New to WW2 US GI Reenacting? Start Here!
Personal Research Project
401GIR.com, February 2021
A primer on how to get into reenacting American soldiers in World War II.
Is it Safe to Drink From WWII Canteens?
Personal Research Project
TheSmileyGI.com, May 2021
Do any of my WWI and WWII canteens contain unsafe levels of lead?
How to Read a Uniform
Personal Research Project
TheSmileyGI.com, December 2020
Learn how uniforms and a little research can tell the story of a soldier’s service record.
GI Glasses: Are Modern Reproductions Worth It?
Personal Research Project
401GIR.com, December 2020
Where can WWII US GI reenactors buy accurate glasses? I take a look at a few options.
Hände Hoch!: Everything a Frontline Joe Needs to Know About Prisoners of War
Personal Research Project
401GIR.com, January 2020
An analysis of how GIs took prisoners in WWII and how reenactors can safely represent these practices.
Boots, Bags, ‘n’ Belts in Holland
Personal Research Project
Glider Rider, May 2019
An article I wrote with Tim Utesch looking at what the glidermen of the 327th/401st Glider Infantry Regiments carried during Operation Market.
Combat Engineer Training, Living History Edition
Personal Research Project
TheSmileyGI.com, April 2021
Learn about how WWII Combat Engineers trained, mine warfare, and how living historians train before teaching the public.
Reproducing the M5 Gas Mask
Personal Research Project
TheSmileyGI.com, March 2021
Background of and an attempt to reproduce the M5 Gas Mask for the M7 Rubberized Assault Gas Mask Bag.
CC2 Gas Impregnation: What, Why, and How
Personal Research Project
TheSmileyGI.com, March 2021
Background and test of apply gas impregnation to reproduction uniforms.
Combat Engineer Training, Living History Edition
Personal Research Project
TheSmileyGI.com, April 2021
Learn about how WWII Combat Engineers trained, mine warfare, and how living historians train before teaching the public.
The Smiley GI 