Help Identifying Bayonet

Hello. I have a bayonet that was given to my father from his best friend who served in the war. His friend passed many years ago so we haven't been able to find out the history behind these markings, but I'm really hoping someone here will recongnize them and be able to help us with the identification.

The full length of the bayonet, outside of the sheath, is 20 1/4" long

The UC UOS 1942 seems to indicate:
UoS stands for "US Ordinance Department"
UC stands for "Utica Cutlery Corp" - this is where it was made (Utica, NY) (thank you to the fellow poster that I found on this forum - George Patton - http://www.ww2f.com/topic/34828-need-some-help-on-identifying-bayonet/)

What we're most interested in is the inscription or character that appears on the opposite side of the blade (picture #2 attached). It looks to be of Southeast Asian origination to us, but we haven't been able to match it to anything.

Any help that could be offered is more than appreciated, and will help us put an age old mystery to rest.

Thank you!

 

Hello , you have a first model Garrand blade made by Utica in 1942. Utica made 15 % of this model (so circa 225.000 bayonnets) .

This is long model derived from the 1905 model. Later models are shorter.

other models and similar Utica one here:

http://www.passionmilitaria.com/t22716-les-baionnettes-garand

The symbol on the other side is the ordornance corps one ( accepted after quality control )

 

Wow, thank you so much for your help and quick response. I can't wait to tell my Dad, thanks again!

 

Glad I could help

 

"UoS"? That is not a "o". What you are looking at is the letters U and S with the representation of an ignited 18th Century grenade between them. That symbol, known as a "shell and flame" but is neither a bomb nor shell, but a grenade, is the branch insignia of the US Army's Ordnance Corps (note spelling, an ordinance, on the other hand, is usually how one refers to a public law at the local/municipal level).

http://www.goordnance.army.mil/history/shell_flame.html

 

I confirm. The grenade symbol was/is usually a reference for infantry in many armies . It is/was also used by other armies, such as the French on their Adrian helmets or on collar tabs.

 

Awesome. It's really easy for an untrained eye like my own to so easily look over that. Thank you for your help!