Looks great!

I was researching a different helmet subject when I went down this rabbit hole- I recently noticed that when comparing original recovered M2 helmets from Normandy, helmets identified to troopers of the 507th PIR have a higher concentration of repaired D loops.    The 507th modifications are also somewhat different and eclectic when compared to a unit  that left the states earlier.   Some well known 507th examples, now residing in museums in France, use grenade pins or squared loops with heavy brass brazing to replace the broken loops. Like below: There are many other repair variations on 507th helmet that I have seen, but I wanted to show the most well known ones.   Additionally, 507th helmets have been recovered in France that were repaired from April to December 1943 with mess kit loops. These repairs were carried out by the Camp Mackall quartermaster. Here is an example of this repair type below: This would mean that the 507th made their very first combat jump with repaired helmets. Many M2 helmets were repaired before they even saw combat due to their well known D loop design flaw.    I believe part of the reason we see such a high concentration of repaired helmets with the 507th is due to how late they left the states (Dec 1943). The helmets they received were likely originally damaged, collected by airborne command, rigger repaired, and then reissued out to the 507th as they were building up for their move overseas.   of course, I am sure they used helmets with factory D loops, and they are also documented using regular fixed loops in Normandy. I just found the number of repaired helmets and all the variation to the repairs of the 507th to be very interesting. some helmets that show these interesting modifications are ones identified to John Pakov, Thomas Vaughn and Clarence McGlothren. All are men of the 507th. I just thought I would share what I have been researching and discovering. 

Thank you. Where can I find that topic of discussion?

sorry for the delay.  I am away from my computer most of the day.  Here are a couple of pics of the back.  Wing is pretty large.  I would guess about 3.75 inches.

The way the eagle faces and certain blade markings. There is a topic on the forum with details on USN swords  

I recently bought a US Navy officers ceremonial sword that looks pre-World War II era. Is there a way to identify a date range for when it was made?

Were there CWO pilots, Flight Officer was a WOJG wearing blue pickles,  only WOJG & CWO with ground ratings wore brown enamel pins in the USAAF. The F.O. wore the winged propeller & wings & the ground rates wore the WO eagle. So they would not have worn ultramarine & golden yellow at all because they wore the uniform of an Officer. The colored braids were for enlisted only. A WOJG made $150 monthly base pay the same as a Lt. & CWO made more than a 1Lt but less than a Capt. @ $175 a month. There weren't any CWO as a political as far as I have researched. I have seen two CWO in blue enamel so it could have been a unofficial title & insignia or a mfg error. WOJG and CWO wore garrison caps piped in silver and black. 

Hi guys. Restoration completed after a good wash of white uniform. This jacket with Full Medal. The others i will complete with ribbons.  I am very happy with the result.    Matteo

That's really great work!  Thanks for sharing this!