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M1860 Staff and Officers sword. This is a very fancy sword as can be seen by the design of the grip and guard. The side plate could be folded in, which made it easier to carry by the Officer.

This particular sword was presented to a company commander (Coy. K) Captain C.R. DaCosta of the 1st Infantry National Guard of New Mexico. The Large document is his commission, dated 1903, as well an endorsement letter from the Governor of New Mexico. The group photo features the Officer standing at the far left with the sword in this group. as well as other photos of him and a few NCO's

One of the US division the Collection focuses on is the 41st US Infantry Division of World War One.

The group featured here came from a soldier, Edward M Wolfe, who served through the Mexican Border Campaign, World War One and then as an Auxiliary Military Police officer. The group includes his Mexican Border Service medal, a Pennsylvania service medal, Certificates of Service with the Military police, identification card from the 41st Division, plus numerous photos from his service at the Mexican Border.

The jacket featured here was worn by Walter “Big Mo” Kiddon, U.S. Marine Corps, Chicago Illinois and was acquired from William Kiddon the son of Walter. His son provided some basic information on his father a little extra research uncovered more. Here is an extract from his World War Two Honoree File. What is incredibly interesting is that this decorated Marine Aviator also flew with the RAF in Europe.

SERVICE DURING WWII

He enlisted in the Marine Corps on January 27, 1942. Following Boot Camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, he went to train with the Air Squadron in Jacksonville Florida where he learned radio, radar, air gunnery and ordnance. In November, 1942 he was sent to the Pacific. The targets were Japanese shipping, and Aerial Combat over the Solomon Islands, and Guadalcanal. He flew in an SBD-3, as a rear gunner in combat against the enemy from December 1942 to April 1943 as a member of MSB-233. He also flew in an SBD-4 as a rear seat gunner in combat from July 1943 to September 1943 as a member of MSB-141. Following his tour in the South Pacific, he was sent to Vero Beach as a member of VFMA-533. He trained and became a trainer with the night fighters. He then was sent to England and flew with the Royal Air Force Squadron 219 Night fighters as a navigator, Radar Operator. He flew in Combat Operations from July 29, 1944 to August 27, 1944 and participated in 29 Operations. He earned Combat Ribbons in both Pacific and European Theatres of Operations. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for combat in the Solomon Islands, and the Air Medal with 4-Stars. He was promoted from Staff Sergeant to Warrant Officer I January 1945. He was discharged from active duty in January 1946. He later joined the Marines Corps Reserves and retired as a CWO-4.

The United States Marine Corps used a very unique pattern of fatigue, or combat uniform, during World War Two. The material used is called Herringbone Twill and features a unique interlocking weave pattern resembling the herringbone and were made in a light olive drab and a camouflage pattern. The U.S. Army also issued Herringbone Twill uniforms although the appearance of the herringbone weave was dramatically different. What is very interesting is that the Camouflage Herringbone twill used in both Marine Corps and U.S Army fatigues was the same material. Apparently, one branch acquired the material from the same supplier as the other…controversy exists as to who acquired and manufactured Camouflage uniforms first.

The Para-Marines (also known as Marine Parachute Troops) was a short-lived specialized combat unit of the United States Marine Corps, trained to parachute into combat just as the Airborne troops of the U.S Army. Marine parachute training which began in New Jersey in October 1940 ended with the parachute units being disbanded at Camp Pendleton, California in February 1944. In order to accommodate the Para-Marines specific needs a unique combat uniform was developed. The most unusual piece was a multi pocketed parachute jump smock made of USMC Olive Green Herringbone Twill. After considerable trials a Camouflage Herringbone twill material was incorporated into the design. A number of variants were produced and issued. In 1943 the Marine Parachute Troop Utilities were developed, which were a much simpler design, though cannot confirmed if used for parachute missions.

The artifact featured here is an unaltered USMC Marine Parachute Troop Utilities, in rather well used condition. It is estimated that between 300 to 5000 of these uniforms were produced, though many were altered to conform with later patterns utilities. Very few survived in an unaltered state as this one has. There was also a specific set of trousers made to pair with the smock, which have not been located for the collection…yet.

The jacket featured here is part of group belonging to an Aerial Gunner who served in the 490th Bomb Squadron, called the Burma Bridge Busters. The Jacket is a Type A-2, manufactured by Bronco Mfg. Co. in New York. This particular jacket was part of a 1943 dated contract W33-038ac 1761, attributed to Bronco Mfg. Co., New York, New York. The contract was for an unknown number of jackets, although it is suspected in excess of 25,00 at a cost of $8.00 per jacket. Interesting in that it is believed this is last U.S. Government contract issued for A-2 jackets in WW2.

The 490^th Bomb Squadron was part of the 341st Bombardment Group, 10th Air Force and was activated 16 Sept. 1942. The Burma Bridge Busters operated throughout India and later in China. The Squadron were instrumental in the development of low-level bombing missions against bridge and troop concentrations. The Squadron flew B-25 “Mitchell” twin engine bombers.

