Great photo--US GI & M1 Carbine

[browningautorifle]

the M3 knife

Well, we know what that is and that was my first thought...but still only see one in the first pic?

[JimF4M1s (Deceased)]

Enlarging the picture I see one on each of the first three guys. Since we were talking about the carbine I wrongly thought he meant an M3 carbine not an M3 trench knife.

Three pictured, that leaves 2,590,244 others made during that time to find.

[Boonie Stomper]

Thank you gentlemen for your response/ observations. Yes, Charlie Painter 777. My wife's uncle is S. Sgt. Frank Bren and the family seems to know little about him. While researching via the internet, I "found" & purchased "FROM POPLAR TO PAPUA" by Martin Kidston and it has several pages dedicated to the action at Kamti, and Bren is mentioned several times. I also ordered (not received yet) "WITH THE 41ST DIV. IN THE SW PACIFIC..." by Frank Catanzaro. Fascinating history.

Bren was an "old soldier" when he was KIA at 31 yrs old. My father-in law had his flag & medals, and I am trying to find out what happened to them. I am in the process of compiling a notebook with all the maps, pictures, etc that I can find. Thank you Painter 777 for the information that you posted...it is priceless.

I found a map that shows the location of Kamti (straight south of Aitape) and the airstrips were at Tadji.

[Barryeye]

Enlarging the picture I see one on each of the first three guys. Since we were talking about the carbine I wronly thight me meant an M3 carbine not an M3 trench knife.

Three pictured, that leaves 2,590,244 others made during that time to find.

I can understand your confusion, Jim. I apologise, but as first aid pouches had already been mentioned I felt it okay to go slightly off topic. As a fan of the M1 Carbine, M4 bayonet, and the M3 knife I find it very interesting to see any of them in the same picture. To see three is a bonus.

[browningautorifle]

Enlarging the picture I see one on each of the first three guys.

Yes, I see them now.

as first aid pouches had already been mentioned I felt it okay to go slightly off topic.

Unfortunately that happens more than enough here. Not a capital crime I'm told...just happens...

[painter777]

Yes, Charlie Painter 777. My wife's uncle is S. Sgt. Frank Bren and the family seems to know little about him

Try researching the Jungleers Web Site. Might be a chance of finding a still living member who knew him. Or a deceased member who may have wrote about him to a family member, that may contact you.
Could you keep us 'in the know' with any new found information you may come across.
When time allows, I'll snoop around some more.

To Those That Served !

Charlie-Painter777