This weekend I am helping wife and sister-in-law clean out the garage of a late uncle. In the process of clearing out, found one of his WW II Army uniform shirts. Two questions:

1) Anyone know what this patch represents ?


2) What would be the best way to clean and preserve ? Tag in collar says "Elbeco - Uniform Shirt - Dry Clean Only". Any recommendations on cleaning with minimal risk to damaging fabric? I am thinking that it I can get it cleaned and pressed, I would like to build a shadow box out of lumber from his woodshop.

All help appreciated.

5th Army

In WWII that was Mark Clarks 5th US army- Best known for the Italian campaign. That was the Army patch I would expect that most of the folks in the 5th Army wore divisional patches so perhaps the late uncle was in a an army support or headquarters unit.

Orion2000,

Ask your wife which local specialist that the local brides get their wedding gowns cleaned/preserved by. = When my uncle passed away, his favorite DIL called one of those places in Dallas & was astounded how inexpensive that preserving a WWII Navy dress uniform was.

yours, tex

Gents,
Appreciate the input. Yes, he was in Italy during the closing time of WW II, 473 Infantry Regiment. Was a originally trained as a dental tech. But, at the close, all hands on deck. He was part of the final push up the Po Valley in 1945 before returning stateside. Grew up in the mountains. Credited his time in the Army with showing him that there was life outside the mountains.

SATX,
Appreciate the input. I will find one of the local family owned cleaners that specialize in wedding dresses. Money is not the concern. Just need it done right.

Thank you !

We would call that outfit "Fifth Army Ranch", much as 3rd Army was "Circle A Ranch".

Orion2000,

Fwiw, my late wife had my 50+YO military school cadet dress uniform preserved, is one reason why I know about that service.
(My dress uniform looks just as nice now as it did when she had it cleaned/sealed-up in 1972.)

BEST WISHES, tex