victoree
History Buff
V for Vacate, Joe
Posts: 119
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Beards
Aug 11, 2007 12:57:45 GMT -5
Post by victoree on Aug 11, 2007 12:57:45 GMT -5
I have been trying to figure out why the Nov-Dec 1941 photos have US Troops with beards. I started reading Lt Ramsey's War and there was the answer. When the families were ordered out of the Philippines, many soldiers vowed to not shave, until they were reunited with thier families. He states that most of the officers of the 26th had beards during the summer of 41.
Martin
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Beards
Aug 12, 2007 7:28:14 GMT -5
Post by VeeVee on Aug 12, 2007 7:28:14 GMT -5
I remember that too. Also, in the novel Guerrilla and the Hostage, a book by Col. John Olson who was an officer in the 57th Infantry. One reason for beards that he mentioned in the book was that it impressed the Filipinos (who were naturally not hairy and found it difficult to grow beards).
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noy
New Member
Posts: 38
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Beards
May 29, 2009 0:43:14 GMT -5
Post by noy on May 29, 2009 0:43:14 GMT -5
maybe during war it was hard to pick up shaving kit and clean up so beards grew?
Well doesnt the present day US military allow beards on its personnel?
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Beards
May 29, 2009 5:41:21 GMT -5
Post by VeeVee on May 29, 2009 5:41:21 GMT -5
He wasn't referring to "battle" beards -- but of beards grown by many Americans before the war started.
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Beards
Oct 27, 2009 1:38:27 GMT -5
Post by alden405 on Oct 27, 2009 1:38:27 GMT -5
Its one of those myths about the "old army"that has never been confirmed by photos. I think once war with japan seemed unavoidable the beards would have been banned. Japan was a serious threat and the use of gas seemed likely at the time,a beard will affect the fit of the gasmask. Other thing worth mentioning is that hair plus bloody wounds in the tropics is a real bad mix. Somewhere in all my ww2 junk i have a picture of Clinton Pierce departing the States (to take command of the 26th cavalry Regiment)with a beard. The only photo i have of Pierce after the invasion show him clean shaven.
Regards to all and sorry if i rambled
Sam
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Beards
Oct 27, 2009 23:35:18 GMT -5
Post by alden405 on Oct 27, 2009 23:35:18 GMT -5
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