WW2 American Field Service officer uniform

[Scott Banaszynski]

Just wanted to show another American Field Service uniform in my collection. This one was obtained from Bay State Militaria and belonged to Lieutenant Louis Gerard Paine of ME-26. Lt. Paine later oversaw the operation of the AFS Club in Naples which was utilized as a transit point for those heading to or returning from their units as well as for R & R. Shown here is Lt. Paine's khaki bush jacket displaying the American Field Service patch and AFS shoulder insignia as well as sterling AFS collar insignia. His British made cap bears a sterling AFS cap badge and his initials LGP.

[SteveR]

Rare items indeed.

[Scott Banaszynski]

Thank you. The AFS were an interesting group. Early in WW2 they offered their services to the French and after that to the British. As in WW1, many were wealthy and from prominent families and graduates of Harvard, Yale and other Ivy League universities. They were later joined by conscientious objectors and many 4F's who were rejected from military service in the US military but who wanted to serve.

[MAP]

Very nice and interesting service.

I have a WW1 Adrian AFS helmet.

[Scott Banaszynski]

Thank you. I would love to see a picture of that AFS Adrian helmet sometime.

[MAP]

Here it is.

US Field Service Adrian Helmet WWI

[Scott Banaszynski]

Awesome helmet and a fascinating and informative thread. Thanks for sharing.

[MAP]

Thanks. Glad you found it helpful

[War Collector]

That is an awesome AFS uniform! A rare find!


- War Collector

[Scott Banaszynski]

Thank you. Rather than continuing to accumulate items with no specific focus, I am trying (with some difficulty) to specialize, reduce and consolidate my collection. The American Field Service is one of those areas I have chosen to concentrate on.
Regards, Scott