Named U.S. Navy PAL RH 37 Knife Marked & Used on USS James Craig in the Pacific

The knife blade is generally bright, with some spots and typical signs of sharpening. The ricasso bears the PAL mark on one side and the “U.S. Navy”designation on the opposite side. The theater made aluminum grip is marked “Pearl Harbor 1944” as well as “DE 201” and “JK”. The ship designation refers to the Destroyer Escort USS James E. Craig. The “JK” initials reflect the fact that the knife was the property of John J. Kaczenski, who served on board the Craig during World War II. The “JK” initials are also on the pommel. The leather sheath shows age and wear, and has a small hole in the lower obverse side. Scratched into the sheath front is the name “J.J. Kaczenski”. Overall very good condition. The knife is accompanied by several pages of research material on the USS James E. Craig and a copy of Kaczenski’s obituary.