2 Attachment(s)
Here is a better photo of carving
Here is a better photo of the carving, I do not have a photo but Novak also carved (not deep) his name on the right side of the stock too.
Here is my opinion: This stock was on a gas trap rifle that was a direct conversion to gas port early in the war, possible around the 1942 time period. RA-P used the early large letters at the start but later reduced the size of the letters. When the rifle and stock were re-issued and sent overseas, the stock was carved by Novak. I really did not notice any other stocks that had evidence of being near a fire like Novak's stock - but anything could have taken place in a combat area. Novak would have had to been at least 18 years old by 1943 which would be a birth date of 1925, nothing later ? All guess work, but none of the Wisconsin Barn Wood stocks were cartouched beyond SA GAW (1944)Attachment 121387Attachment 121388
social security death index
Short List to check, some names will scrub off due to dates - this list should be definitive unless he is still alive
Date Range birth date for G. Novak 1905 - 1927
Date Range birth date for Maryann 1917 - 1934
36 Target Names G Novak in Social Security Death Index in the date Range
George, Glenn, Gerard, Gerald
6 Maryann Novak names in Social Security Death Index in the date range
Target names not found in Social Security Death Index in the date range
Gary Novak
Guy Novak
Grayson Novak
Giovanni Novak
Gavin Novak
Grant Novak
Gideon Novak
Grady Novak
Gage Novak
Gerardo Novak
Grey Novak
Gene Novak
Gabe Novak
Gordie Novak
Greg Novak