If FrankT is still watching this thread hereare a couple of books for his buttons The first one shows images the second just describes the various makers and styles  

Hopwood never eared the Bronze Star. His highest American award up until his retirement was the Legion of Merit with V and Gold Star for a second award. Kinda crazy he made full Admiral and was never awarded more then one Navy Distinguished Service Medal. 

Here's another picture of Admiral Herbert G Hopwood. This picture is of him being awarded the Philippine legion of honor on July 29th 1960. Hopwoods highest award is the Navy Distinguished Service Medal witch was awarded to him upon his retirement from the Navy in September 1960. However in this particular picture his highest American awarded is the Legion of Merit with V and Gold Star.

I think when you look at how well the conical hat was executed on the Korean figure, it is completely inconsistent with the horrible execution and fit of item on the skunk's head. I don't think it's a cap. The red dot at the end of the skunk's nose is another curious detail. I think there are some deeper meanings in these details. I'm hoping someone from the 8th Security Forces, who was there, might see this and shed some light...

Owen Thornton you still around?

I remember reading the same thing Dave T posted, patent granted February 45. 

UNITED STATES US MII Diaphragm  US M1A2-IVAI-IXAI US M1A1 Gasmask US M2A1 Gasmask US M2A2-IVAI-IXAI US M3 Diaphragm mask US Navy MK III US Navy MK IV US Army Class B Gray Optical gasmask US Navy MK V x2 US Army M2-10A1-6 Optical mask x3 US CDV-800 civilian (E51R15-11-22-R1) gasmask US CDV-805 US CDV-800 US M9A1 X4 US ABC M15 Compressed Air Breathing Apparatus US M13 Hospital protector  US M13A1 Hospital Protector US M14 Tank Crew Respirator US M14A1 Tank Crew Respirator US M142 Tank Crew Respirator x2 US M24 Aircraft Respirator US M25 Tank Crew Respirator US M25A1 Tank Crew Respirator x4 US M17 US M17A1  US M17A2 US XM28E4 Gasmask US MBU 13/P US MBU 19/P US M42 US M42A1 US M42A2 US M48 Gasmask US M45 Gasmask x3 US MCU 2/P x6 MSA, SCOTT GERMANY GM30 GM38 M65 M2000 BRITISH GSRe Poland RSC French Battery Acid Hood   This list will be updated whenever I can

Hello all,   Fresh in from Mr. Hardy. Will post more later in a thread. This vet was in RVN from 1969-1971 and was CCS 2nd Exploitation Co (listed also in Recon Co in Col. Lindsey’s book). He then went to Recon Co in CCN in June 1970 with RT Idaho as the 1-1. Around September, he was sent to RT Alaska.    Graduated 1-0 school in June 1969 and is one of about a dozen SOG men to go to sniper school in-country. Everything comes with documentation, and photos of the vet holding each item. The Tiger stripe headband is phenomenal and there are photos of him wearing it overseas.   He later joined the 1st Commandos of the Rhodesian Light Infantry and then the 32nd Battalion Commandoes of the South African Defense Forces.

Here are photographs of both Navy and Army silver stars in my collection. In the third photo you can see the difference in thickness.

Hello, I recently picked with what I think is a "CBI" pilot wing.  I personally have never seen this pattern before. Really well made. Lightweight. I assess as Indian made.  Hallmark is "925" with an English style hook.  The 'wing tops' on this wing resemble an eagle profile.  I have several Indian made wings and Pakistani wings in my collection, and I really think these are Indian made.  Any comments and opinions welcome.  cheers!