435th Bombardment Squadron (H) sometimes referred to as the “Kangaroo Squadron”    

Nice find...congrats

I think this might have just been a casting or plating blemish that was smoothed out. 

It’s definitely a solid bottom. The base has remnants of glue or some other substance on it. 

Aloha Celia and welcome to the forum,   You'll find the answers to your questions here -->> Philippine Made Belt Buckles   - and if you don't, just ask our collectors (and Philippine makers) on that forum.  It would be helpful if you would also post a photograph of the reverse of the buckle.   Really nice belt buckle and I'm certain it's priceless to you as a family keepsake.  

I’m sure it was hand made by a local in the P.I. You may find a similar one but never the exact same one. 

Dave, you're right, I transposed it.    I was going from memory and later yesterday after I wrote that here,  I checked K.T.'s  bio and saw my mix-up.    And that is ONE COOL personal story that you knew  K.T.'s son-in-law  from the service, and also her daughter, and are friends to this day.   Thanks for sharing,  and BTW,  California misses you since you bailed!   Best regards,

22 years for me and and agree with you. Lot's of "locally approved" stuff goes on. I wonder if the using it up until exhausted policy was in effect.

Hi. I found this in my father's estate. He joined the USN in 1945 at the age of 17. I try searching the internet for any info on this specific buckle but I couldn't find anything that looked the same. Any insight would be gratefully appreciated. Thanks, Celia 

Love the history behind your PH! Congrats!   Kurt