[niteowl77]

While he must've possessed it in spades, Cpl McClung's ability to "smell Germans" was apparently not uncommon, either figuratively or literally. Uncle C commented on being acutely aware of it when transporting POWs across France, and I have also heard vets remark about friend and foe all smelling like goats, but "different" goats nonetheless.

When the souvenirs would get brought out of their hiding places and shown to the little boy who showed an interest in such things, there was generally a distinctive smell lingering about the German items. I still remember one particularly aromatic 98K ammunition pouch which contained odds and ends that - regrettably - disappeared over the decades. The few of these items I have managed to keep around seem to have lost most of their pungency, although it may also be that my sense of smell has deteriorated over 50 years.

Mr. niteowl77

[Hebrews 11:6]

contained odds and ends that - regrettably - disappeared over the decades

My dad brought home a rock from Hitler's fireplace in Bertchesgaden which - regrettably - has suffered a similar fate.