I've always wondered about that, too. My Dad brought home some souvenirs and I presumed he had a few items all during the time he was in Italy. I know he had the German camera with him from May 1944, as he sent home photos he had taken. Later, I learned that he didn't pick up the helmet and 2 pistols until the last day of the war.
Also, I guess being in an Artillery unit was a big advantage: i.e., he had heavy trucks and command cars to store away objects. I read a journal of a cook who hide special treats in his truck.
The awarding of Medal Ribbons was done in lieu of the presentation ofthe actual medal in our ETO area.
I knew this was the case for most awards, especially the Campaign ribbons. But there was the occassional lucky chap who was called out in front of a General to get his medal pinned. Of course, that medal was probably not engraved with his name as officially awarded ones were.
I'm still puzzled about where they kept their Class A. I'm sure there was a duffle bag somewhere but how did they keep up with it?? I thought it was mandantory to be decked out when going on Leave to Rome or such places or the MP's would fine you and haul you back to camp. That is why the MP's were hated by the average GI---they required too much spit & polish when all the GI wanted to do was to get away from the Army life for a few hours.
Steve
GI's of the 5th Army wearing IKE jackets and getting their boots polished while on leave at Monte Cantini Rest Area near Florence.
(Note; GI wear patches, ribbons and CIBs.)
