Greetings! My name is Brennan, a young archaeologist addicted to collecting antique and vintage photography. My specialty is WWI and WWII photographic mediums, with an emphasis on color slides taken during WWII, real photo postcards depicting US soldiers and intact collections of original 35mm and larger format negatives. My WWI collection is dedicated specifically to photographs taken during or directly after the war, with a bulk of my collection being interior studio portraiture. Archaeologist by day, military photography scholar by night; I enjoy helping with obscure research topics……… just ask!
This blog is dedicated to discussing the various aspects of interpreting military photography from the first half of the 20th century. Mainly comprised of WWI and WWII photography, my collecting taste is based on aesthetic and historical merits. I collect a broad range of photographic formats ranging from early glass plate negatives to photographic prints, color slides, and B/W nitrate negatives. This blog is dedicated to casual observations and brief descriptions accompanied by stunning examples of military photography throughout the twentieth century. Enjoy!
WWI Centennial Commission Post
A recent article about my search for an identified Marine from a photo album:
Want to see me on the Discovery Channel? I’m the “young archaeologist” in the Stone Face portion of the episode.
What are People Saying About PortraitsofWar?
Updated 8/20/2016
87th Division Veteran Photos
Did you post these pictures? I’m asking because my dad has these pictures and is actually in two of the pictures. My dad is looking for his Army buddy that posted these and wanted to get in touch with him if possible!
Thanks for your help!
Terry ******* (wishes to remain anonymous)
Updated 1/10/2016
As a Korean War Vet These are the best photos of that war that I have ever seen.
Thanks for showing them.
~Anonymous
Updated 11/23/2015
Hi Brennan!
I just found your post on Lincoln Loper — he’s an ancestor of mine! He was my grandmother’s cousin, but I know about him mainly through the mentions made of him in a family newsletter that my great grandfather wrote. I’ve been publishing the newsletter one issue at a time over the past several years at my blog (which is otherwise just a photo diary) here: https://boomerang2.wordpress.com/. In case you’re interested, you can find most of what I know about Lincoln in this post here: https://boomerang2.wordpress.com/2013/12/22/warm-weather-continues-original-boomerang-for-december-22-1918/ — Back to your blog: what an *amazing* photo! I’m just curious: how do you know it’s of Lincoln (was it on the other side of the postcard)?
Thanks, thanks for your blog — I watched the part of the Discovery channel show that featured you — best wishes to you with your work!
— Martha
Updated 5/19/2015
“I chanced upon a photo on your site of 5 litter bearers of the 127th Regiment, one being my great uncle Emil Buckendahl. Would it be possible to obtain a clean image of it. I have a studio portrait of Emil in uniform to exchange, if you desire”
(Nephew discovers postcard of his battle-decorated uncle)
“Very interesting info!! I am John F Housman III from coal city, the soldier in this picture was of my grandfather who passed away when I was 16 years old, I would be interested in the info you have to share with the rest of my family. please email me at XXXXXX”
(Grandson finds WWII 3rd Armored Division Grandfather on PortraitsofWar)
“UNBELIEVABLE! Googling my grandfather THE PORTRAITS OF WAR popped up with the photos of my grandfather. I had no idea and was surprised and PROUD. Thank you for the surprise and recognition! Drew W”
(Grandson finds WWII 9th AAF Grandfather on PortraitsofWar)
“Thank you for the photo of Aunt Ella. I have been researching my mother and two of her friends who graduated the same nursing school as Ella, but in 1948 as cadets. It wasn’t until recently that I became aware of Ella’s WWI service. Uncles Ted and Emil were both in France during the war. It is my understanding that that Ted and Ella met at the VFW after the war, but that is only from my mother’s memory. They lost one child in infancy. Aunt Ella was also the inspiration for another niece that graduated from Ravenswood Nursing School in Chicago in 1928.”
(Nephew finds his WWI aunt on PortraitsofWar)
“You’ve done it again – Robert Duffy was my grandfather! After being shot down over Le Minibus, he was held as a POW in Stalag Luft 3 for nine months before returning home when the war ended…………………..My family may be able to help in your quest for WWII and Korean War color pictures – I’ll go through what we have. In the meantime, none of us had ever seen this picture – thanks very much for posting!”
(Retired Air Force Grandson discovers Korean War slide of his grandfather on PortraitsofWar!)
“That is my grandfather! For what ever reason, I decided to so some research on my grandfather’s unit in the Air Force, 4 pages later, here I am looking at his photograph and the census record for him and my great aunts & uncles.”
(388th BG Grandson discovers photo of his grandfather)
“I was there, seen it, did it. Jack l. Jackson En2 – One more thing, I recall and have a picture of the Xmas tree on the Quarter Deck. I was not EN2, But a fireman on Chief’s Mess cooking at the time. Jack”
(Korean War Navy veteran recalls shots in my collection)
“Yes this is my father. He was a radioman on on a plane called Heavens Above in which he flew 25 missions over Germany .He also married my mother in London in 1943 .My older sister was born in London in 1945.my mother is still alive and is 92.I own this original picture and many more of my dad career in the USAF and Army Air Corps”
(Son discovers photo of father on PortraitsofWar)
Portraits of War 
Hello and greetings from Switzerland.
