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  • Sock Puppet

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    So, I've had this for a while, but realized someone on this forum may be able to help.

    My grandfather was assigned to the 36th ID in the ETO during WWII. I found what looks like a scarf in a bunch of his stuff that had been set aside for me after my mom passed. It's approximately 4 feet long by 2 feet wide and is sand colored. I know the "T" in the arrowhead is the 36th ID insignia. Above that appears to be "H2", but it could mean something else.

    I was wondering if anyone had an idea what it was used for, or what the symbols meant.

    Thanks!
    Hurley's Gold
     

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    majormadmax

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    I wonder if the 'A2' meant anti-aircraft artillery (normally designated 'AAA')? They wore silk scarves according to this article...

    http://www.texasmilitaryforcesmuseum.org/36division/archives/443/44320.htm

    Throughout the desert campaigns 443rd men endured many evening sandstorms when the fine sand and grit sifted into eyes, nose, food and clothing, and sand clouds were churned up during all vehicle movements. Gun crews had to constantly clean and grease the 37 mm guns, the .50 cal. machine guns and small arms. Parachute silk was cut and used as neck scarves to try to keep the sand out of clothing.
     

    BRD@66

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    As the son of a 36th div, 142nd regiment infantryman, what I first saw in the stylized initials was 142. But I don't really believe that's what it is.
     

    Sock Puppet

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    As I am sure you know, Divisions are made up of many different types of units. Do you know what kind of unit he was in (armor, artillery, infantry, etc.)? My guess is that it has something to do with his particular unit (company, battalion, brigade, etc.)

    I sure don't. I want to say he was in an MP unit, but I don't remember where I heard that. I know his civilian occupation as a county engineer. I may do a FOIA request for his records.

    I could be an 'A2,' which these days means the intel directorate.

    Isn't that a modern nomenclature? I know the Air Force uses that designation for their intel, but I don't think the Army did during WWII. Wouldn't they have used G2/S2?
     

    Sock Puppet

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    But try contacting the Texas Military Force Museum at Camp Mabry, if anyone would know or be able to figure it out, it would be them. They also have a Facebook page.

    I did contact them through FB. They are going to look into it for me. I may even end up with more info on his service.


    Awesome! I did find him! Not to figure out what the scarf means...
     

    Bozz10mm

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    It could mean A battery, 2nd Battalion, 133 FA.

    But if I look at it another way, I can see 142, which would be the 142nd Inf Regiment
     

    Sock Puppet

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    It could mean A battery, 2nd Battalion, 133 FA.

    But if I look at it another way, I can see 142, which would be the 142nd Inf Regiment

    I see and understand both of those. I found his name under the MP platoon, though. Curiouser and curioser...
     

    Sock Puppet

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    It probably doesn't need to be said, but still please let us know what you find out!

    They contacted me today. Apparently, he served with Company E, 143rd Infantry Regiment from December 6, 1944, to Jan. 10, 1945. At that point, he was transferred to the 143rd Military Police Platoon and served with them through the end of the war and the occupation.

    They didn't have any more info about what the character above the T-patch might mean, but they were going to dig a little more.
     
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