Hand carved wooden clogs found in Dachau concentration camp by an American soldier

Handmade wooden clogs found by 22 year old Aubrey G. Kincheloe, an American soldier, in Dachau concentration camp after liberation between May 3-8, 1945. Aubrey was a private first class in the 45th Infantry Division, 179th Infantry Regiment, Company C. He entered combat in January 1944, in Italy, and fought in southern France and, in 1945, advanced into Germany. On April 29, the 45th Division liberated Dachau concentration camp, while Aubrey and the 179th Infantry Regiment were attacking Munich. On May 3, Aubrey and his regiment were sent to Dachau to guard and administer the camp. Aubrey left Dachau on May 8, VE Day, and was stationed near Munich until his return to the US. Aubrey Gordon Kincheloe was born on May 16, 1923, in Garrisonville, Virginia, to William and Mae Payne Kincheloe. His father was from Washington DC and his mother from Virginia. He had one sister. His father William, age 52, died on January 5, 1931, when Aubrey was seven years old. Mae worked as a nurse to support her children. On December 8, 1941, following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States entered World War II. On February 20, 1943, Aubrey enlisted in the US Army. He was assigned to the 45th Infantry Division, 179th Infantry Regiment, Company C, as a private first class. On January 13, 1944, Aubrey entered combat in Italy. In August, his Division was sent to southern France. On January 2, 1945, Aubrey installed wire communications from mortar gun positions to the company command under heavy enemy fire in Wingen, France. On April 29, the 45th Division liberated Dachau concentration camp, while Aubrey and the 179th Infantry Regiment were attacking Munich. On May 3, the 179th was ordered to march to Dachau to guard and administer the camp. The war ended when Germany surrendered on May 7. On May 8, Aubrey left Dachau when the 179th returned to Munich for occupational duty. On October 20, 1945, Aubrey was discharged from the Army. He was awarded a Bronze Star for his meritorious service, notably for his initiative and actions in Wingen. Aubrey married Lovella May (1920-2013). The couple settled in Virginia and had a daughter. Aubrey, age 68, died on June 11, 1991. No restrictions on access