Book, Destination Victory (invasion codes - Unit Serial Numbers and POM markings)

Unit Serial Numbers and POM markings—what a fascinating subject! As someone who has dedicated over fifty years to collecting U.S. World War II field gear and equipment, I have often found myself drawn into the mysteries surrounding these historical artifacts. My journey began with items retrieved directly from battlefields or passed down from the veterans who once relied on them. Over the years, I encountered a peculiar and enigmatic detail on some of these pieces—a three-color code, sometimes painted on ammunition crates, Signal Corps equipment, medical supply boxes, duffle bags, and various other items. These three-colour stencils, discovered on artifacts from such iconic battlefields as Normandy and the Ardennes, became known among collectors as "invasion codes."

Despite countless hours spent poring over photographic archives and textual records in both Europe and the United States, I never encountered any definitive explanation of these stencils. I did notice that, occasionally, one of these appeared on the bumper of a vehicle or the tank of a motorcycle, but the full story behind these markings remained elusive.

For decades, even the most dedicated historians and collectors were left to speculate about the true significance of these stencils. The prevailing theory was that they were simply logistical markers used for the shipment of equipment during the Normandy invasion.

Then came Ben Major and Chad Phillips, whose groundbreaking work forms the basis of "Destination Victory". Their discovery of the true purpose behind these color codes has revolutionized our understanding of World War II military logistics. Through meticulous research and a keen eye for detail, they have uncovered what can only be described as the "holy grail" for collectors, historians, and enthusiasts alike.

Breaking the code… As is often the case with significant discoveries, the solution, once revealed, seems almost obvious in hindsight. These markings are not just logistical codes; they are a combined system for shipment tracking and unit identification. This book doesn't just decode a long-standing mystery—it opens a new chapter in the study of World War II. The revelation that these color stencils and linked serial of digits can be linked directly to specific units offers an unprecedented opportunity to trace the history of individual pieces of equipment. What once were anonymous relics now tell a story, connecting us to the men and units who fought with them.

For me, as a lifelong collector and the founder of a World War II museum, this discovery is nothing short of monumental. It adds a profound new layer of depth to the artifacts in our collections and enriches the narrative that we, as custodians of history, strive to preserve. The ability to identify and trace these Unit Serial Numbers used in the European Theater of Operations back to their origins breathes new life into these objects, transforming them from mere remnants of the past into tangible connections to the stories of bravery, sacrifice, and victory.

"Destination Victory" is more than just a book; it's a key to unlocking the past. I am honored to write this foreword and to support a work that will undoubtedly become an essential resource for anyone passionate about U.S. World War II history. Ben Major and Chad Phillips have given us a tool that will forever change the way we look at U.S. military artifacts. For their revolutionary work, and the countless hours they dedicated to compiling an exhaustive and accessible list, we owe them our deepest gratitude.

Michel De Trez  
Collector, WWII Military Equipment  
Founder, D-Day Experience Museum  
Publisher, WWII Military History Books, D-Day Publishing