Saw you interesting report about Reese. Acidentially I do own 3 passports of him which I bought at ebay too. Maybe you sold it or the seller you mentioned. If the 1st case is true forget my input otherwise I like to ask if you are interested in these passports which are from 1958, 1963 and 1973.
Regards
Tom
Great Blog , looking Forward to your Future Updates
Putting you on my blogroll.
One of my books: “But Not in Shame” by John Toland
You may want to share this with all veterans; very much to the point. http://partneringwitheagles.wordpress.com/2011/10/28/god-versus-socialism-the-planks-we-walk-to-our-doom/
Sent to me by a veteran friend; there is a link to download as a PDF.
I’d be happy to help out with the locating of any pictures you might have which suggest Holland, where I was born, or Italy, where I live. On the ‘over mij’ (about me) page on my blog – my name links to it – you’ll find my email address written out (as in: at yahoo dot com). Don’t hesitate to contact me.
I may take you up on your offer. I will see what I have
Hello,
My name is Dénes Bernád, and I am an (amateur) aviation historian and author.
Currently I am working on a book on Hungarian fighters.
Someone drew my attention to one of your beautiful photos of Bf 109G-10, No. 12. Here is the link: http://i.imgur.com/lGqRy.jpg
Would it be possible for me to receive a scan that you would allow me to include in my book? Of course, the source would be listed in the book as requested.
Needless to say, other photos of Hungarian fighter aircraft would be most welcome, too.
Thank you, in advance.
Best wishes,
Dénes Bernád
Hungary
FYI – http://partneringwitheagles.wordpress.com/2011/11/30/world-war-ii-in-photos/
Hello; I amended an earlier posting on the national debt. “Welcome back my friends to the show that never ends…” (ELP)
The curtain call may be sooner than we think!:
http://partneringwitheagles.wordpress.com/2011/12/03/amended-post-national-debt-got-your-hip-waders/
Hello,
I’m webmaster of http://www.IronMenOfMetz.new.fr , website dedicated to the memory of the 95th inf div.
Would be interested by your picts concerning “95th Division Mine Sweepers in Action – Metal Detecting in WWII”.
Please, can you contact me ?
Thank
Now, that is an interesting blog as well! A treasure trove of pictures about the people who fought during the last two great wars. Thanks for your kind comment on my blog, and for your generous offer, which I will gladly come back to. With best wishes for 2012, Barbara (faraway67 from “Letters from a distant war”)
I must be digitally challenged…I am not seeing my earlier posting on the Veteran’s Day item concerning the 1921 ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns. Here is the substance of my earlier post.
May I submit to you that the identity of the distinguished gentleman is Mr. Isaac B. Millner. US Navy, Civil War veteran –a seaman aboard the USS HARTFORD, flagship of Adm Farragut at the Battle of Mobile Bay 5 Aug 1864. Millner had a life-long interest in Adm Farragut, attending several commemorations of Farraguts life and career.
He was affiliated with the Dept. of Anthropology at the National Museum; holder of several patents; a specialist in Native American and Micronisian Native cultures; a modeler for the Smithsonian working in the medium of paper’ machete and a member of the US Geological Survey. Author of the book: The Last Cruise (1917)
You will find many notations for him in Google under his full name as well as his initials I B Millner.
He is mistakenly noted in the 1920 Census as Isaac B Mi-(one L) ner. What his relationship with Mrs. Clara A Wright Of Wiscasset, Maine, might be is unclear, but one should note that the description and the address texts on the back of the portrait were written in two distinctly different hands. It could be that Mrs. Wright was a friend of his wife Mrs. Mary Millner.
A 1929 photo of IB Millner appears here:
http://www.loc.gov/pictures/resource/cph.3c31287/
The Stars and Stripes Museum/Library is planning an additon to our WWI exhibit. Bloomfield, Missouri, the location of the museum, is the birthplace of the Stars and Stripes during the Civil War.
R. Sue Mayo, Librarian
Please contact me at 573-568-2793.
I would be happy to loan my postcard to your museum for the upcoming exhibit. I tried calling your number a few times but can’t seem to get through. Is there a good time to call you?
I love this blog!
Brennan,
I am the winner of one of the SBD Kodachrome auctions. I am a serious collector, and we can help each other preserve and enjoy history. Please email me. Superb blog!!
Astarr
I’m the Public Affairs Officer for the 2nd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division and saw your post of Paratroopers of the 325th GIR, of which we’re historically aligned and would like to see what other photos you have, specifically of the 325th GIR from WWII era.
Please contact me regarding this.
Thanks,
Chris
if we find some WWII pictures of my father ( now deceased, would you like them? )
Of course! I would be honored to post them here on my website! Thanks!
brennangauthier1986@gmail.com
we will see what we can do. Where do you usually get your photos from?
