Yarborough #4797 for sale

[mdpatterson]

As a collector, I think this would be a very cool knife to own. I obviously never earned one, but I can't believe a QP would sell his. The auction will probably be over by the time most of you read this, but it is for sale at a place called Guns Plus in Spring Lake, NC.

Mike

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=326520749

[Bill Harsey]

As a collector, I think this would be a very cool knife to own. I obviously never earned one, but I can't believe a QP would sell his. The auction will probably be over by the time most of you read this, but it is for sale at a place called Guns Plus in Spring Lake, NC.

Mike

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=326520749

oh hell NO that knife should not be for sale by written rules surrounding the project.

[CW3SF]

I just sent the seller this msg (below) on GunBroker.

Are you aware that these knives are not allowed to be sold? The owner (to whom this knife was originally issued) was required to sign binding documents which expressly prohibit this item being sold or transferred.

I will post any responses here.

[Bill Harsey]

I just sent the seller this msg (below) on GunBroker.



I will post any responses here.

Thank you.

[Dozer523]

Maybe someone from SWC should call. Or drive out to Spring Lake. Have a little more than a day to do it.
Or TR could round up a posse from the local PS.com. Seriously.

if you have any questions call Tanner at Guns Plus. 910-497-2440. Seller has the right to sell in store at anytime and end auction. If you have any questions please call the store email is hard for me to respond. If inside the state of NC I must collect sales tax.

[JJ_BPK]

This sounds like the one we chased a couple yrs ago..

Took a very long time to get an answer from SWC on ownership.

Then Jim's Pawn refused to honor their commitment to sell it to me..

[Barbarian]

Then Jim's Pawn refused to honor their commitment to sell it to me..

That's pretty dirty.

[Peregrino]

That's pretty dirty.

That's Jim's. It's also Guns Plus. Both establishments would cease to exist if not for clueless young Soldiers from Ft Bragg.

[mdpatterson]

I asked the seller how he obtained it when I saw it a couple days ago and no response.

Mike

[swatsurgeon]

Tme for a ps.com slush fund to be able to buy back these knives and return them to an appropriate keeper at Ft. Bragg so they are not in the hands of non QPs.
Just a thought.......I'll contribute.

ss

[SF_BHT]

If needed I will buy it to keep it in the fold as long as he is not asking a really large amount..... Let me know.....

[mdpatterson]

Bid up to $405 and the reserve is still not met. If I win it, you guys tell me where to send it.

Mike

[Eagle5US]

States he is unaware of any restrictions on the sale of these knives and requested the documentation in order to support the claim.
On receipt, he says he will pull the knife from sale or auction and prevent any additional sales.
His name is "Martin"
E-mail is:
martinakm@hotmail.com

I am going to shoot him the PDF with appropriate paragraphs.

I would encourage follow-up in a very professional manner from multiple members. He was very receiving of my complaint and seemed sincere in his response.

[mdpatterson]

He just removed it.

[69harley]

Might want to take down the link to the auction or move this discussion to the private area.

[SF_BHT]

Finally someone that has some sense and took it down........

Still might want to buy it and keep it in the family?

[Eagle5US]

I'll contact the museum and see if they will cross reference the number with the master log book and we can go from there,
If the guy is AD, we can go through his CSM. If not- the USASOC property office...
I am waiting on a response from Martin at Jim's Pawn before I send him a thank you. Once initiated, perhaps multiple thank you e-mails will help to solidify our point on how appreciative we are that he was willing to do the right thing.
Just a thought-

I think it would go a long way towards our cause in this regards. Hearts and minds kind of thing-

[Eagle5US]

Just got off the phone with the museum and gave them the blade number, Martin's info at Jim's Gun and Pawn, and my contact info. Museum says management is going to call over to SWC proper probably tomorrow and "go from there"-
Not sure what that means:confused:

Anyway, I sent Martin a thank you note. I would encourage more of the same.

[Barbarian]

Tme for a ps.com slush fund to be able to buy back these knives and return them to an appropriate keeper at Ft. Bragg so they are not in the hands of non QPs.
Just a thought.......I'll contribute.

If that's what you gents decided to do, I'd contribute.

