Authentic WWII U.S. Navy Canvas Gear Bag – Personalized “W.H. Stauffer”
•Original WWII-era canvas pack sack, measuring approx. 90 cm × 45 cm, heavy-duty cotton duck material.
•Stenciled in bold red: “STAUFFER, W. H.” — believed to be Willard Henry Stauffer (b. 1923–d. 2015), Motor Machinist’s Mate aboard USS Barnett in WWII.
•Hand-embroidered yellow lion gripping a rifle, with service dates “9‑26‑42 to 1‑5‑44” — a charming and rare personal item, likely sent for validation or as a keepsake.
•Canvas shows wear and use — minor staining, field mending, and patina typical of wartime use; all traits adding character and authenticity.
•Provenance: Linked to Stauffer’s recognition as VA “Veteran of the Day” (Sept 2020)  
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🇺🇸 Who Was Willard Henry Stauffer?
•Navy veteran of WWII: Stauffer served as a Motor Machinist’s Mate aboard the USS Barnett (APA‑5) in the Pacific Theatre, including the intense Okinawa campaign. He survived kamikaze attacks and other wartime hazards  .
•Honored by the VA: In September 2020, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recognized him as “Veteran of the Day”  .
•Post-war life: Honorable discharge post‑1945; returned to civilian life.
•Lived to 91: Passing away in 2015, Stauffer left behind a lasting legacy.
The “W. H. Stauffer” stencil and the embroidered lion with rifle motif suggest a personalized gear bag or laundry sac, likely used during his deployment or training. The dated embroidery (“9‑26‑42 to 1‑5‑44”) aligns with early Navy training or service phases.
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•Ready for display or a unique centerpiece in your WWII collections.