I usually source them from flea markets, eBay, or from veterans/families directly.
I have a yard sale, US Navy panoramic class picture that I’m having a hard time nailing down. It’s marked San Francisco maybe WWI but the only training of that sort that I’ve found was the US Naval Academy Preparatory School 1920. It was moved the next year. Not in the best shape, payed $10.00 to get it out of the drizzling rain.
Hi Brennan, my grandfather had a huge rivate collection off WWI military pieces, weapons and photos. I have several WWI photos of military units on base, long famed pics of the regiment posing, not at salute but stating and standing….almost like a school class photo would be staged. I would love to know more about them, is there an email I could send some pics? Thanks!
My father, John T. Kennedy, was in the 9th Armored Division in WW2. When I saw your photo of the captured Hitler youth around Leipzig, I was deeply moved because my father had told me about how he was on the .50 cal MG in a half-track, the lead vehicle of a convoy when they were ambushed by Germans hiding behind a railroad overpass. A bazooka round blew out one of the tires. Then another (a dud) bounced off the hood. I won’t go into the details (very moving) but he told that they captured 80-100 prisoners mostly old men and young boys and I couldn’t help but wonder if these Hitler youth were some of those boys. When he told me the details, he was on the verge of crying. He brought back a souvenir (Hitler youth pants) I understand you have many other pictures from the 9th Armored Division. Is there some easy way I can access those and look at them? Also, my relatives asked me to write down his experiences, and I remembered about 70 of his stories. I was going to put it in a booklet. Could I include the photo of the Hitler Youth in my booklet?
Hi Brennan, nice site! I am looking for a picture of my great uncle’s regiment. He served from 20 Jan 1918 – 21 Mar 1919, World War I, Saddler, Troop “D” 2nd Calvary. I believe his headquarters were Fort Ethan Allen, Vt. Any chance you could help point me in the right direction?
Hey Gregg,
I’m sure a photo of troop D of the 2nd Cav is floating around somewhere. Was your great uncle a Vermonter? They were headquartered here in Colchester (it’s actually the same town as me) and were at Fort Ethan Allen. If you live locally you may try the veterans museum at the Fort, or you may try State Archives in Middlesex. Are you local?
He lived in Springfield and Wilbraham Massachusetts. I do not think he ever lived in Vermont. I live in Wilbraham, but I will have to make a trip up there this Summer to do some research. In the mean time I can see if these places have anything online. Thanks for your help, Brennan!
Could you please make the water marks larger so they completely block out the photo
l would like to contact you at some point…..I can shed some light on one of your WW1 images. Is there a preferred way to reach you?
Dear Brennan,
We are working on a film to be presented in a museum in Europe next year. We are interested in the panoramic group/troop pictures you have. We would need a high definition scan (giant screen in the museum) if you agree on us using the pictures.
Could you please contact me to discuss this. I would then give you more details.
Kind regards,
Aminata.
Ancestors are from New England… The stone faces – as an artist, I thought maybe done by water, but probably not smooth enough for that. Then I thought maybe sand – but how? Glad my question was answered. Very interesting!
Thanks Shannon!
Dear Brennan,
would it be possible to use one of your photos of World War II metal detecting in our upcoming exhibition in the Espoo City Museum in Finland? I would love to use one for the bit on history of the equipment and hobby. Please be in touch!
Best Regards,
Tiina,
Exhibition Manager
Tiina,
I’m going to reply to you via email. I will certainly allow use of the images for your museum!
Brennan
Hello! I’m contacting you regarding a post on your blog that was emailed to me by some family members! This post: (https://portraitsofwar.wordpress.com/category/wwi-photo-2/page/3/) has a picture of my great grandfathers, brother-William Methier. I was wondering if there was any way I could get a copy of the photo without your blog title on the top?
Thank you so much. Very cool website! I was amazed to find out one of my family members was awarded the silver star!
Brennan,
Please drop me a line. I have another large chunk of Alva Alagre’s story that was not included in his story that you cataloged on your website. He was stationed at Casper Army Air Base in Wyoming before reporting for duty with the 388th in England. He was also a wartime polical cartoonist! I can get you copies of those that were published in a newspaper during 1942-1943. He painted numerous portraits of the command and staff at the base and of folks in Casper, Wyoming.
Thanks for chasing down his story, excellent.
Hi Brennan,
I wonder if you could help? I’m currently working on a BBC drama about WW1, to be broadcast in the week leading up to remembrance sunday this year. We are looking for portraits of soldiers, both British & German, that we can use in the show. I wonder if you could drop me an email so we could discuss a little further, we have lots of legal jargon and ownership licences that we have to adhere too, but i’d love to see if you have anything that might be of use to us?
Many thanks,
Tim
Hi Brennan! Haven’t heard from you in a while. Are your E-mails just getting stuck on some filter of something?
Hope to hear from you soon!
