The items in this group belonged to John W. Christlieb serial number 33502835 of Pennsylvania.

The lot includes a size 37 extra-long OD green four pocket blouse with “US” and ordnance collar discs. Both discs have the correct smooth faced clutches. Each sleeve has Tech-Sergeant chevrons and the left shoulder has the Alaskan Department patch featuring a growling polar bear. The left cuff has four gold bars denoting 2 years spent overseas. Above the left pocket are ribbons for Asiatic-Pacific Theater, Good Conduct and American Theater. Over the left pocket is the “ruptured duck” insignia showing that Christlieb was discharged. Blouse is in excellent condition with all buttons and no moth damage.

Next are two issue OD green shirts. The first is size 14 ½-34 and has the gas flap inside. Along the right side of the interior is “K-J CHRISTLIEB – 2835” Sewn to the left shoulder is the Alaskan Department patch and on each sleeve are Tech-Sergeant chevrons. All insignia is attached with an attractive “V” shaped stitching. Shirt has all of the green buttons and is in excellent condition. The second shirt is an earlier example without the gas flap. It has Tech-Sergeant chevrons sewn to each sleeve but no shoulder patch is present. All buttons are brown and all are present. The shirt is in overall excellent condition. With the shirts is an issue khaki tie.

Also present are three pairs of OD green trousers. Two are size 32W x 33L and one is 32 x 35. All are button fly with all buttons being present. Two pairs are marked with Mr. Christlieb’s name and number in the same manner as the shirts listed above.

The group also contains two enlisted man’s visor hats, one khaki and one OD green. Both have brown visors but only the OD hat has a chinstrap. Both have the eagle device attached to the crown. Both hats show light wear though the visor on the khaki hat shows moderate crazing. Both interiors show light wear but are otherwise excellent. Khaki hat is marked behind the sweatband “JC 2835.”

Next is an outstanding condition full length double-breasted OD green wool overcoat. It is a size 36 regular with all buttons. It does not have any insignia.

The lot also contains a Model 1943 field jacket in mint condition. It is a size 34 regular. The jacket came with this group but interestingly the garment tag has a 1944 pattern date and a 1948 production date. The mint condition of the jacket shows that it was never worn.

Also with the group is a small cardboard candy box that looks to be from the WW2 period. It contains the following items:

Mr. Christlieb’s dog tags

3 pairs of Tech-Sergeant chevrons, each of different construction, felt, twill etc…

5 Alaskan Department patches. Some with minor variations.

1 Second Air Force patch

1 Fourteenth Air Force patch

1 Twentieth Air Force patch

1 Hawaiian Department patch

1 Southeast Asia Command patch (2^nd design)

Boxed Good Conduct medal

Asiatic-Pacific ribbon

Good Conduct ribbon

Clutch back “US” collar disc

Screw back Cavalry collar disc

4 cloth overseas bars

2 “ruptured duck” discharge patches

Small wooden cylindrical container for sewing needles

Fold-up housewife

Small khaki pouch with spread-winged eagle and marked “ARMY HOUSEWIFE” filled with thread, scissors, thimble and some buttons.

All these items came directly from the family of the veteran.

Also provided was a small packet of information with Xerox copies of 14 photos showing Mr. Christlieb in uniform during the war, posed with friends in his unit and scenes of Alaska. There is also a copy of orders showing that he served with the 3062 Ordnance Service Company, as well as copies of an email he sent home and copies of newspaper clippings. Also included is a Xerox copy of a pamphlet titled “SHORT HISTORY BATTLE OF ATTU.”

John Watson Christlieb was born October 28, 1924 in Newburg, Pennsylvania. He was drafted into the Army on March 10, 1943. After his training he was sent to Alaska September 27, 1943 and remained there until November 2, 1945. He was discharged January 11, 1946. After the war he resided in Newville, Pa.

The Aleutians Campaign began with the Japanese invasion of the islands of Attu and Kiska on June 3, 1942 and concluded with the defeat of the Japanese on August 15, 1943.

A nice group of items all identified to one soldier who did his part to help push the Japanese back across the Pacific and win the war.  [AD]

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