Where did they keep uniforms and medals??

[Walt's Daughter]

Russ sent this to me:

 

To begin with the question is not in keeping with the situation. Decorations on the front, if given by ranking visitors, were made to the individual in whatever uniform he was fighting in. Dress uniforms didn't exist except maybe in forgotten duffle bags or bed rolls which were left with the kitchen and supply trains, and more than likely lost if the unit was on the lines for any long time. After that, you sent the medals home at the first opportunity. I had an award made by General Bradley-pinned onto my shade 33 woolen uniform which I lived in, fought in, slept in, stunk in.....in theory I was supposed to wear the medal for the remainder of that day but actually I took it off when Bradley departed, or rahter when they proviided us transportation from Regimental headquarters back to ours. I got the local red cross field director for the regiment to box and send my medal home because he had the time and opportunity. There may have been situations on or after the cease fire in the spring of 45 where there were parades and reviews and formal presentations, but the uniforms at best, were the result of a qm laundry unit visit...showers and clean, not necessarily new or well fitting, clothes. Good question........brings back memories. Russ Weiskircher