Tiina from Espoo, Finland
Hey Brennen, I’m still wondering about World War I Lou
is A. Donahue Yankee Division. You thought that there might be a portrait of his division? Hopei to hear from you. Eleanor Delaney Portland, Maine
Hi Brennan! I have a ww1 cavalry panorama photo, and wondered if you could shed some light on it. I’m interested in selling it, but I have no clue where or when it was taken. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
My Grandfather, Robert Wm Dick served in WW1 104th Infamtry Division. I am looking for any information you could share w/me. He was my best friend until I was 12, he past away in 1966. Thank you so much!
My great uncle, Melvin B. Johnson, was killed in action on 14 Oct 1918 or 19 Oct 1918 (conflicting dates that I have found in articles). He earned the DSC for his actions near Gesnes, France. He is buried in Romagne, France. I found his draft registration card from Greve MT. and photos of his grave marker in Romagne. Would there be any photos of him or his unit, the 127th Infantry, 32nd Division company M? thank you. Kevin
Hi Brennan I came across your site and found it a great dedication to service men and women of both wars. It is such a great site I put it on US militaria Forum as I hope it will get more recognition it deserves.
http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/228375-portraits-of-war/
cheers Phill
Discovered the site and found a pic of a young MP from the 69th wearing a helmet I think I may have in my collection. It would be great to see if a more detailed pic was available.
Respectfully,
Dwight
How can I help? Which 69th shot are you referring to?
It’s a pic of a soldier standing behind the east meets west sign wearing an MP helmet. It looks like it may be part of a series from historic day in 1945.
Thanks,
Dwight
This one?
Can you send me a shot of the helmet?
I don’t seem to be able to post a pic can you help?
I am seeking a photo of a man named Joseph Evarts of St. Albans, Vermont. He is mentioned on this blog as is his WWI dogtag but no photo. Is there one available. Thank you.
I’m doing a talk on Evarts in April. I can track down a photo if it’s urgent.
Yes that’s it. Can I get a printable copy? I looking for somthing I can enlarge and get clear look at the helmet. Also do you have any other MP helmet shots or background on the soldier?
This is great.
Thank you
How do I post a pic?
Just messaged you.
I chanced upon a photo on your site of 5 litter bearers of the 127th Regiment, one being my great uncle Emil Buckendahl. Would it be possible to obtain a clean image of it. I have a studio portrait of Emil in uniform to exchange, if you desire. Thanks
More than happy to help. I will send you an email shortly.
You mentioned you were in contact with a surviving member of the 196th Signal Photo Company. I co-wrote a memoir of one of its members and received quite a bit of help including a unit roster from the late Don Wiedenmayer who was also still photog with this unit. The Caddell Collection of the National WWII Museum has an impressive list of photos taken by both the 196th and its preceding unit, the 3131st Signal Service Co. A good read is Armed with Cameras by Pete Maslowski which gives considerable depth to the 3-man teams of the 163rd and 196th. A great site. Tom Sullivan, Pacifica, CA
Hello, your job is amazing. I’d like to be in touch with you. Regards, RVB.
I have a photo of the Co. A 103rd Machine Gun Battalion taken by Leslie Studios Manchester,NH No date is on the photo. My mother told me my grandfather(fathers side) is in it-that’s all I know don’t even know which one he is. I was wondering is there is anyone in the Rhode Island area that collects, sells etc. old military photos who may be able to provide me with any more info/details of the photos and/or the battalion itself. It’s not in the best condition-I was just told to keep it. Please e-mail me at fisherg922@cox.net.
Dear Brennan,
My name is John DERNEDEN from Luxembourg/Europe. I have some additional data cconcerning the picture of the P-47 that belly landed in the snow on 29th January 1945. I am nearly sure that the pilot beside the plane is 2nd Lt William H.Wallace ( Silver Star decorated) from the 365th FG/386th FS. Please contact me for further details at derneden@pt.lu
With kindest regards
John from Luxembourg
Remarkable photos. My maternal grandfather was in company C of the 777th Tank Battalion. Any chance you have the names of the men in that company from the company photo taken at Fort Knox?
Hi and greeting,
I’m french and I’m looking for photos of WWI uniforms for a publication.
What are the conditions for this ?
Can you contact me by MP ?
Thank by advance
Christophe from France
My name is Mary Dassau. I am a retired soldier (as of 1994) living in NC. I was both a WAC and a Woman Marine. My father and uncles served during WW II and Korea; a few cousins served in Vietnam and some nephews served in Iraq and Afghanistan. My paternal grandfather served in WW I, as well as my paternal grandmother’s brother, who was KIA 27 Sep 1918.
On Christmas Day 2007, while preparing for my brother’s funeral, I found a letter written to my grandmother dated 31 Aug 1918. Dad had no idea who the writer could have been. I finally found Frederick Betz, a cook in my great uncle’s regiment. I have found many other interesting facts since then.My grandfather served in Battery E, 59th Coastal Artillery Regiment. He survived the war and died in 1969.
