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An original 4.5x3" vintage photo (NOT a modern reprint) from a collection of vintage WW2 photos from a collection compiled by Gerald H Kautz who served as a soldier in WW2. It is likely a one of a kind print.
Photo Overview
WW2 snapshot from the collection of Gerald H. Kautz, a U.S. Army soldier who trained at Fort Knox, Kentucky. This June 1942 photo shows three soldiers in field uniforms and sun helmets standing roadside in front of a military vehicle during a motor march exercise. One of the men - likely Kautz himself - has his M1 gas mask carrier hanging visibly at his side, as noted in his own handwriting on the back. The rural Kentucky countryside stretches out behind them, with rolling fields and a tree line visible in the distance.
The candid, personal nature of this photo - complete with Kautz\'s humorous handwritten caption - makes it a genuine artifact of early American WW2 mobilization training. It measures 4.5x3 inches and is from what appears to be a one-of-a-kind personal collection.
Historical Notes
Fort Knox, Kentucky, was a critical Army training center during World War 2, serving as the home of the U.S. Army Armored Force from 1940. By June 1942, the United States had been at war for just six months following the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, and the Army was in the midst of a massive expansion and training effort. Motor marches like the one depicted here were essential exercises to prepare mechanized infantry and armored units for mobile warfare in Europe and the Pacific. Soldiers trained at Fort Knox during this period went on to serve in major campaigns including North Africa, Italy, and the Normandy invasion. Fort Knox remains an active U.S. Army installation today and continues to serve as a training center.
Text Present
Back of photo (handwritten in ink at top):
"M1 This one takes the cake, this is how
S1 we looked on the motor march. That is
my gas mask hanging on the side. Had
to look twice to see which one was me."
Back of photo (handwritten in pencil, center):
"Fort Knox Ky"
Back of photo (handwritten in pencil, below):
"June 1942"
Back of photo (bottom left): Small circled letter or symbol stamp.
Print analysis
This is a Type 1 original photograph. The small 4.5x3-inch format, the matte surface, and the personal handwritten caption on the reverse are consistent with a snapshot printed at or very near the time of exposure in 1942. The paper aging and toning on the reverse confirm a print date consistent with the 1942 date written on the back. No studio or agency stamps are present; this is a personal snapshot from Kautz\'s own wartime collection.
Condition
Excellent condition.
