D-Day Veteran Grouping--U.S. Glider Pilot

[ZacharyB]

Gents,

I recently acquired this grouping from the children of a D-Day veteran who passed away at 93 years old.

The first item in what turned out to be a much more extensive grouping was a nice M-40 helmet that I was offered. I posted it in the helmets forum after picking it up, but subsequent housecleaning by the veteran's family turned up many more items which I purchased over the course of a few days. I added additional pictures to the original thread I started on the Helmet Forum, but wanted to share this who grouping here as I thought some others who don't frequent the Helmet area might appreciate it.

Z

[ZacharyB]

The veteran kept his uniform in good condition and apparently wore it at least up to a few years ago for Memorial Day parades. In his garment bag were a pair of Dockers he'd substituted for his original trousers which were present but a little worse for wear.

[ZacharyB]

This is one of my favorite US uniforms I've ever seen come out of an estate. I know its not particularly rare, but it has a lot of character in my opinion.

[ZacharyB]

Here's the M-40 SD helmet that got the ball rolling on this group. The paint, liner, and everything is original. 99% sure that the big white swastika was added later by the veteran or someone else who played around with this souvenir.

[ZacharyB]

Here are the other items that were found later stored in a garment bag with the uniform.

[ZacharyB]

Nice cased Zimmermann cross and a shame that the paint is all scratched off the front of the otherwise nice L/54 screwback.

[ZacharyB]

A really neat aspect of this group was this book which belonged to the veteran. He'd underlined and marked sections that related to his service. I was very grateful that the son thought to keep it with the group.

[ZacharyB]

Neat addition that brings the collection together.

[ZacharyB]

I can't really understand why the family didn't want to keep a group like this. I paid them a fair price for the items, but they didn't seem to really need the money. Sort of sad in my view after this vet went to such trouble to preserve the relics of his service.

Z

[corporal077]

Amazing group. I will never understand too why some people want get rid of this "part of family history" ? But I see this group its in good hands And will be treated with full respect.

Best regards Zachary

Robert

[Jeff V]

The grouping is in the right hands- yours. Sadly, a lot of these families do not care about their loved ones service and this is the best possible outcome. I believe a lot of the time the stuff ends up in the trash.

[frits00]

Nice grouping!

[Alan Smith]

I strongly echo Jeff's comments: the grouping is very much in the "right" hands - yours, as a dedicated collector who will keep it together and remember the vet's service. So, the vet's history is very much preserved and alive . . . . the fact that his family members are not the custodians of this history is wholly irrelevant.

[Reichsword]

Absolutely, must agree with Alan. Hard to find groupings like this anymore.

[crane34]

I never wonder "why" because there are so many family circumstances that others never know about.

With that said, I am VERY glad it was taken on by someone who you can tell has a true love for a wonderful grouping