Thanks for replying. I meant the DI comment in a sarcastic way smile.gif I've collected WW2 memorbillia for almost 30 years, and never had a situation like this come up. But I'm also wise enough to know that there have been lots of stranger things to occur in how the Army badged itself. So, here are some visual aids I have to share.
Gotcha! Oh well, at least it will help others understand. Better for me to take it literally and pass along the info for the sake of educating others.
Oh trust me I DO feel your frustration. Can't even count the number of times I came across conflicting data, or just couldn't figure out what the hell was going on.
After talking with one of the historians from the Army Corps of Engineers Office of History, you find out things like; people do make reproductions and number one - they may not always be accurate. And number two; sometimes they just plain get everything screwed up. Not exactly how it was worded but... So our job as historians is to filter out the bad and the good. As you've found out too; not always an easy job!
OH, I almost forgot the kicker...... In the whole of the 393rd book, and all other photographs, I don't have a single solitary image with a GI wearing one. I have group photos of the whole Regiment, man after man in Class A's(including my very proud buck sergeant of a grandad) and not a single swinging **** has one.
Ah, now that's an easy one I can address - Many of the engineer units didn't have an DUI until many years after the war. So that would explain why no one is wearing one in any of the photos; they simply didn't exist!
Sure am glad you posted more on this topic. Love stuff like this. Didn't get a chance to look at all the links right now, but will later. Have to start dinner soon, and have to go move the sprinkler for my flower and vege gardens. It's damn hot out there!
Till later,
M1
Proud Daughter of Walter (Monday) Poniedzialek
540th Engineer Combat Regiment, 2833rd Bn, H&S Co, 4th Platoon
There's "No Bridge Too Far"