[chance]

I would almost be willing to bet that it was stolen. I just can't see a QP pawning his knife no matter how much he needs the money.

[CANOPYx3]

I had my Ops guy look it up and the guy we signed it to is not listed in the global address book. I have my S1 checking to see if he is still AD or out. Hard to believe a guy would sell this. Must not have thought much of being a GB.

Brian

[Eagle5US]

I would almost be willing to bet that it was stolen. I just can't see a QP pawning his knife no matter how much he needs the money.
We have dealt with / tracked down quite a few of these up for sale. We TRY to be proactive in getting the sale shut down and educating the vendors / 3rd party sellers. Sometimes you win - sometimes not....but you are correct in saying that there are times when these symbols just don't mean that much to some - these are rarely the "professional" soldiers. :rolleyes:

[chance]

We have dealt with / tracked down quite a few of these up for sale. We TRY to be proactive in getting the sale shut down and educating the vendors / 3rd party sellers. Sometimes you win - sometimes not....but you are correct in saying that there are times when these symbols just don't mean that much to some - these are rarely the "professional" soldiers. :rolleyes:

That's really a sad thing, I'm not a GB but I do serve in Group and am extremely proud that I'm there. I would give anything to be able to try SFAS just one more time. So I can't even fathom someone going all the way through the Q and receiving a Yarborough just to cast it to the side.

[sinjefe]

It is the ultimate in selfishness, especially for those of us who went through before the started doing this and either don't have one or had to buy one. The "Me" generation.

[MR2]

Could it not be stolen?

[chance]

Could it not be stolen?

That's what I'm hoping.

[ZonieDiver]

Unfortunately, there have always been assholes who've gotten through the program.

What price honor?

IF things ever got 'that tough' for me...such that I thought I had to sell something such as my Yarborough - if I'd received one - there are several guys I served with who would give - or loan - me that amount of money...NO questions asked.

What kind of slug must this guy be?

[mdpatterson]

When I saw it and asked him how he obtained it, no response.

Quote from his ad, " You ar bidding on a Chriss Reeves Special forces issue Yarborough Knife. The only way to get this knife is to graduate the Special Forces Q course. It is made from one single sheet of metal and by hand.if you have any questions call Tanner at Guns Plus. 910-497-2440."

At least he pulled it when you guys confronted him, but he knew the difference between this and the civilian version.

If it was stolen, I hope it gets back to the man who earned it. If it was sold by someone who earned it, I wouldn't want to be that man.

Mike

[Sdiver]

It is the ultimate in selfishness, especially for those of us who went through before the started doing this and either don't have one or had to buy one. The "Me" generation.

Could it not be stolen?

I was thinking along these two same lines as well and realized, there could be another (3rd) possibility.

This knife could have belonged to an SF warrior who was KIA and his family, not knowing what they had in their possession, sold/pawned off this, as well as other possessions.

I do hope that I am wrong in this thought, but it is another avenue to investigate.

[Sigaba]

I was thinking along these two same lines as well and realized, there could be another (3rd) possibility.

This knife could have belonged to an SF warrior who was KIA and his family, not knowing what they had in their possession, sold/pawned off this, as well as other possessions.

I do hope that I am wrong in this thought, but it is another avenue to investigate.An off shoot of this theory is that a QP might have bequeathed it to a friend, the friend passed away, and that friend's family did not understand the knife's significance and/or the knife became a symbol of ongoing family politics and discord. (He always paid more attention to his collection than he did to us, so....)

On an every day (that is, civilian) level, these types of scenarios happen more frequently than one would like.

[Ret10Echo]

The "Me" generation.

Not to turn this into too much of a discussion on generational attitudes and the influence of society....but :p IMHO The "old" attitudes have faded a bit... Things like "Patriotism" and "Esprit de corps" are seen by many as outdated.... but there are still young troops out there that have it.

Hard for them to understand those types of things if their predecessors don't pass along the meaning. It's not in the schools and probably not in most households any longer.

What's that verse....

Men who mean just what they say.