I have been corresponding with some other WW I researchers, including one in Limoges France, where several Coast Artillery regiments were billeted. I will let them know about this site.
Dear Brennan —
My father (yes, father! — I am 75 and was born when he was almost 50) was a member of a Balloon Company in WWI. His company distinguished itself as part of the 5th Balloon Group in the Great War.
I’m telling my father’s story and that of his outfit in a book. I hope to have it available by 2018, the year of the Centenary.
Your photo of the 20th BC’s winch truck is the best I’ve yet seen. As you probably know, the Balloon Service was very small. Only about 7,000 men served in it under live-fire conditions at the front, and it attracted comparatively little attention. The flyers in their biplanes were the favorites of the press photographers.
Hence, it’s hard to find sharp photos of balloon-related equipment. So it would be a very great favor if I could reproduce the shot of the 20th’s winch truck I found on “Portraits of War,” your WordPress Web page. I will acknowledge you with your choice of wording and list the source the way you prefer, wherever the shot falls in the text.
Please let me know how you feel about this. I thank you in advance.
Sincerely,
Robert Eugene Johnson
TheWordHawk@gmail.com
Author, Austin in the Great War (2017; forthcoming)
Brennan, I have recently come into an entire Kodak box postmarked 1951 of slides taken in Korea of the very little known 8th Army unit, the 10th Special Service Co. in the midst of getting ready and putting on a show for the troops. The slides come from the estate of a Korean war vet who trained at Camp Stoneman before getting shipped off to Korea as part of the 2nd Inf Div Band unit. I have posted one slide on eBay here but if you are interested in the entire box, let me know. Great site here. I have some original slides of my Grandfather when he was at Bastogne as a member of the 101st Airborne and another where he is aiming his M1 from the balcony of Hitler’s home in Berchtesgaden. Not parting with those…grin… here’s the link:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/172241349436?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649
Wow! very interesting. I will check the listing. Would you mind sharing the shots of your grandfather?
Brennan, I have recently come into an entire Kodak box postmarked 1951 of slides taken in Korea of the very little known 8th Army unit, the 10th Special Service Co. in the midst of getting ready and putting on a show for the troops. The slides come from the estate of a Korean war vet who trained at Camp Stoneman before getting shipped off to Korea as part of the 2nd Inf Div Band unit. I have posted one slide on eBay here but if you are interested in the entire box, let me know. Great site here. I have some original slides of my Grandfather when he was at Bastogne as a member of the 101st Airborne and another where he is aiming his M1 from the balcony of Hitler’s home in Berchtesgaden. Not parting with those…grin… here’s the link:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/172241349436?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649
Hi Brennan,
I just found your blog and am fascinated – your ability to get the stories out of these old photos is amazing and I have a feeling I’m going to get caught up reading many of your posts.
The reason I found your website is because I’m looking for some information. My mother recently inherited a picture of my grandfather – a framed version of the photo taken after he finished naval bootcamp in 1944. The picture has been in her parents’ living room as far back as she and her siblings can remember and everyone always thought it was a colorized photograph.
So you can imagine the surprise when, as we were cleaning the frame and glass (for the first time in probably decades), I realised that the picture was not actually photo but a very realistic painting.
Now we’re trying to figure out how the family ended up with a painted portrait of my grandpa. Was a painting something that was normally provided at the end of bootcamp? Seems unlikely. We’ve wondered if my great grandparents commissioned the portrait based on the photo that was taken (we have the actual photo as well), but that seems unlikely too since the family didn’t have much money. There are no markings on the painting to give us any indication of where it came from or who created it.
Anyway, I was just wondering if you’d be able to shed some light on the subject – or point me in the direction of someone who could? I’m happy to share more details (the few I have) via email if that would help. You can get in touch at: hello@shannonagains.com .
Thanks for any help you can provide.
Hi Brennan – I recently found your blog and enjoy it greatly, and appreciate the work you are doing. For what it’s worth, I have posted a bunch of WWII and Korean War photos to my Flickr page (as albums). They document scenes from the US Third Army’s 119th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Gun Battalion (Mobile) that my uncle was in (and I still have about 70-80 to post), and the independent 388th Engineer Pipeline Company that my dad was in during the Korean War (Fort Belvoir, VA, and Korea) (but nothing extraordinary). Those albums can be found here (amongst others): https://www.flickr.com/photos/79475348@N03/albums
Also, I correspond with another Flickr user who goes by the username “m20wc51” who is an avid collector of Korean War-vintage color slides and posts them to Flickr as well. His collection is amazing and can be found here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/58451159@N00/albums
Keep up the great work, and best of luck.
Mike H.
Thanks Mike! I will check out your page and the one curated by m20wc51. I appreciate your comment, and thanks for stopping by. How did you find my site?
Brennan – I found you via a Google search for color Korean War photos. Once i got here I checked everything out. Fantastic work.
