WWII US Early War 45th infantry Division Belt Buckle -

The 45th Infantry Division was an infantry division of the United States Army. As a major formation of the Oklahoma Army National Guard, it was headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma for most of its history. The division traces its lineage to the Oklahoma state militia activated in the late 19th century. This is a US Army field gear item. As issued during World War two.

The 45th Infantry Division first saw action as a division in World War II fighting in the Mediterranean. Making amphibious landings at Sicily, Anzio, and Salerno, the division played a key role in the liberation of Italy before making a fourth amphibious landing in Europe to liberate France. Eventually, the division advanced into Germany itself.

Before the 1930s, the division's symbol was a red square with a yellow swastika, a tribute to the large Native American population in the south-western United States. The belt buckle featured here was issued to personnel of the 45th infantry division to be worn with their Khaki uniform. Of metal construction. A swastika symbol was placed at the center of the buckle. The sides were pebbled.

The back of the buckle has a basic clamp-type design. The buckle was to be worn with the canvis belt.

Close inspection of the photograph shown below reveals the swastika patch worn on the left sleeve. Once the US entered the war the patch was changed to the Firebird. the belt buckle was no longer authorized for wear.

This WWII US military collectible may be currently reproduced. It is becoming more difficult to be able to tell the fake ones from the real ones because the quality of the reproductions is improving. The collector must become familiarized with the construction style and materials employed in the manufacturing of this item. Attention to the details is critical in order to be able to determine the authenticity of the collectible.