[Badger52]

Hard for them to understand those types of things if their predecessors don't pass along the meaning. It's not in the schools and probably not in most households any longer.
Every now & then passing thru the LR when "Pawn Stars" might be on the TV and will see some son or grand-son pawning some 1-only artificact or special thing from their role in a great action, etc. Reason (e.g.): "Well, my daughter graduated college so I want to make a little money & take her out to the casino down the street for a special night out."

Fraggin' jerk-offs. Makes me want to reach through the TV and grab that yokel up by the stackin' swivel.
:mad:

If my Dad's stuff ever left my position it'll go to the CAF or the museum at Wright-Patt...

[Dusty]

Not to turn this into too much of a discussion on generational attitudes and the influence of society....but :p IMHO The "old" attitudes have faded a bit... Things like "Patriotism" and "Esprit de corps" are seen by many as outdated.... but there are still young troops out there that have it.

Hard for them to understand those types of things if their predecessors don't pass along the meaning. It's not in the schools and probably not in most households any longer.

What's that verse....

It's like "work ethic". How do you instill that attribute in a kid who's smart enough to see that the Country's being led into socialism, and that nearly half feel entitled to what he's being told he needs to bust butt to earn?

sinjefe's right about the "me" generation; it's turning into the WHOGAS generation, and from the top down.

[CANOPYx3]

I recieved word back from the proponent office about the owner of the knife. Below is the reply.

"this guy had his tab revoked on 4 Nov 11. He lost his Tab and MOS due to GTC misuse, disrespect to an Officer, FTR and reported AWOL several times."

Based on this I can guess that the knife and SF never really meant much to him. Good that he is gone but when they booted him they didn't get the knife back like they should have.

[Dusty]

I recieved word back from the proponent office about the owner of the knife. Below is the reply.

"this guy had his tab revoked on 4 Nov 11. He lost his Tab and MOS due to GTC misuse, disrespect to an Officer, FTR and reported AWOL several times."

Based on this I can guess that the knife and SF never really meant much to him. Good that he is gone but when they booted him they didn't get the knife back like they should have.

Get the knife back, snap the blade, and throw it in Drowning Creek. :mad:

[Ret10Echo]

It's like "work ethic". How do you instill that attribute in a kid who's smart enough to see that the Country's being led into socialism, and that nearly half feel entitled to what he's being told he needs to bust butt to earn?

Hard to reconstruct the path...basically it's beating into your children the fact that society is comprised primarily of mindless morons. It's an indoctrination method...and not something that will magically happen...

Yes it takes a village to raise a worthless sloth without moral compass or ethics.

Young people without attributes we see as positive are a result of adults lacking those attributes or unable/unwilling to transfer that attitude.

[chance]

I recieved word back from the proponent office about the owner of the knife. Below is the reply.

"this guy had his tab revoked on 4 Nov 11. He lost his Tab and MOS due to GTC misuse, disrespect to an Officer, FTR and reported AWOL several times."

Based on this I can guess that the knife and SF never really meant much to him. Good that he is gone but when they booted him they didn't get the knife back like they should have.

WOW!!!! I can't believe it, all that hard work thrown down the shitter.

[Eagle5US]

Should have known it was too good to be true. He strung my ass along like a fucking pro and I went for it hook line and sinker.:rolleyes:
Start from the bottom, his e-mail and my response:

Martin,

Thank you for your follow-up, though your response is significantly disappointing.
I explained to you in some detail the requirements for retail sale of the knife including documentation of successful completion of the Special Forces Qualification Course as backed by the master database and that the only authorized seller, as stated in the policy letter, is the Special Forces Museum working in conjunction with the Special Warfare Center and School.

Your interpretation of the attached policy letter is quite selective as it clearly states in 8 c
c. Personnel are not authorized to sell the Yarborough Knife
to third parties (e.g., collectors).

We have found out that the individual who owned the knife had his Special Forces Tab revoked in Nov 2011 after being found guilty of:
Misuse of Government Travel Card
Fraud against the US Government
Disrespect to a Commissioned Officer
Failure to Repair
Going AWOL

With regards to the auction, from our monitoring it was pulled off of auction with the bid being at $405 and noted that the reserve had not been met. It may have been listed on more than one site. However, it would seem odd that it was pulled from only the auction that I mentioned unless the intent was to simply placate our request.

