Original Item: Only One Available. In advance of the Normandy Invasion on June 6th, 1944, luminous discs were issued to American paratroopers so they could be identified easily by friendly troops. Typically fixed to the back of the M1 helmet by fastening to the helmet net, tied onto webbing or stitched onto the inside of the M42 jump jacket collar at the back so the wearer could pull his collar up to reveal the luminous disc. Designed to be used when moving at night so the soldier could keep an eye on the man in front.

This is a very scarce example of the larger Bridge Marker type produced later, and retains the markings:

USRC
UNDARK

22M-TTR58
4-45
POISON INSIDE

This dates the marker to April 1945, nearly a year after D-Day. The back has two small movable clips along with the large central clip. Apparently, this type of disks belongs in the TYPE III-marked box, which has diagonal dividers inside (allowing for larger, but fewer disks). The disk has a clip like the smaller disks for attaching it to the helmet net, the uniform or webbing, and two prongs with holes for nails.

The disc measures roughly 2 3/16 in diameter. The marker comes in its original pouch with edge-stitching, measuring 2 x 2 .

A very scarce example, ready for further research and display!