Edward S. Thoden
Weehawken, New Jersey
1926-2015
Joseph A. Ade
Atlantic City, New Jersey
1932-2025
Joseph A. Ade
Atlantic City, New Jersey 1932-2025
Souvenir jackets are fairly rare, and to see artwork so well done is quite incredible.
The US Flag, UN Flag, and Korean flag, flanked by 1st Marine Division insignia. Below the paint, we can see Joe Ade's name and service number. The Korean text roughly translates to "Combat First" or "First in Combat" which I assume is a nod Joe's unit, the 1st Battalion, 1st Marines "First of the First".
Formerly this jacket had Private First Class insignia attached.
Notice that these trousers of Sgt Ade's have a split down the middle. He says in an interview this was done as an easier way for a Marine to relieve himself in the field.
Multiple pieces of kit of Sgt. Ade's to include a Chinese sword. Also of note, he had an M1943 Entrenching tool that was shortened.
This haversack tells the story of two Marines. Faintly visible, green camouflage paint and a tactical marking for the 2nd Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division can be seen.
Closer examination reveals this haversack was once used by James S. Geros, 2nd Engineer Battalion, a veteran of Okinawa during World War II, where camouflage equipment was fairly common.
Another iteration of 2nd Engineer Battalion tactical markings, this one not camouflaged. James Geros' service number is also present.