I find it very unfortunate that your position would remain. Your representative may have indeed “purchase it in good faith” though this is the third instance we have had in dealing with your store over the past 4 years with regards to a Yarborough blade and each time we furnish a copy of the policy letter, which is then conveniently lost or forgotten about, and the blade is never recovered. Further, despite your purchase, it was purchased from someone who was not authorized to sell the item in the first place.

Undoubtedly the loss of respect from the Special Forces Community would not hurt your store as you are pretty much the only show / range in town and there are plenty of other patrons from the 82nd and Fort Bragg. However, once again, Guns Plus has demonstrated that the power of the almighty dollar supersedes honor and integrity.

Our disappointment is distinctly magnified by the previous assumption of your support with which we were fooled.

Good Day and Good Luck

Joe Klapperich
MAJ
5th SFG(A)

joe.klapperich@us.army.mil
joe.klapperich@ahqb.soc.mil
(xxx)xxx-4172 (o)
(xxx)xxx-9750 (c)

Xxxxxxxx@gmail.com

From: martin mancuso [mailto:martinakm@hotmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, January 24, 2013 6:23 PM
To: Klapperich Joseph T MAJ (5SFG)
Subject: RE: Yarborough Policy Letter

Maj Klapperich,


I fully understand the SF community desire to keep these within its ranks.
Looking over the included info there doesn't appear to be any thing legally barring the sale of this item.
It appears that the letter sets the standards for "Retail" sales of the knives to individual.
This item was purchased in good faith, by Guns Plus, with the intent of resale.
As you have noted, this item was put on line for auction. Checking with our internet sales person, I was informed that we
received payment this morning for the sale of this knife.
As per the auction contract we are obligated to complete the sale.

Thank you for your concern in this matter.

Martin Mancuso
Guns Plus, NC

[CANOPYx3]

Could be that its time to go to the post commander and have this business put on the "off limits" list. With a business that relies almost solely on Soldiers I would guess that they may rethink their position. I will check with the chain of command here to see what they think of this. I can't imagine that they will not support a appeal for off limits status to anyone that knowingly sells government equipment.

[Ret10Echo]

Guns Plus of Spring Lake, NC appears to lack integrity and honor.

It is unfortunate that they willingly chose to ignore the request of a the Special Forces community.

Your reputation for a few pieces of silver.

Guns Plus should not receive the business of the Special Operations community.

[Dozer523]

It's a poisoned blade, anyway. Damn shame.
If we got it back the best thing to do would be to send it back to Mr. Harsey and have it melted down and let it start it's life over.

[MR2]

It's a poisoned blade, anyway. Damn shame.
If we got it back the best thing to do would be to send it back to Mr. Harsey and have it melted down and let it start it's life over.

Bravo!

[Eagle5US]

Could be that its time to go to the post commander and have this business put on the "off limits" list. With a business that relies almost solely on Soldiers I would guess that they may rethink their position. I will check with the chain of command here to see what they think of this. I can't imagine that they will not support a appeal for off limits status to anyone that knowingly sells government equipment.

If you have that ability, I think it is a tremendous idea.

What makes it worse (to me personally) is that he placated me and I took him at his word.

I was foolish in this regard. Reputation for a few pieces of silver indeed.

I see no boundaries for him and his business to reject other .mil goods...things like ACOGs, ELCANs, NODs...even plates and armor. All under the guise of "someone was willing to sell it to us, so we do not have an obligation not to buy it"-

[Barbarian]

What makes it worse (to me personally) is that he placated me and I took him at his word.

I was foolish in this regard.

I don't think you were foolish, at all. I think you did the right thing, giving them the opportunity to prove themselves honorable businessmen.

[koz]

Could CID get involved? They track down all sorts of gear that is sold illegally to pawn shops. Perhaps that would get Gun Plus's attention... Maybe make them turn over the information of the individual who bought it.

[SF_BHT]

Could CID get involved? They track down all sorts of gear that is sold illegally to pawn shops. Perhaps that would get Gun Plus's attention... Maybe make them turn over the information of the individual who bought it.

