Special Forces jacket in ERDL pattern, from the early 1980s. This camouflage pattern appeared late in the Vietnam War and was issued until the early 1980s.
Desert Combat Uniform (DCU) issued for desert campaigns by the Army from 1992-2004. This particular jacket was worn by a veteran who was, unfortunately, a casualty during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004.
Army Combat Uniform (ACU), a design worn from 2004-present. This uniform is from the author's brother, a West Point graduate and veteran of two tours in Afghanistan with the 82nd Airborne Division.
Kevlar PASGT helmet, adopted in 1983, improved on the metal M1 helmet used since World War II. It featured a clip-in liner and offered better protection to the neck and brow than its metal predecessor. This example is dated from 1989 and features a Woodland camouflage cover.
The Kuwait Liberation Medal, which was awarded to US servicemen and women for Desert Storm and service in the region from 1990-1993. It was approved and awarded 1994-5.
The Cold War Victory Medal, and unofficial US award but one officially awarded by the National Guard.
Patches from various US and multinational commands and coalitions in Europe, ranging from the 1950s to the present.
Battle Dress Uniform (BDU) to a US Marine. This pattern was used from the early 1980s to the early 2000s.
Marine Pattern (MARPAT) desert uniform, issued from 2002 to present.
Parade helmet liner worn by a veteran who served in the Berlin Brigade at the end of the Cold War. Among his responsibilities was communicating with the other powers in the city, guarding the last Nazi war criminal at Spandau Prison, gathering intelligence, and managing refugees.
Beret of the 10th Special Forces, Europe Detachment.
Patches of current USAF commands.
Deck of Iraq's Most Wanted playing cards, issued for the launch of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) in 2003. Saddam Hussein is the ace of spades.
East German belt and helmet, pre-1989. Once scarcely found outside the GDR, they have become plentiful on western surplus markets in recent decades.
Iraqi M80 helmet. These were produced by South Korea for Iraq and used in the 1980s and early 1990s. It is made from hardened plastic and offered very little ballistic protection.
Iraqi beret.
Bayonet for the Czech V58 rifle, similar in shape to the AK-47. This bayonet was picked up in Afghanistan by the author's brother and sharpened for use as a side knife.