US Army M1 carbine weapon bag used by a soldier

M1 weapon bag issued to J. George Mitnick by the United States Army during World War II. Mitnick, a 27 year-old, Jewish American, served as a captain in the 65th Infantry Division, European Theater. His unit took control of the Ohrdruf concentration camp in April 1945; nearly all the inhabitants were dead, killed by the departing German troops. This was the first concentration camp liberated by US troops and descriptions of the conditions horrified the world. Mitnick’s unit continued on into Austria and was involved with the liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp. Captain Mitnick was awarded two Bronze Stars for his service.