I've had this photo in my collection for a few years and it's one of my favorites, despite the fact that its meaning is a mystery to me. I am unsure as to what the uniform relates to because I can't seem to find any insignias or other identifications of rank. The thing that really gets me is the handwritten note on the back: "A study in moronity" Any chance anyone has a clue as to what is going on?
There are insignia on his collar and cap but closing in on them here is just a blur. Others here can help. Just stand by for them.
Given his youthful look, I suspect he's a cadet - either at a military school or in the Junior ROTC at a regular school. And whoever wrote on the back didn't think much of his doing that.
looks like a photo in the dead of winter , in a rural area.....and he's dressed for summer.......Moron !!!
Depends on whether it's serious or not... and we will never know. Could be any of the above. The person could have even written it about himself, for unknown reasons.
Thank you everyone for your comments and insights! I personally think this photo has some kind of story behind it and it's fun trying to imagine what it may be.
I had noticed (before seeing your wordpress note) that there was something very odd about the belt, and the very narrow waist; and wondered if this was possibly a woman.
The belt is tight, but for a young man of slight build, it's not that odd. Plus "he" seems to already have a bit of a receding hairline which I doubt would have been present on a woman.
That is true! Though if my theory holds, the person's hair (if long) could have been gelled or pulled tightly back and away from the face or hidden under the cap.
If the cap were a different kind, that might happen, I suppose. But there isn't enough room in it, perched on his head as it is, for any amount of hair.
Well, either way, this person in uniform is certainly slim! And I just noticed those nice, shiny shoes in such dirty snow.
From a very dim memory, the uniform looks like those of the US Air Force (not necessarily a pilot) post WWII, say circa 1950. The enamel pin they wore on the lapel looks like it may be on his cap.
Hi, How things change. It used to be that you got punished for not having polished GLEAMING shoes, now a days they have roughened leather so light does not reflect off your shoes. It used to be in the Navy that if you cut yourself while shaving it was acceptable to have blood running down your face. Now a days it is unacceptable since blood may have a pathogen in it. greg
Used to be able to have a beard too as long as you could seal your fire fighting/breathing gear. Some still got away with a tiny earring too. I had patent leather 'inspection' shoes too. I may still have them!
