Things from my Uncle Russel's time in the 801st Tank Destroyer Bn. in WW2

My Uncle Russel, Pfc. John. R. Finster, was in Company A, of the 801st Tank Destryoer Bn in WW2. He was one of my hero's as a kid. I spent a lot of time on his farm growing up. Here's some things my cousin found going thru the estate.

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BEAUTIFUL finds!!! I'm envious, I have close to zip on my relatives.

Very cool stuff! Thanks for sharing these... it's always neat to see information on family members who were in service.

Awesome pics Fins, I especially love the one of him riding on the barrel holding the binos, I can imagine these are amongst your most prized possesions now

Thanks guys!!! I was lucky to get them. I have pretty much zip from my family. I was lucky and found my great-cousin's uniform and medals from WW1 online.. All the WW2 stuff from 4 uncles seems to have gotten pitched. I have a lot of pics from another uncle's time in the navy some of his former shipmates sent me. Otherwise, this is it!!DEFINATELY my new favorites!!

Fins...

Fantastic to have these in your possession now, I find it a humbling experience to look at such things.....when you think of the hell these guy's went through in WW2!!!!!

Thanks for sharing your families exploits...very cool

Found more of my uncle's stuff. Some medals and insignia, fieldgear and his uniform.

Insignia and medals


Enlisted Tank Destroyer collar disk.


801st Tank Destroyer Battalion Unit Crest(Reproduction)


Tank Destroyer patches. 1 is an 8 wheel variation.

Uncle Russel's Purple Heart box.


The full size Purple Heart with ribbon and the mini-medal.


Reverse of Purple Hearts. They are not named, engraved, or numbered.


Good Conduct Medal on card with pin on ribbon and sew on ribbons and lapel button, WW2 Victory ribbon and American Campaign ribbon.

"Wife" Pillow Cover
Pillow reads, "My Dear Wife, From memories garden I recall the sweetheart days we knew with lovely flowers, singing birds, and skies of azure blue.
Dear Wife of mine, how sweet the words, a hoped for dream come true. My heart is happy when I think of home sweet home and you."

Sweetheart Kit in original box from Ft. Hood
It contains a padded pillow with a pocket for stockings/lingerie, etc.

Grenade Launcher Sight pouch and Small Arms Parts Pouch my uncle carried. His last name is printed on the small arms pouch.

Complete canteen with cup and cover.

Canteen case is made by J.A. SHOE dated 1943


Cup is aluminum and made by M.A. Co and dated 1941


Canteen is stainless and made by S.M. CO. 1943

Overseas cap with Tank Destroyer piping


Wool shirt with patches


4 wheel TD patch and silver and blue Pfc rank.

Uncle Russel's dress jacket

This is really cool stuff to find.