12th US Army Group/7th US Army Ike Jacket.

[08SMLE48]

Howdy folks,

Acquired this Ike today at a local antique mall. I thought it was too good to pass up. I do have a question though. Why does he wear the 79th ID patch on the lower right sleeve? Also I’m sure it’s a long shot but I wonder if any of the masters of research could pull anything on Mr. Croom? I can see shadows of collar disks and would like to properly replace them for his arm of service.

Any and all opinions welcome. Thanks in advance!

[Rakkasan187]

Very nice Ike Jacket,

The 12th Army Group was the largest Army group that commanded 4 field armies and through 1944-1945 it controlled the majority of US forces on the Western Front. The 12th Army had the 1st, 3rd, 9th and 15th Armies under its control and the 79th Infantry Division was part of the 9th Army at that time. Not uncommon for a Soldier assigned to a larger unit such as the 12 Army Group also show his/her assignment to one of the subordinate units, and in this case, it was the 79th Infantry Division.

Have seen several Ike jackets with this wearing of double insignia on the right sleeve (former wartime service), and the lower sleeve usually had the lower of the two units. (I am not sure if it was ever officially authorized) but when a discharged Soldier was returning home the Army was rather lenient on insignia being worn. It also may be a pride thing, that the Soldier served in the 79th and wanted folks to know it as well.

A quick search on NARA revealed 153 possible hits with the last name of CROOM and I think I found him...

I found a HOLMES CROOM: ASN: 34305605. He enlisted in 1942 at FT Bragg, NC.

Holmes McLean Croom: Born 28 July 1919, Died 7 March 1981.

Date of enlistment 2 June 1942, Date of Discharge 01 November 1945.

There is enough information where you can request his records through NARA.

I would also see if there is anything from the 79th Infantry Division

Here is an image of Mr. Croom from his High School Yearbook.

Smitty

Here is some more DATA:

Name: Holmes M Croom
Race: White
Marital Status: Single, with dependents (Single)
Rank: Private
Birth Year: 1919
Nativity State or Country: North Carolina
Citizenship: Citizen
Residence: Wake, North Carolina
Education: 1 year of college
Civil Occupation: Bookkeepers and cashiers, except bank cashiers
Enlistment Date: 2 Jun 1942
Enlistment Place: Fort Bragg, North Carolina
Service Number: 34305605
Branch: Branch Immaterial - Warrant Officers, USA
Component: Selectees (Enlisted Men)
Source: Civil Life
Height: 71
Weight: 135

[08SMLE48]

Thanks for the info on why the ID patch was worn on the lower right sleeve. And thanks especially for helping find out who the original owner is!!

[Willmore]

Great research Smitty!

Here is a copy of his draft card.

Holmes Mclean Croom in the U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947

Name: Holmes Mclean Croom
Gender: Male
Race: White
Age: 21
Relationship to Draftee: Self (Head)
Birth Date: 28 July 1919
Birth Place: Burgaw
Residence Place: Raleigh, Wake, North Carolina, USA
Registration Date: 16 Oct 1940
Registration Place: Raleigh, Wake, North Carolina, USA


Kind regards,

Will.

[MilitariaOne]

Greetings,

Here's a nice November, 1945 newspaper article, which gives some great specifics on his units of service.

Best,

V/r Lance

[08SMLE48]

Thanks Will!

[Rakkasan187]

Great combined research effort everyone..

Well Done all..

Best to all

Smitty

[08SMLE48]

Greetings,

Here's a nice November, 1945 newspaper article, which gives some great specifics on his units of service.

Best,

V/r Lance

Thanks Lance! That answers most of the questions I had! You fellas are quick on finding stuff I really appreciate your time and help!

[Tank Destroyer]

Excellent job guys.