Good Idea. If someone can get the the number to the FTBragg CID office and a name I could call and see if a Fellow Fed LEO request would help them to look into it.

This tactic has worked really well with the Coast Guard (CGIS) and NCIS in the past. We have an office in the RD area and one of the guys might also have a good POC.....

[The Reaper]

Xxxxxxxx@gmail.com

From: martin mancuso [mailto:martinakm@hotmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, January 24, 2013 6:23 PM
To: Klapperich Joseph T MAJ (5SFG)
Subject: RE: Yarborough Policy Letter

Maj Klapperich,


I fully understand the SF community desire to keep these within its ranks.
Looking over the included info there doesn't appear to be any thing legally barring the sale of this item.
It appears that the letter sets the standards for "Retail" sales of the knives to individual.
This item was purchased in good faith, by Guns Plus, with the intent of resale.
As you have noted, this item was put on line for auction. Checking with our internet sales person, I was informed that we
received payment this morning for the sale of this knife.
As per the auction contract we are obligated to complete the sale.

Thank you for your concern in this matter.

Martin Mancuso
Guns Plus, NC

I bet if it was a set of NVGs he had sold and CID called, he would stop the sale and cooperate ASAP.

TR

[Sohei]

I find it sad that he won't assist because there is nothing "legally" barring the sell. How about helping based on "principle" and "doing the right thing". What a great philosophy to utilize in growing your business.

The problem is that with many -- principle is over-ruled by money and selfishness.

[sinjefe]

Maybe they need to be posted in the "Hall of Shame"

[alelks]

Personally I don't see anything illegal about writing a review of his business either. :D

https://plus.google.com/111468760133047112102/about?gl=US&hl=en-US

[Jgood]

Very sad, it needs to be enforced that when a guy has his tab taken his knife goes too, if its policy already then their is no excuse for it not being done.

not all members of the "me" gen has forgotten and either will my kids ;)

[Ghost_Team]

I've got a pretty good relationship with the SWC JAG. I'll mention this to him Monday morning. Not sure if he can do anything, but it's worth a shot.

[69harley]

Maybe I missed something, but wasn't it reported here that the seller had ended the auction? And according to the link to the auction the reserve was not met, so how is the store obligated to complete the sale?

[Eagle5US]

Maybe I missed something, but wasn't it reported here that the seller had ended the auction? And according to the link to the auction the reserve was not met, so how is the store obligated to complete the sale?
I mentioned that in my e-mailed response to him on page 3 of the thread...
With regards to the auction, from our monitoring it was pulled off of auction with the bid being at $405 and noted that the reserve had not been met. It may have been listed on more than one site. However, it would seem odd that it was pulled from only the auction that I mentioned unless the intent was to simply placate our request.

Not surprisingly, he chose to longer engage me in conversation:rolleyes:

[sf11b_p]

Maybe I missed something, but wasn't it reported here that the seller had ended the auction? And according to the link to the auction the reserve was not met, so how is the store obligated to complete the sale?

Probably related to the fifth sentence in the description.



You ar bidding on a Chriss Reeves Special forces issue Yarborough Knife. The only way to get this knife is to graduate the Special Forces Q course. It is made from one single sheet of metal and by hand.if you have any questions call Tanner at Guns Plus. 910-497-2440. Seller has the right to sell in store at anytime and end auction. If you have any questions please call the store email is hard for me to respond. If inside the state of NC I must collect sales tax.
[Information added 1/24/2013 3:14:51 PM]
Sorry item has been pulled.

He likes the SF items though.

You are bidding on Para double stack 1911 comemrative gun. You could only get this gun if you where in the SF unit that ordered it. Has 7th group crest on one side and patch on the other. It is hammerless and double action only.The gun also has night sights. If you have any questions please call Tanner at guns plus tue,wen,fri,sat from 11 to 8 eastern time at 910-497-2440. Seller has the right to sell inside store at anytime. And must collect sales tax if you within NC.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=327107717

[Eagle5US]

Probably related to the fifth sentence in the description.
Probably related to you NOT READING what was posted previously...:rolleyes:

As you have noted, this item was put on line for auction. Checking with our internet sales person, I was informed that we received payment this morning for the sale of this knife.
As per the auction contract we are obligated to complete the sale.