Following the development and issue of the B-15C jacket, which was made in a Royal Blue color, it was determined that the dark blue color was not suitable for combat use. It was discovered that airmen shot down over enemy territory were unable to conceal themselves in the undergrowth of the countryside. This created an extreme hazard for them and according to reports several airmen were captured by enemy forces as a result. The B-15D jacket was introduced which returned to the olive color of previous jacket designs. In addition, the mouton fur collar was also changed to a green color. In the opinion of many this is the most attractive flight jacket ever issued to airmen. It still retained all the characteristic of the original B-15 design.

The jacket featured here was issued to Claire Nauman, Captain, USAF. It appears he served in World War Two as indicated by the photographs of him and his dog-tags. The jacket is adorned with Squadron Patches of the 55th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing (Videmus Omnia) and the 38th Reconnaissance Squadron (Ducimus Ceteri Sequuntur). The 38th (patch approved in 1957) and the 55th (patch approved 1954) flew the Boeing RB-47E Stratojet. Although the 38th flew B-17s and RB-17s after WW2, the transition to jets quickly followed.

In World War Two the 41^st U.S. Infantry Division was comprised of servicemen from across the Pacific Northwest, with other states also represented. The National Guard units of Montana, Washington, Idaho, and Oregon supplied the majority of men for the Division. Fort Lewis Washington was the base where the Division trained and were deployed from to guard the coastlines of Washington and Oregon following the December 7^th, 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. In early 1942 the Division prepared for overseas deployment with two groups being moved. The first were sent to Fort Dix and boarded ship in Brooklyn destined for Melbourne Australia. They were among the first ground troops engaged in offensive combat action. The rest of the Division embarked from San Francisco, landing in Sydney and moving to Melbourne. The division took part in the Pacific Campaign serving in Sanananda, Salamaua, Hollandia, Aitape, Wakde Island, Biak, Palawan, Zamboanga, and finally the occupation of Japan. The division did move to Japan it occupied the island of Honshu for a few months. The 41st Infantry Division was inactivated at Kure-Hiro, Japan on 31 December 1945. The division suffered; Total battle casualties: 4,260, Killed in action: 743, Wounded in action: 3,504, Missing in action: 13. The Division was reformed in Oregon in 1946. In 1965 it was reorganized as the 41st Infantry Brigade. The 41st Infantry Division was inactivated in 1968. The wall hanging featured here is identified to Jack Creamer and was most likely acquired while stationed in the Philippines.

Troops of the American Expeditionary Force in North Russia and Siberia were stationed in the district from June 1918 until April 1920. They joined units from other nations and attempted to establish a peaceful government in the area. In many ways the collective forces of Japanese, American, Italian, French Annamese, Canadian and British were not completely successful in this. During the times that the American Expeditionary Forces was stationed there two newspapers were produced in Archangel Russia and Vladivostok Siberia. The American Sentinel from Archangel had a very limited publication with surviving examples being incredibly rare. The paper, Here and There with the 31^st produced in Vladivostok was larger format, though very limited production. Another paper was produced in Vladivostok named The Echo. It was a English and Russian paper that featured both languages in each edition. These again are incredibly difficult to locate. The papers featured here are examples of The American Sentinel (May 31, 1919), Here and there with the 31^st (June 5, 1919) and The Echo (May 28, 1919)

The original post featured three different newspapers.

In 2017, this page dedicated to the Ghost Squadron Military has shared a variety of military artifacts as well as home-front related pieces and trench art of all types. Over the past several years since the start of the page a huge number of artifacts have been added to the collection. Efforts have been made to ensure there are few duplicates of artifacts, unless they present a dramatic variation in design, construction or manufacturer.

On December 8, 2017 an incredible China, Burma, India theater hand-bag, purse was posted and shared. About a year ago another one of these stunning pieces of artwork surfaced and it piqued my interest. Since I was in direct contact with the grandson of the original 1940’s owner of the company which made this item I felt it important enough to add this artifact to the Museum’s collection. The artifact was made by jeweler in New Delhi India, which happens to still be in business today. It features incredible silver and gold bullion embroidery, which makes it a very attractive piece for a wife or girlfriend. The intriguing aspect of this artifact is that it still retains the original packing box from the jeweler Jagat Narain & Sons, New Delhi, India. It is not addressed to anyone and would have been brought home by a soldier who purchased it directly from the jeweler.

This image is of the shipping box the second CBI Handbag was contained in. The handbag in in immaculate condition and is an exact duplicate for the one featured here.

On December 8, 2017 an incredible China, Burma, India theater hand-bag, purse was posted and shared. About a year ago another one of these stunning pieces of artwork surfaced and it piqued my interest. Since I was in direct contact with the grandson of the original 1940’s owner of the company which made this item I felt it important enough to add this artifact to the Museum’s collection.

