I'm hopeing that perhaps some one here may know of my father in law Wille Howard who came from Kentucky.
Can you give us some more information to work with? Something like 16 million Americans served in WW2, so just a name alone would be almost to impossible to work any sort of magic with. 1. What branch did he serve in? 2. Do you know if he was NG or Active Component? 3. Do you have his serial number? 4. Do you have any documents you could make available to us?
I guess he didn't serve in the US Army after I was unable to find his record via ADD through the National Archives website.
Thanks for your tips. He was a private in the army in the 158th. He mentioned that his group spent time guarding the comand post, so I suppose he was in 2/158. I'm also trying to find the kind of combat uniform he wore ie camoflage vs a solid color. He described a trench knife that was a cross between a brass knuckle and a bayonet, does anyone know it's name?
If he said he wore a camouflage uniform, then most likely he was a Marine. Here is an example of the pattern the USMC used. There are currently three different color variants, but have the same pattern configuration. Unfortunately, I have no idea how to find out information on Marines. But I have no doubt one of the many pros that frequent this forum will help you out.
You are mistaken. The 158th was a Regimental Combat Team of the U.S. Army, which served with distinction in the Luzon Campaign. http://bushmaster.vibobgen.com/index.htm Dave
Hmm. I just heard the words "camouflaged" and just assumed it was the USMC, since they were known for that distinctive camo. pattern you seem them wear. So I guess they wore some type of camo?