“m20wc51” has recently posted a new series scans of kodachrome slides taken by a Second Infantry Division lieutenant in Korea in 1952, to Flickr. They’re really exceptional.
How do I get a copy of an image from your site without the watermark?
Which image are you interested in?
Hello Brennan,
Could you get a picture of a soldier from the IIWW with a series of data that will facilitate you? I will pay you properly.
Thank you.
Sure, how can I help you?
How can I help?
How Can I help?
Hi Brennan,
Great site! Is it possible to get hi-res scans of the WWI photos with dogs? ie: WWI Photo – 89th Division Soldiers Pose w/ Mascot Dog France.
Sure, what are you planning to do with them?
Hi, Brennan. My father, George B. Waters, was captain of the42nd Div, 222nd anti-tank company. One of his platoon sergeants is still alive here. I don’t know if he could identify some of the pix you have. I also have a couple of informal pix from that time. Do you email?
Stephen,
Wow! I’ve chatted with Russel Fielding, who was a platoon leader for first platoon as well as Bud Gahs from the A/T 222nd. Who is the sgt? Also, I probably have shots of your father. He was a captain?
Brennan – brennangauthier1986@gmail.com
Hello! This is a really wonderful site, I’ve enjoyed looking through some of your posts. I am currently working with the Springfield Art and Historical Society in Springfield, Vt on an exhibit exploring the role of the town during WWI. We have been searching for images of Springfield soldiers but don’t seem to have any in our collection. Do you have any images we might be able to use? I’d love to talk with you about our exhibit? Would you have any interest in being a guest speaker? Feel free to contact me, vintagevisions27@gmail.com Thanks!
Emily
Brennan,
I may have a relative in the picture of Co. ‘D’ 58th Inf. Regt. 4th Inf. Div. WW I . I would be interested in obtaining a copy verify. I have tried to find a way to order one if it is available. I don’t know which way to turn at this point and since I am limited in computer know-how I need some help. I have tried to call line in Portland, Or. to no avail. I would like to speak to someone about this. Dave Newman, Danville, Va Ph- 434-793-5828 or leave a number for me to call. Thanks, Dave
Hi Brennan,
just writing a book about the last days of World War II in Germany. Saw your amazing website and have some questions about few images. Do you email?
Thanks in advance.
Sincerely
Michael Breuer
Hey Michael,
Brennangauthier1986 at g mail
Hope to help!
Brennan
Hello Brennan
I have been enjoying your blog for a while. I am a French collector and also editor of the French Militaria Magazine. I am preparing a book on WW2 US Army vehicle markings and I was wondering if you’d let me use two pictures from your collection (226 Sig Bn, and Penguin Fleet)
Best regards from France
please get in touch with me through the email below, merci !
Phillippe – Feel free to use those two images. Please send me your email address.
Hello Brennan and thanks so much for your help
my email is militaria@histecoll.com
I will need your mail address to sent you the book when it comes out, how do you want the pictures credited?
Best
Philippe
Hello Brennan,
My husbands grandfather was is WW1 with Company C, Vermont National Guard. He was from Northfield, Vermont. Last name LaValley. We have a photo that Mr. McAllister took of his group in Burlington Vermont. There are about 150 men and there tents in the background.
Any information you have would be greatly appreciated!
Regards, Robin
Great article on Charlie London. He is my great uncle in my mother’s side. His sister, my grandmother Barbara London was a WASP. I am lucky enough to be in possession of a good amount of his military wings, medals and the like. One heck of a legacy to live up to, and as an airline pilot, I feel like I have done little to honor their legacy. Anyway, great stuff.
Justin,
Thanks for the kind comments. It was a pleasure to purchase and research the photo. Have you been able to find any other original shots of him during the war? From what I can tell, he wasn’t photographed often. Cool to hear about the wings. What a great heirloom! Especially for a fellow pilot.
Best,
Brennan
Hi, Brennan —
Is there a way to contact you without posting the message publicly? I’ve got a difficult research problem to which you seem to hold the only key. dispatch@protonmail.com
Hi, Brennan —
like the poster before, i ask aswelI if there is a way to contact you without posting the message publicly? I’ve got also a difficult research problem, but i don’ think you are able to help me, but i give i it a chance anyway.
I do not want individual portraits of soldiers. My mattern of concern is still a specialty. I am a german from germany, born in 1983. Noone of family immigrated to the states in the past. None served in US-american forces So i dont have any links to USA. I think you dont get often concerns from germans.
I research the time of my village where i life, few weeks BEFORE VE-Day in Europe. I use german sources like chronics and american sources via internet. Concret i am very interested in the days from 26th to 30th march 1945. I have found out some things already, but lack of photos…. My town was occupied by the 87th US Infantry Division, 345th Infantry Regiment. I have limited After action reports and descriptions. Because ss-soldiers of the 6th SS Nord attacked the the 87th, they shot back. Tanks and artillery of the 87th US Infatry Division fired some hours to them and into my village. Especially of the artillery firing i have almost zero information. I already contact the website of the 87th and got a reply which was very helpful. She (dont want to name her name public here) looked in the national archives in washingtion DC and emaild me a photo. Which is very likey the only photo to exist, showing the artillery bombardement of my village.