[69harley]

Also curious to know who bought the knife. Would like to think is was another SF soldier, maybe an old timer that happened to be in the area and saw it. But probably not. Eventually it will show up on face book, some poser will run his suck and show the knife. God help the x-ray that gets caught with it during a barracks check.

[MK262MOD1]

This is typical for this store. They personify the gunstore commando image. I was in there one day picking up a transfer when they tried to educate my junior bravo on what pistols SF used in Afghanistan.:munchin. He was a lot more polite than I would have been.

These guys are typical SOF posers btw. They never say they were in but they do a lot of alluding...at least in my past expierence.

[sf11b_p]

Probably related to you NOT READING what was posted previously...:rolleyes:

I read it, but that is not the copy of the item description on the auction page. The reply you received explains they were obligated to sell, the sentence I posted explains they could sell at any time in their store. Both may explain how they may be obligated to sell, without having sold meeting the reserve of the auction.

But I don't have a dog in this hunt, so.

[Ghost_Team]

I sent the SWC JAG the following email:

I am a member of an online community of active and retired Special Forces personnel. One of the things that keeps coming up is the sale of serial numbered Yarborough knives presented upon graduation of the Special Forces Qualification Course. Recently one was sold by Guns Plus in Spring Lake, even after they were advised that according to SWC policy it could not be sold.

The website I belong to is www.professionalsoldiers.com

The direct link to the discussion about the knife I was referring to is http://www.professionalsoldiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40699&highlight=yarborough+guns

You might or might not have to use a personal computer to access these links.

Is there anything that can be done about this?


The reply:

Once the knives are issued to personnel, they essentially become their property. We have a policy that prohibits sale, but is really only enforceable against active duty personnel. Once a person leaves the Army or retires, there is no practical way SWCS or USASOC can prevent those to whom a knife was issued from selling it or giving it away. It is essentially a piece of non-accountable equipment issued to each individual that becomes personal property.

USASOC and SWCS have no way to police the commercial or private sale of these knives. Please let me know if you have any questions.

[69harley]

So, as stated previously the original recepient of this knife was de-tabbed, but it does not say if he is still on active duty. Anyone know if he is still on active duty?

[MK262MOD1]

Perhaps part of revocation should be return of the issued property.

[CANOPYx3]

He does not show up in the Army system, so I would say he is out. The only reason that he wouldn't show up is if he went to a SMU. I'm pretty sure that didn't hapen based on his losing the tab and having his 18 series MOS removed.

It's true we can't do anything to him now that he is gone but there are measures that we can initiate against a "business" that will sell the knives. Working on that now.

So, as stated previously the original recepient of this knife was de-tabbed, but it does not say if he is still on active duty. Anyone know if he is still on active duty?

[Beef]

I was thinking along these two same lines as well and realized, there could be another (3rd) possibility.

This knife could have belonged to an SF warrior who was KIA and his family, not knowing what they had in their possession, sold/pawned off this, as well as other possessions.

I do hope that I am wrong in this thought, but it is another avenue to investigate.
This was a potential scenario and one that will probably occur, if it already hasn't. Also, as we get older, more of us will be headed to that final RP. It is important that we give specific instructions to our loved ones on what to do with these blades. Some family members, sadly, will not place any sentimental value on them and may be tempted to sell or just give them away. After all, you see Silver Stars and Purple Hearts turn up at flea markets and yard sales all the time. So if your next of kin has no interest in keeping it, have them donate it to a local military museum or send it back to JFK Museum. You may want to do that yourself if you reach a point that you feel that you can't be a good custodian of your blade. Basically, we need to be as proactive with what we want done with our knives as we are with our life insurance policies, etc. In this case, it was a dirt ball looking to make a buck. That's a really sorry scenario. But a really sad scenario is one in which our loved ones do something out of ignorance!

