Aerial Cutlery knife with Elk horn pommel and leather sheath.<\/p>\n
Inscriptions on the scabbard “Iceland, 43 (1943) – Sgt. J.R. Fahy” and Aerial Cutlery Co Marinette on blade.<\/p>\n
On July 7, 1941, the defense of Iceland was transferred from Great Britain to the United States (still officially neutral), in agreement with Iceland, the American Marines replaced the British.<\/p>\n
Iceland’s strategic position along the North Atlantic sea lanes was perfect for air and naval bases, and brought new importance to the island.<\/p>\n
The 1st Marine Brigade of approximately 4,100 soldiers was garrisoned in Iceland until early 1942, when they were relieved by U.S. Army troops so they could join their Marine brothers-in-arms fighting in the Pacific.<\/p>\n