A scarce and desirable Marine accoutrement that was without question carried during the battle of Iwo Jima. During the Iwo Jima campaign the 4th Division used specific unit markings on their equipment and uniforms for easy identification by unit commanders and troops. The 4th Division UNIS markings consisted of 3 numbers inside a semi-circle which indicated a specific unit. There was a number above the unit marking which indicated rank (1-9, PFC thru General).
This is the standard USMC issue canteen cover with cross flaps and the M1910 canteen. The front of cover is stenciled with the 4th Marine Division UNIS symbol 512 inside a half circle. The canteen would have belonged to a private in Company A, 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment. The 1/25 assaulted Blue 1 beach on D-Day. The battalion played a critical role in the seizure of Hill 382 (Turkey Knob) in an area that Marines on Iwo Jima called “the meat grinder”. For its actions, the battalion earned a Presidential Unit Citation.
