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Wonder what happened to the sword....
? Funny that was the first thing I noticed.Quote:
Originally Posted by WarPig1976
Does the marine with the sword have two cartridge belts on or am I seeing things?
No, you're right.Quote:
Originally Posted by RudyN
As well as a medic's suspender strap.
Chris
The sword may be full length and just stabbed into the soft dirt.
I wonder were it resides today? Rusted away in place? Displayed on a GIs familly wall? Prehaps worst of all destroyed being used as a machete by some kid in the 50s?Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill Hollinger
My cousin was on Iwo Jima, landing on the first day, he was in a forward position directing aircraft and naval fire, he said he carried Winchester Model 12 shotgun, he later sent back two large Japanese swords. Do not know if the swords came from Iwo Jima or Japan. My father did not want to keep the swords but kept the Type 99 rifles. He gave the swords back to my cousin. Many years later my cousin located a group that attempts to locate the original relatives in Japan who might be related to the sword owners. The swords have to be taken apart and the marking recorded in order to attempt to trace the family if possible. It took sometime, but my cousin was able to return the swords to Japan
"used as a machete by some kid in the 50s?" You must be talking about me... I used the one my father sent home to chop down an apple tree. Yes, it was in the '50s.
Well, you aren't the only one did stuff like that.Quote:
Originally Posted by bob seijas
I am guilty as well traded ? for a USMC Kbar as a kid. I think I chopped down a cherry tree or worse. I feel guilty now. Perhaps that and the vets Fathers /Grandfathers in my neighborhood showing us there
souvenirs is why I try to preserve what I can. I remember swords,flags,pistols rifles and even some of the stories. I feel very fortunate to have grown up where and when I did.
In the early Fifties there were Army/Navy stores everywhere, all sorts of surplus. I remember D-Day flotation devices for 75 cents, we all bought them for swimming. I bought an 81mm mortar shell and a training grenade for $1 each. The grenade was totally authentic, OD in color with yellow paint under the fuse (which had been fired). The body was empty of course and had a hole bored in the bottom.
That's why all WWII surplus stuff is so expensive. We all played with it when we were kids and ruined or lost it.
Wonder if they are setting a charge as is that fuse running around their leg area to perhaps entomb the enemy rather that do the Tunnels and run into a untimely demise, better caution and a bit of explosive than risk it I say.
That's what it looked like to me also. Looks like det cord and if the sword was lying there without scabbard, I wouldn't want to blunder onto an exposed blade. Safest thing is just what they've done. Take it with you when you move back. Looks like the tang took a round also...