So if you think you could help me infinding more photos and more stories about the events from the 26th to 30th march in my homeregion and this an obscure topic to you, please contact me via e-mail and i am willing to give you all english spekaing informations i already found out withthin the help of internet. Going into details. So you know what i already find out and not need to know again and to give you basics for your further reasearch. [Unstructed Collection] But i believe it is almost impossible to get more informations than i got by now. But on the other hand, my exploration into US-American sources is very limited.
Best reagards
Christian (who hopes to get an email from you)
Christian,
Glad to help. Please email me here: Brennangauthier1986 at Gmail
Dear Brennan. I am working on a serie of articles for a french militaria magazine called UNIFORMES and look after some pictures of Sammies with WW1 Service medal, State and Towns. I saw you posted some very nice pictures of them here. I would like to use some of them to illustrate my articles and want to know what might be the conditions for that. I can also purchase them if that is the way, depending on the price. Congrats for your amazing work. Best. JPh
Jean-Philippe – I can certainly provide you with scans that you can use in your article. I only ask that you send me a copy once it is published. How can I get the scans to you?
Hi Brennan,
I have a photo of an ancestor, my great-uncle, in service uniform, dating from WW1. My family has no information on him whatsoever, bar the fact that he emigrated to the States in late 19th C/early 20th C, and met my Grandfather (who was serving with the British Army at the time) in France in 1917 or 18. The two corresponded until sometime in the forties, but we know nothing else…
May I send a copy of the picture to you? The original is a small Post Card, so the quality of the image may not be very useful. I have my own theories based on the photograph, but I’d love to hear the thoughts of an expert.
Regards,
Dave
Sure thing! Send it to Brennangauthier1986 at gmail
Dear Brennan,
Is it possible to obtain hi-res scans of the color aerial photos of Agaña, Guam in the series of “F6F-3 Hellcat flown by Edward W. Simpson Jr. of the VF-35” This is not for publication, but for my on-going research on the history and archaeology of Agaña. I am a retired archaeologist preparing a pre-war baseline GIS of Agaña appropriate for future archaeological research and ultimately 3-D reconstruction of the destroyed city. I have the vertical aerials for that reconstruction, but these obliques provide important information for interpretation of the verticals. As you know, the city was bombed and then bulldozed so whatever may remain of the historic city is buried. Thank you
Gladly! I have many more that I haven’t posted. What is the best way to get these to you?
Brennan,
That would be wonderful and greatly appreciated.
As digital scans, could these be placed in Dropbox or mailed on disk?
Whatever is convenient for you.
I have been doing research on the Marianas for a long time and have a very large collection of archival photographs from WWII–I have not reviewed all of your on-line inventory, so do not know what you have, but if you have particular subjects that would be of interest, please let me know and I will search my collection.
Thanks again
How can I contact you? Shoot me an email at brennangauthier1986 —– gmail. I can dropbox them to you.
Brennan
Wonderful. I just sent the message.
And I will go through my archival materials and see if there are any that might be of interest to you–all relating wot WWII in the Marianas.
Thanks you very much.
Hi Brennan,
I found your website when researching WW2 artillery collar discs. My grandfather’s ike jacket has an artillery disc, but he was in a tank battalion. I’m curious if you know when a tanker would have a tank disc versus a artillery disc and if somehow that indicated what role they played in a tank crew.
Interesting question. I will ask some of my military researcher friends to see if I can find an answer. It’s highly possible that he started in a field artillery unit but was then transferred to a Tank Battalion and just kept his insignia. Which Tank Battalion was he with?
Afternoon,
I am one of the Staff at the University of Vermont ROTC. Looking to talk historical UVM ROTC.
Hey Erik – I would be more than happy to chat. I live right near campus!
Hi Brennan,
Looking to see if you have ever done any research on the famous D-Day photo “Into the Jaws of Death” taken by USCG Chief Photographer’s Mate Robert F. Sargent. There is also an earlier picture taken before the actual landing of the same boat by him and i was wondering about the fate of the men in the boat. Especially the officers and the one soldier who stands out with the goggles. The captions all link it to E company, 16th regiment of the First Infantry Division landing on the Easy Red Sector of Omaha Beach. I have a large copy of this picture framed and hanging over my dresser and often wonder if they were ever ID’d and what may have happened to them.
Ralph
Ralph, That is a really good question and one that I’ve thought about researching. I will give it a whirl but I can’t promise anything before the 75th anniversary. I also have a poster of that shot hanging up but would love to ID the guys.
