WWII Memorabilia

Jim Macomber

[jim macomber]

My wife's father's WWII foot locker was stored in her mother's basement. We've finally opened it and examined the contents. I'm wondering if anyone here could tell us what some of these items are.
Her father was apparently in the Signal Corps (E5 or 6) in France late in the war and there are small booklets on how to behave in France and a few related to Zurich.

What I have been able to gather is that his unit couriered officers and information around in small planes.
The most fascinating item to me is a Signal Corps message book --- but it's not the messages inside. On the back cover is scribbled a message from the back seat to the front or vice versa. It reads "If this damn thing conks out, be prepared to jump. There's no place to land around here."
Presumably it didn't conk out but we don't know.

There's also other items in there. Two German flags, swastikas and all, a red arm band with swastika and something I am really curious about: two t-shirts (wife beater/tank top style) with a very martial/nazi symbol on the front --- an eagle, wings spread carrying a swastika in its talons. Any one know what these are - other than regular underwear. They're quite small in size and would really only fit a child. Hitler youth garb??

Also what I would think was an ammo pouch - three compartments with lettering that is not completely readable "Rad Vorten**** Osnabruck 1937" stamped on the reverse of the middle pouch. Any ideas?

[Chode]

hey Jim, long time no see...

can't say more than has already been said but i AM looking forward to you next book!!!

[GreyFriar]

Here is a link to a WW2 US Army pamphlet that was distributed to US troops in France:

http://www.marshallfoundation.org/library/wp-content/uploads/sites/16/2014/05/112-gripes-about-the-french.pdf

[Delta 21]

I was wondering how they got a twin engine fighter inside a footlocker?

[jmacusa]

Jim here are two toll free numbers you can call about WW2 military memorabilia. I see you live in Florida. This ad appeared in todays New York Post.( I live in NJ) 877-492-9342 or 313-671-8667. Good luck. Again, be careful handling the artifacts. You're dealing with things that are historic, over 70 years old and irreplaceable.

[jim macomber]

That’s it exactly.

[WKUHilltopper]

Sometimes enjoying the studying of history has some value. LOL

[jim macomber]

Okay. I've put up a page with photos of the pieces and a couple of photos I think are interesting. Also comments on what they are or might be.
Not being a prolific poster, will this post go to all? Is there a better way to alert those who were interested and responded to my initial query? Thanks all, again.
The page is at the following link. Just cut and paste if it isn't a link in itself:

http://www.jamesmacomber.com/FtLock.html