Getting into re-enacting...

[GIZMO8Z]

Here are my chemical warfare/ gas protection items. Everything is authentic except for the assault bag. The mask used is a post war M9A1 that I need to paint black. Unfortunately, authentic assault gas mask bags and M5 gas masks are heavily associated with DDay and are quite expensive. The M9A1 is not an exact match, but once painted black it'll be better than nothing...


Here is an identification booklet that I'm putting together for my stateside unit. I'm just waiting on a typewriter to fill it out and for my unit commander to sign it.

[GIZMO8Z]

Speaking of DDay, I also acquired an authentic pneumatic life belt. This is another item that is heavily associated with the invasion of Europe and as such can sell for crazy money. The one I acquired is in mint condition (still inflates!) and sold for much less than I expected. The catch...? It's dated post DDay. Inversely, one dated predated and in much worse condition sold for double what mine went for...

[GIZMO8Z]

Finally, I'm not sure if I mentioned it in this thread, but I joined a unit based out of the FDR Birthplace and Presidential Mansion National Historic Site in Hyde Park, NY.

We represent the 240th Military Police Battalion, a unit that was assigned the task of protecting FDR, his family and property.

Here are photos from some of our past events:

[GIZMO8Z]

Forgot to share this photo! We had a Halloween event at the university I work for... Couldn't resist dressing up! Plus, I found my twin lol

[James C]

thanks for the updates joe your kit is superb

[GIZMO8Z]

On the last weekend of this month I'll be attending a reenactment of The Battle of the Bulge at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania. The size and scope of this event inspired me to put together a late war USGI impression.

The first step was acquiring a pair reproduction M43 double buckle boots and dubbing (waterproofing) and polishing them.... I used the power of the sun.


Here is a photo comparing my boots to originals.


Here is a photo of my impression for the FIG Bulge event. I'm wearing an M43 jacket, 5 button sweater, original Red Cross scarf, leather palm gloves. For a bit of snow camouflage, I cut an old muslin table cloth to fit over my M1.

[Adrian Stevenson]

Looking good Joe!

[GIZMO8Z]

Thank you, Ade!

I'm doing my best to be as authentic as possible. I have even adopted a new diet and have lost 20lbs since late November.

I would greatly appreciate any constructive criticism!!

[AZPhil]

Looks good Joe. Congrats on the 20lbs drop. Keep it up!!!!!
Just a thought on your set up. Maybe throw a couple of M1 Garand enbloc bandoliers over the other shoulder. Also do you plan on wearing a bayonet?

Semper Fi
Phil

[big ned]

Did he mistake the heat gun for the telephone....???