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The soldier is clearly identifiable as Military Police from several visible details, including the large “MP” brassard on his upper arm, the crossed-pistols Military Police insignia on his overseas cap, and the riot/baton club carried at his side.
The crossed-pistols insignia was the official branch device of the U.S. Army Military Police Corps, making this a particularly well-documented occupational military portrait.
The handwritten notation on the reverse reads:
“April 5, 1948”
followed by a location that appears to read:
“Kwangfu Korea”
The central inscription reads:
“Love always, Galey”
or very similar; please refer to the photograph of the reverse for the exact handwriting.
The date places this photograph during the U.S. occupation period in Korea, before the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950. U.S. Army forces were still stationed in South Korea in 1948 as military and security responsibilities were being transferred to the newly established Republic of Korea.
A particularly strong Korean occupation-era military photograph because the soldier’s Military Police role is visually identifiable from his armband, branch insignia and baton, rather than inferred solely from an inscription.
Approximate size: 3.5 x 5.5 inches.
Condition: Original vintage photograph with age-related edge and corner wear, visible corner creasing/cracking, light surface wear and handling marks. Handwritten inscription on reverse. Please see all photos for condition details.
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