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USAF Markings manual

Discussion in 'Early Jeep Restoration and Research' started by Bill F, Aug 19, 2008.

  1. Aug 19, 2008
    Bill F

    Bill F Finally running

    Hillsboro NH
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    588
    I am trying to figure out what the N stands for in the hood number of my 1952 m38. My hood number is USAF N-1346. Do any of you have a markings manual from around that time frame, or are in the airforce and might be able to help figure out what the N stands for?

    I know that in the Air Force that letters did mean something.
     
    Bill F, Aug 19, 2008
    #1
  2. Aug 19, 2008
    sasquatch

    sasquatch I'm big in Japan.

    Kadena AB,...
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    I don't know, but I would head over to www.steelsoldiers.com and ask on the forum there, they might be able to help out.
     
    sasquatch, Aug 19, 2008
    #2
  3. Aug 20, 2008
    Bill F

    Bill F Finally running

    Hillsboro NH
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    I have asked over on steelsoldiers and g503. The airforce seems to have liked to keep things a secret.
     
    Bill F, Aug 20, 2008
    #3
  4. Aug 20, 2008
    sasquatch

    sasquatch I'm big in Japan.

    Kadena AB,...
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    *gets all shifty-eyed* That's right....

    Sorry dunno what else to tell ya. I haven't seen any Air Force marking manuals from that era. I may be able to get ahold of the Historian on base and see what leads he can give me, though... I'll try and remember on Friday when I get a chance.
     
    sasquatch, Aug 20, 2008
    #4
  5. Aug 20, 2008
    kiowamtp

    kiowamtp Member

    DFW
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    kiowamtp, Aug 20, 2008
    #5
  6. Aug 20, 2008
    w3srl

    w3srl All-around swell dude Staff Member

    Port Orange, FL
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    Actually guys, the base motor pool might be a better source of information than the Historian's office. When I worked as an AF Historian my job was almost 100% related to collecting and documenting combat & flight operations. The primary function of an AF Historian was to serve as the collective corporate memory of the Wing, and to document the functional activities of the Wing and it's subordinate units. Stuff like vehicle markings are way, way under the radar of the Historian's office.

    I used to get all kinds of "historical" pictures and articles about base Christmas parties, softball games, who's boy just made Eagle Scout and the like. Not that this isn't part of the unit's history, but rather it just wasn't part of the "official" history. Most folks assumed that this was the stuff that a Historian collected whenever he wasn't out playing golf or checking the snack bar for historical info. In reality it (was) a very highly-deployed career field, since there were less than 400 total Air Force Historians worldwide. It's now been phased out in favor of civilians on most bases.
     
    Last edited: Aug 20, 2008
    w3srl, Aug 20, 2008
    #6
  7. Aug 20, 2008
    sasquatch

    sasquatch I'm big in Japan.

    Kadena AB,...
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    Interesting info, Steve.

    That being said, I think a 60-year old markings manual is gonna be way, way under the radar of the motor pool... I'm sure our base historian wouldn't have the manual just laying around, but I thought maybe he could get me pointed in the right direction.

    Another possibility is the Air Force museum, If I recall correctly they will work research requests on a time permitting basis.
     
    sasquatch, Aug 20, 2008
    #7
  8. Aug 20, 2008
    w3srl

    w3srl All-around swell dude Staff Member

    Port Orange, FL
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    Also try the Air Force Historical Research Agency down at Maxwell AFB, AL. That is the holy land in terms of AF history. ;)
     
    w3srl, Aug 20, 2008
    #8
  9. Aug 20, 2008
    Bill F

    Bill F Finally running

    Hillsboro NH
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    Air force museum was no help. They are only concerned with aircraft and the men the flew them not some lonely little flight line jeep. I have check on the willysmjeeps site as well. The USAF really took the for offical use only thing futher than the other branches and destroyed all the manuals.
     
    Bill F, Aug 20, 2008
    #9
  10. Aug 21, 2008
    sasquatch

    sasquatch I'm big in Japan.

    Kadena AB,...
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    Ah yeah I forgot about Maxwell. Might be worth a try.
     
    sasquatch, Aug 21, 2008
    #10
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