[Dusty]

This was a potential scenario and one that will probably occur, if it already hasn't. Also, as we get older, more of us will be headed to that final RP. It is important that we give specific instructions to our loved ones on what to do with these blades. Some family members, sadly, will not place any sentimental value on them and may be tempted to sell or just give them away. After all, you see Silver Stars and Purple Hearts turn up at flea markets and yard sales all the time. So if your next of kin has no interest in keeping it, have them donate it to a local military museum or send it back to JFK Museum. You may want to do that yourself if you reach a point that you feel that you can't be a good custodian of your blade. Basically, we need to be as proactive with what we want done with our knives as we are with our life insurance policies, etc. In this case, it was a dirt ball looking to make a buck. That's a really sorry scenario. But a really sad scenario is one in which our loved ones do something out of ignorance!

Well thought-out and well said, beef.

[Beef]

Well thought-out and well said, beef.

Thanks, man.

[Loadsmasher]

This was a potential scenario and one that will probably occur, if it already hasn't. Also, as we get older, more of us will be headed to that final RP. It is important that we give specific instructions to our loved ones on what to do with these blades. Some family members, sadly, will not place any sentimental value on them and may be tempted to sell or just give them away. After all, you see Silver Stars and Purple Hearts turn up at flea markets and yard sales all the time. So if your next of kin has no interest in keeping it, have them donate it to a local military museum or send it back to JFK Museum. You may want to do that yourself if you reach a point that you feel that you can't be a good custodian of your blade. Basically, we need to be as proactive with what we want done with our knives as we are with our life insurance policies, etc. In this case, it was a dirt ball looking to make a buck. That's a really sorry scenario. But a really sad scenario is one in which our loved ones do something out of ignorance!

I regularly attend estate sales in my area looking for guns and inexpensive furniture to refurbish and and at least half of the time I will come across Military decorations and uniforms (large retired mil community). I will usually try and purchase Valor awards (Bronze Stars/Purple Hearts being most common). I've been meaning to destroy them but everytime I look at them I put it off. I wish there was a way to reuse them or an organization that would dispose of them honorably. I always chicken out, too much history attached, last remembrence of the sacrifice of service. It's a shame they have ended up in a stranger's possesion.

[Flagg]

I regularly attend estate sales in my area looking for guns and inexpensive furniture to refurbish and and at least half of the time I will come across Military decorations and uniforms (large retired mil community). I will usually try and purchase Valor awards (Bronze Stars/Purple Hearts being most common). I've been meaning to destroy them but everytime I look at them I put it off. I wish there was a way to reuse them or an organization that would dispose of them honorably. I always chicken out, too much history attached, last remembrence of the sacrifice of service. It's a shame they have ended up in a stranger's possesion.

Down here in ANZAC land, it is fairly common for descendants of those who earned medallic recognition to wear the medals of their ancestors on the RIGHT side of the chest on appropriate clothing during ANZAC Day services, while living veterans who earned them wear them on the left.

The National Army Museum in Waiouru, NZ has a substantial collection of medals, particularly the "racks" of soldiers who served with considerable distinction like Captain Upham VC(Bar).

I've always thought it would be cool if there was a way for families to donate medals of their serving ancestors, and a place/space to hang them all if possible, or more likely rotate them in/out to maybe better recognize the service of all, rather than just the justified recognition of those who served with distinction.

That would probably take the biggest warehouse in NZ to achieve that, and the State of Texas to fit them all in the US.

[Scimitar]

I vaguely remember reading somewhere, that there have been traditions of handing down Officer Cadet numbers from one Officer Cadet to another. It may not have been a US military tradition?

The job was given to each new Officer Cadet to continue to develop the "biographical" history of that number and all the Officers that bore it before him.

In this an Officer cadet was given the job of maintaining the honour of the number given to him in trust, or restoring said numbers honour should it have been discoloured in some way.

The handing of a numbered Yarborough knife from one retired SF soldier to an SFQC graduate would be a powerful Esprit de Corp. Also in this way the knife would be held in trust by each QP, this perhaps positioning it for better legal protection.

I imagine such a process must have been discussed already, but it's sobering to think of the power of such a process.

AFTER THOUGHT: I realize now this is a foggy memory of my Fathers stories from his time at the Australian Military College - Duntroon, and their cadet numbering system.

S