You are right Wally. Ridgeway was the Div. Commanding General.
My cousin was Exec. Officer of D Co. 2nd. Bat. 505th PIR 82nd A/B Division.
He was nominated for the Medal of Honor for actions on June 7th at Ste. Mere Eglise. However it was downgraded to the DSC. However my cousin didn't carry a Randall!

Operation Overlord, the 82nd Airborne Division was divided into three forces:

Force A (parachute): the three parachute infantry regiments and support detachments, commanded by Assistant Division Commander Brig. Gen. James Gavin,
Force B (glider): the glider infantry regiment and artillery battalions, and airborne support elements, commanded by Division Commander Maj. Gen. Matthew B. Ridgway, and
Force C (seaborne): remaining combat elements, division support troops and attached units including tanks, landing at Utah Beach, commanded by Assistant Division Commander Brig. Gen. George P. Howell.

Following Normandy, the 82nd Airborne became part of the newly organized XVIII Airborne Corps, which consisted of the U.S. 17th, 82nd, and 101st Airborne Divisions. Ridgway was given command, but was not promoted to lieutenant general until 1945. His recommendation for succession as commander was Brigadier General James M. Gavin. Ridgway's recommendation met with approval, and upon promotion Gavin became the youngest general since the Civil War to command a U.S. Army division

Eric

This is all excellent military history guys..."but"...(I know)...Please: Let's stay on topic, thanks.
Capt. Chris

Thanks Eric.

Cap,

The model / length marking on the back of the sheath was not stamped. It was applied freehand.

Best,

Wally or Captain,

Curious, how was the General's edge? Sharp? Did it appear that the knife had been used and resharpened throughout its life?

Carried quite a bit but I would have to say not harsh-used at all. It may not have ever been touched up.
Ron: The numbers were "set", i.e. singularly stamped, as best as I can tell. They are faint, by comparison to most I have seen. In actuality, the friggin' Randall sheath stamp was not all that "deep" either.
* Note: Just observations "after-the-fact". As I stated earlier, nobody even noticed the 1 6 during the entire "inspection"! (Just goes to show how "spot-on" Wally, Lori & I are!)
Best, Capt. Chris

Cap,

Faint or not, IMO the numbers were made freehand. As you mentioned, we're searching for the truth here. I have to run for a DDS appointment. Later today I'll post an enlargement of the marking. When I do, I think you'll align with me.

Could be Ron?? Like I said, it went un-noticed. I never said anybody was fudgin' the truth. Good luck at your appt.
Capt. Chris

Cap,

If this marking was made by a stamp, the die maker was several sheets to the wind:



Can we agree now? Thanks.