The artifact was made by jeweler in New Delhi India, which happens to still be in business today. It features incredible silver and gold bullion embroidery, which makes it a very attractive piece for a wife or girlfriend. The intriguing aspect of this artifact is that it still retains the original packing box from the jeweler Jagat Narain & Sons, New Delhi, India. It is not addressed to anyone and would have been brought home by a soldier who purchased it directly from the jeweler.

Very little is written about this incredibly well made and warm garment also known as the Sheepskin Coat. The design was of an ankle length heavily insulated with a shearling type liner and a heavy canvas outer shell that was virtually impervious wind and extreme cold. Although it is said to have seen WW2 service with the Canadian Army, in actual reports it was rarely used in NW Europe. The coat was simply too heavy for the climate experienced at the time. Due to its very heavy weight it was not well suited to field service and seems to have been used by drivers of transport vehicles, light open cab vehicle operators, for sentry duty, in gun crews and in later times tank crewmen. Originally the British Tropal coat was quite similar though had a different lining and bears some resemblance to the Canadian coat. The coats were regarded as part of unit stores and were issued as required, then returned to the QM afterwards. Apparently, the coats were used in Northern Germany in the 1950’s to 1960’s as a stopgap measure till proper and suitable parkas were available. As a result of all of this, these coats are occasionally found in surplus stores, with most being quite good condition. Rarely are they now found in unissued or unused condition.

The jeep coat featured here is a 1942 dated and maker marked example that has never been issued nor worn. The shearling lining is nearly pure white and also in new condition.

An interesting coat. It is a heavy rubberized material that has the length of a standard great coat. The metal closures are a heavy snap hooks that snap into a thick metal ring. These closures are heavily reinforced with extra layers of rubberized cotton. It has a corduroy falling collar and split up the back of the coat from the bottom edge about 14” high. I recall these being used by the local Fire Department well into the 1990’s. While an employee of the municipality I used a virtual identical coat during a severe rain storm that hit our city. The coat featured here is made in 1942 by the Kaufman Rubber Company, which was based in Kitchener Ontario from 1908 till 1979 when it became the Kaufman Footwear Co., which shut down in 2000. It is interesting to note that Kaufman Rubber Company was known for making footwear and this is an example of other gear they made. The “C” Broad Arrow Mark in consistent with Canadian Army Issue, although there is little in the way of corroborating photographic or written evidence online, to support its use in the World War Two Canadian Army.

The Pack, Jungle was a large backpack designed primarily for use in the South Pacific jungles that the U.S. Army and U.S. Marines were operating in. The pack was large enough to carry a substantial load that included a multitude of articles of clothing, rations, hammock and other equipment. The requirements for a pack system to be used in the Pacific Theater jungle terrain varied dramatically from the needs of the European Theater of operations.

The Jungle Pack consisted of a rain-proof pouch attached to webbing straps, similar to the straps used with the U.S. Army Haversack, M-1928. It closed at the top with a cord and was covered with a rain-proof flap. On top of the flap was a small zipper-opening pouch for canteen, medical kit, and other small articles. The main compartment was intended, as aforementioned, for carrying the jungle hammock, rations and spare clothing. Separate waterproof bags kept the contents dry and aided in buoyancy when swimming. Other straps on the outside provided for attachment of a blanket roll or poncho while grommet tabs were provided for an intrenching tool or bayonet.

On the top of the smaller pouch there were webbing loops for holding grass and leaves for camouflage purposes.

The Jungle pack was assigned the stock number 74-P-15 and was in production from 1942 through 1944 and was made by at least 12 manufacturers as reported on collecting websites. The Camouflage pack feature here was made in 1943 by the Johansen Bros. Shoe. Co. Inc. from St. Louis Missouri.

Possibly the rarest of all the U. S. Air Force nylon flying jackets, the Type L-2 Light Zone Flight Jacket specification dates back to 1945, with production spanning the years 1947- 1949. The lightweight construction, comfortable non-bulky warmth and natural good looks made this style an instant success with aircrew at bases around the world. It was intended for wear in climates between 42 degrees and 65 degrees Fahrenheit, thus ideally suited for spring, summer and fall. The L-2 Flight Jacket was superseded by the newer L-2A Flight Jacket specification (made in U.S. Air Force blue) in 1950-52. Both the L-2 Flight Jacket and L-2A Flight Jacket saw action in history’s first jet-on-jet air battles of the Korean War, and although the final variant, the L-2B Flight Jacket, entered service well before the Viet Nam War, it was not uncommon to find an old veteran still wearing his L-2 Flying Jacket into the 1960s. Throughout its evolution, the L-2 Flight Jacket remained a favorite amongst airmen and anyone who could get their hands on one.

The jacket featured here is identified to a Captain Brooks who apparently retired as a Lt-Col. in the 1970’s. The most interesting thing about this coat if the F-104 Starfighter patch. Cannot confirm if Capt. Brooks was a pilot.