Brennan
Hi Brennan, We recently found and scanned 2 WWI negatives of possible interest. One appears to be a distant view of a lot of mounted cavalry troops along a road, the other is an interesting perspective view taken from high up and overlooking a French town with many foot soldier standing orderly and lined up along one of the 2 sets of rails tracks on a cobblestone brick road way, possibly along with towns people too. There are many buildings visible around and in the distance (perhaps a 3 story church tower?) including a building signed in French Chaudronnerie (means metal works)…and Fer et Cuivre (iron & copper). This is the best and most intriguing of the two. Would love to know more and of course what town this might have been.
These likely possibly from the personal belongings of Bert L. Wigen of Mankato, MN who served as a mechanic in the 151st Field Artillery Battery D; enlisted 6/28/17 Fort Riley, KA; overseas 9/’17 w/ Rainbow Division. Gassed and wounded at Miheil 9/11/18 and returned 5/6/1919. Purple Heart received after his passing by his widow (my husband’s maternal grandmother in early 1960’s.
Would like to share these with you so they can be researched – if interested – enjoyed and shared with your reading audience. How would I do this?
CL. Craig
Craig – shoot me an email – brennangauthier1986 at gmail. Thanks!
Hi Brennan,
Can you please contact me at Mitchell_Yockelson@Comcast.Net. I could really use your help with an article I am co-wiring on the Isted Lion. You posted a couple of photo’s in 2013.
Thanks,
Mitch Yockelson
Mitchell_Yockelson@Comcast.Net
Trying to contact you about a portrait of Frances Dias from 2019 post.
It is being considered for a magazine story.
Thanks
Hey, Brennan. I saw that you visited my blog. Thanks for stopping by. Yours is incredible. Your research is amazing. Did you see my blog about Nicholas? It took me some time but I was finally able to identify the owner of the WWII canteen which he had inscribed with all the places he’d been stationed with the 32nd Infantry Division. I haunt estate sales primarily and look for documents, maps, anything of paper, as well as sweetheart jewelry. No uniforms or weapons. When possible, I try to return items to family, and lacking that, to the historical societies from the communities in which the individual resided prior to the war. Your blog is excellent and I’m very glad I found it. Good luck with your day job and your night job!
Hey Brennan, I’m writing a history of the 117th Infantry Regiment. Today the 117th is the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment and still located in Knoxville. I’m creating a history for them to teach their soldiers about their actions in WW1 and WW2. I was wondering if I could get a copy of the Mortimer Thompson photo as it shows the unit patch on the sleeve and helmet.
David, Sure thing! Does the copy on the site work or do you need a clean waterfree version?
One without the watermark would be great. I’ll send you a digital copy of the work to show you how it’s being used.
brennangauthier1986 at gmail
How can I contact you regarding your image of the 131st Machine Gun Battalion? I believe my great-grandfather is in the image. Thank you!
I actually sent the 131st MG Battalion photo to the grandson of one of the guys in the shot. Sadly I don’t have it anymore 😦
Thank you for replying! I just need a clearer image of the bugler on the far left. How can I get in touch with the person you sent it to?
Wow, I just ran across your blog and I want to say thank you for what you are doing! You do such a great job researching, and I am glad you are sharing these photos and stories of people who should not be forgotten.
I am also interested in collecting photos of WWI and WWII soldiers. It makes me sad to see them discarded and forgotten in antique and thrift shops. I have always wanted to learn more about the people in my collection, but thus far have not had much luck. I am eager to use the resources you have listed in your resource room to possibly learn more!
Thank you!
If I can be of any help please let me know! I can help you get the ball rolling on research.
Hi Brennan,
Would you like some original WWII photos to add to your site, taken by my father, SGT Stanley Kulakowski, 203rd APU (yes, my dad was a mailman back when you could say “mailman”) 15 Infantry Regiment, 71st Infantry Division, Third Army. My dad’s unit went “farthest east” in enemy territory during WWII. His commander met the Russians coming from the east. I’m committed to keeping my dad’s memory alive since was an adult, I came to understand the true meaning of “The Greatest Generation.” I have a photo of my dad in Germany, with 3 other soldiers. My aunt said that my dad was the only one who returned home from that group. “The Greatest Generation” – ordinary men who were drafted, showed courage beyond belief, returned home, and one of them became my dad. You would never know that my dad took part in a war. He was the guy with the smile, full of integrity, and he loved his family.
Let me know if this interests you.
Thanks!
Mary
Mary, I would love to post some! Do you have access to a scanner?
I have 3 panoramic photos from WW1. One has the signatures of the soldiers. I did my best to capture them in a YT video.
Thanks! Nice video. Do you only collect Navy material?
Hello Brennan and members. I am doing some researches and need pictures of WW1 Doughboy with M.1917 helmets, specially with unit painted on it, camouflage, insignia on the front… can anyone help me with nice illustrations? Thanks a lot.
Morange – do you have a contact email? I can probably help out.
Are you still collecting photos? My father served in WWII and jumped on D-Day, Cpt. BW Wax, PIR 501, then he was transferred S-2 to SHAFE until the end if the war.
I sure am! Feel free to email me at Brennangauthier1986 at gmail dot com