely nothing to be said. Buying oversees can be a significant cost advantage to the buyer especially if currently assigned to that area. Uniforms that do not meet specification are often purchased as well and worn at other than "formations". The higher the rank the greater the impunity - not many around who can call out a major general. Finally - in the Army at least - generals are authorized to design their own uniforms (in their spare time....) hence negating almost all objections that could be made.I've seen many examples or embroidered insignia applied directly to uniforms so that does not ring any alarms for me. The direct answer to your question - looks a bit cheesy and the fading suggests "custom" made. Doesn't mean it's a fake - just suggests a source other than the PX.

Tried before - trying again. 2 stories - one answering earlier question. Brand new pilot to our unit at Bien Hoa flying front seat of a Cobra. Easy mission - last light visual recce intended to assure no bad guys sneaking into wire. At end of mission - while calling in for landing over check point - single 51 cal round entered the cockpit area passing through armor plate - slamming into his butt and exiting other side - all without breaking skin. Purple Heart apparently for mental anguish... took several months to calm him down - just in time to be shot down by SA7. He was fine after a harrowing landing but promptly turned in his wings!!! Other - cook in mess hall got egg shell in eye. (Where'd he find fresh eggs?) After breakfast - went on sick call where medic wrote up treatment tag as "removed shell fragment from eye" - yup - Purple Heart!

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I can attest to the scrupulous conduct of those involved in this sad activity. A tremendous amount of work has gone into this with no personal gain to the workers. Distributions are per Rick's intentions, his mother's instructions and where not specifically directed - to maximize financial benefit to Mrs. Lundstrom. To those who have done the work goes thanks not criticism.

Hi - the aircraft is a Martin B26 Marauder not a B24 Liberator. As to specific information beyond aircraft type - I have none.

That is not a US Army jacket. It is US Marine Corps and I can not testify to vintage.

Personally - I would want paper not "e". Trying to complete shelf collection.

I too would buy a reprint. If the quality is comparable to the original - binding, etc. 60- 80 USD seems fair - if improved with either new information, color or binding other than paper more would seem appropriate.

One correction (I think) - he was not awarded the PlM. None of my references indicate he had that award including http://www.pourlemerite.org/ - the pictures suggest the Johanniter at the throat.

I rather doubt that the worthiness of the war will impact on receipt or retention of any awards. These awards as are all (intended at least) a function of verifiable heroic action of the highest nature. If there are insufficient witnesses or dishonorable service on the part of a soldier, the award will not be made. I feel that belated recognition is better than no recognition. Racial prejudice was and to a degree remains a social issue that has also infected our military - that said - the US military has been historically in the vanguard of correcting these issues to include desegregation. My personal experience suggests that there will always be discrepancies in the awards and decorations system - often a matter where the injustice is more a function of rank than race or creed. Name a human "system" that is perfect if you can. We try and we correct where we fail. I see no dishonor in that.

Can't answer your "how many" question but I'm pretty sure Gabreski had one.

Please note - Oberscharfuhrer was an enlisted rank. The article and one photo show him as an Oberfuhrer (senior colonel) and I think one photo shows him wearing insignia of a Brigadefuhrer (Generalmajor).

The only thing truly bogus in #1 is the Legion of Merit in higher position than the Silver Star. GCM is no problem - even a West Pointer with some prior enlisted time (regardless of how short) could be awarded one at end of enlisted service - becoming a cadet. Also - prior to Dessert Storm - OLC on the NDSM was proper designation of second award.

My understanding is that - in real time (During the Empire) - the citizens of both Bavaria and Saxony were authorized to do just that - give honor of place to their respective kingdoms. Now - it would be interesting to speculate on a Saxon citizen assigned to a Prussian unit. Some how - I suspect that even if he could, he would not follow that that precedence...

What a find! Thank you for sharing. Link on way to many aviator buddies!