Named Groupings

[Cassidy]

Here is a named grouping that I can vouch for as 100% authentic. Yes, this was my Dads Uniform.

SGT Francis C. Cassidy Jr. (Frank)
SN 11050770
U.S. Paratrooper Uniform
Born 25 Feb 1916, entered service on 14 Feb 1942. Graduated Jump School on 5 Feb 1944. Assigned to 139th Airborne Engineers, 17th Airborne Division. Participated in Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe Campaigns. Also participated in operation Varsity and was the first American soldier in the German City of Essen. (See Unit the 139th History) Complete Uniform as issued to him includes, M42 Jump Jacket, Wings, Pants, Cap, undershirt, dog tags, camouflage parachute scarf . (Note the captured flag and other items that he brought back) To think that we used to wear this stuff around and play with it. However, I did save everything. I had his sterling issue wings pinned on me when I graduated Jump School in 1981. One of the coolest things that he had were JR Gaunt Brit made wings. He thought that they were junk! Now, look at what a real set brings! Note his Jump School Graduation Certificate on the wall.

[Cassidy]

Here is my Dads uniform before he joined the Paratroops!


SGT Francis C. Cassidy Jr. (Frank)
SN 11050770
Artic Uniform

Born 25 Feb 1916, entered the service on 14 Feb 1942. 20 August 1942 to 20 Dec 1943 served with the 331st Engineers in Canada/Alaska working construction of runways and other construction associated with the Alaskan Highway effort. The arctic jacket, the fur cap, M43 goggles, the arctic Socks and mukluk boots were issued to him at the time. The Sheath knife was presented by one of his men and is made out of a broken bulldozer blade and Caribou antler. From Alaska he volunteered for Paratroops.

[blitzkrieg gsd]

Nice thanks for showing us rite now i am trying to put one together for my grandfather and his twin brother who was kia on d-day. I wish i would of keep better track of things they got sent around to other family members after my paps death without me knowing of course. So i love what you put together show all the kids what a real Hero sported.

[Cassidy]

Originally Posted by blitzkrieg gsd

Nice thanks for showing us rite now i am trying to put one together for my grandfather and his twin brother who was kia on d-day. I wish i would of keep better track of things they got sent around to other family members after my paps death without me knowing of course. So i love what you put together show all the kids what a real Hero sported.

Thanks, Wow D-Day KIA. A friend just gave me his Dad's Uniform, 116th 29th ID, WIA D-Day. I will post photos later.

Here is the second uniform that I obtained directly from the original owner.

Leutnant Helmut Mohr
Panzer Grenadier Battalion 115, PZ Gren. Division 15.

I obtained the complete German Panzer Officer uniform (cap to boots) from former Leutnant Mohr in 1997 when I was stationed in Germany. He was born, 10 August 1924 and entered service on 16 Feb, 1943. He was promoted to Leutnant on 1 August 1944. He served in Italy, near Monte Cassino, Salerno and then on the Western Front. He was severely wounded in the lung in the spring of 1945.

[Cassidy]

Two photos from before he was promoted to LT.

He told me that he lost some expensive privately purchased dress uniforms when the allies bombed Darmstadt. He said that the loss was not compensated for.

He had three brothers and remembered distinctly the invasion of Poland being announced on the radio. His dad yelled up the stairs. "Hitler the Arsch, just invaded Poland; you are all going to be soldiers!"

He had some fascinating stories about the fighting in Italy.

[Cassidy]

Captain Theodore A. Wilson
17th Airborne Division, 681 GFAB
ARMY SERIAL NUMBER 20908763 (Enlisted)

Here is a copy of his Death Notice and a photo of the Jump Jacket worn by Captain Wilson. Same Division as my Dad, I wonder if they ever met?

He was born December 16, 1917. Grass Range Montana. Enlisted on 3 March 1941 in Yuba City California. Originally from Grass Range Montana. Deceased 6 March 2006, Commissioned as a U.S. Army Artillery Officer. His obituary notice states that he first served in the Pacific as an Anti-Submarine and Anti-Air Craft Gunner on a Merchant Marine Vessel. He was a Battle of the Bulge Veteran and served with the 17th Airborne Division. His name is listed in the 17th Airborne History. His photo is in the earlier produced 17ht Airborne photo album.

I need to get to NARA to do more research. There is evidently more info on him in NARA BOX NUMBER , 0366 , FILM REEL NUMBER 3.87#

P.S. Unfortunately, the 17th ABN is under-rated. Operation Varsity had a press black out. I suspect that Market Garden may have contributed to this? It was also eclipsed due to the Remagen Bridge head. The 17 needs a book and a movie.

[jacquesf]

Cassidy, great thread and the right way to collect imo. Amazing personal history that is in your collection. Jacques

[rexmundi]

Very nice collection !

[PerMilitaria]

Outstanding collection!

Thanks for sharing!