Cattaraugus 220Q U.S. Commando knife

In the Burma Campaign, the Chindits, whose long range penetration groups were trained to operate from bases deep behind Japanese lines, contained commandos (King’s Regiment (Liverpool), 142 Commando Company) and Gurkhas. Their jungle expertise, which would play an important part in many British special forces operations post war, was learned at a great cost in lives in the jungles of Burma fighting the Japanese.

The United States formed the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) during World War II under the Medal of Honor recipient William J. Donovan. This organization was the predecessor of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and was responsible for both intelligence and Special Forces missions. The CIA’s elite Special Activities Division is the direct descendant of the OSS. In mid-1942, the United States formed the Rangers. The United States and Canada also formed a sabotage ski brigade for operations in Norway who became known as the Devil’s Brigade, officially known as the First Special Service Force, during their eventual service in Italy. Merrill’s Marauders were modeled on the Chindits and took part in similar operations in Burma.

These specialised troops required specialised knives to do the job and this one fitted the bill.

Credit for this research text from ima-usa.com

This knife is in fair-good pre-owned condition, obviously used and sharpened and has no sheath.