m38 stars

timrod · Post by **timrod** » Wed Jan 10, 2007 9:09 pm

could any body tell me why some of the 38s had stars on the windsheld and some dont. i found mine 20 yrs ago when i sanded it but never knew why??

Post by **wesk** » Wed Jan 10, 2007 10:34 pm

Stars are actually called national insignia. They are a theater specific authorization item and weren't always painted on. The rule of thumb was if attack from the air was a possibility then the area commanders directed they be painted on. The M38's service life covered roughly 1950 thru 1970 and during this period there were several changes to the Army bulletins and regs covering markings. So you must first determine your jeep's desired period of representation so we can know which rules applied at that time. IE, if you have a 1952 M38 and want it to look like it did at the Willys delivery lot then there would not be any stars on it. If you want it to look like it would have in the US Army at Ft. Campbell Kentuckey in 1960 there would probably not be any stars on it. If you want it to look like an M38 in 1865 in Europe then it may or may not have all the stars or some of the stars depending on which Army TB was being followed since 64/65 was a changeover year.