Colt Model M Collector's Information "U.S. PROPERTY" .32 ACP

Colt Model M .32 ACP serial number 568532 - Military Model M .32 ACP pistol, arsenal refinished finish, parkerized trigger, thumb safety and grip safety, with U.S. PROPERTY mark on right side of frame and ordnance wheel on left rear of frame behind thumb safety. Pistol is documented as having been issued to Major General Charles Marsden Duke and is pictured with its original black Vietnam era holster.

Major General Charles M. Duke graduated from West Point with the famous class of 1939. He served in North Africa during WWII as an Army Engineer with an outfit called Darby's Rangers.

He also served in Korea and Viet Nam as a Combat Engineer. He commanded all Army engineers in Vietnam from 1968 to 1970.

Colt 1903 Pocket hammerless .32 ACP - serial number 568532 right side showing U.S. PROPERTY mark on frame.

MAJOR GENERAL CHARLES MARSDEN DUKE
24 June 1917		Born, Texas
1939		Graduated, USMA
1942 - 1944		Corps of Engineers: Nicaragua
1944 - 1945		Commanding Officer 30 Engineer Topographical Battalion Africa & HI
1945 - 1946		Office Chief of Engineers General Headquarters Tokyo (Legion of Merit)
1947		Masters of Science Civil Engineering Cal Tech
1947 - 1950		MA&E - Department of Military Art & Engineering, USMA
1951		CGSC - Command and general Staff College (School) Ft. Leavenworth
1951 - 1954		Log Division Headquarters European Command
1955 - 1956		East Ocean District, NY
1956 - 1958		Office Chief of Engineers (Commendation Ribbon)
1959 - 1962		Dist Engineer, US Engineer District, NYC
1962 - 1963		G4 I Corps Group, Korea
1963 - 1967		Engineer Command, Department of the Army, Washington, DC
1967		18EBde (Bronze Star Medal - Air Medal)
1967 - 1968		Engineer & Commanding General Troops US Army, Vietnam (Distinguished Service Medal - Air Medal)
1968		Engineering Division, North Atlantic
1971		Retired
21 August 1976		Died, Fairfax, Virginia

Copy of letter and original index card from Rock Island Arsenal documenting issue of "Serial No. 568532, Pistol, Cal.. .32, Colt Issued to Brig Gen Charles M. Duke, Engineer Commissioner, District of Columbia. Certificate sent Feb. 1965"

Colt 1903 Pocket Hammerless .32 ACP serial number 568532 with original holster - holster still bears General Duke's name tag that was attached when he carried this pistol in Vietnam.

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Colt Model M "U.S. PROPERTY" .32 ACP Serial Number 568532 Issued to Major General Charles M. Duke, USA

Colt Model M "U.S. PROPERTY" .32 ACP
Serial Number 568532
Issued to Major General Charles M. Duke, USA