This is an excellent example of an original, documented, U.S. Army issue Beretta M9 General Officers pistol. This model was introduced in 1986 based on the continuing need for the U.S. Military to be able to issue service automatic pistols to newly promoted general officers. These pistols in all respects were a standard Beretta M9 handgun only they were identified by a special serial number with a "GO" prefix. This excellent example is also fitted with the desirable checkered walnut grips with the brass identification plate that was available (separately) from Beretta. The identification plate has been nicely engraved "W.E. MORTENSEN", which identifies this pistol as having been issued to BG William Mortensen (ret). In addition to this ID plate, this wonderful example is also accompanied by the issuing letter from the U.S. Army TACOM Command, Rock Island Arsenal verifying the issuing officer. This example is also accompanied by the release and purchasing documents from Rock Island Arsenal, as being sold in June 2008. This pistol was originally issued in September 1997 at the time he was promoted to Brigadier General along with a complete set of original issue equipment. This pistol rig also includes a detailed historical assignment of BG Mortensen that include the various duty assignments where he actually carried this exact pistol in various combat areas throughout the Middle East and Europe. As the Commander of the 21st Theater Support Command (TSC) (circa 2001-2003), he carried this weapon during operations in Bosnia, Macedonia and Kosovo, then again in Jan 2003, when deployed with the 1st Infantry Division, he carried this weapon in support of the invasion of Northern Iraq and also during the assault of Baghdad where the 21st TSC was in logistical support of the 101st Air Assault Division in the Mosul area of Iraq. The right side of the frame is marked: "U.S. 9mm M9-BERETTA U.S.A.-65490" with the left side marked with serial number: "GO-1680". The left and right sides of the slide have the standard factory markings of "U.S. 9mm M9-BERETTA U.S.A.-65490" followed by the Beretta factory circled "PB" logo and "ASSY 9346487-65490" followed by the etched "P M" proof markings. The slide is fitted with the standard fixed white dot front and rear combat sights, and it has ambidextrous safety levers, ring hammer and lanyard loop on the heel of the frame. It has the upgraded, checkered walnut grips as noted above. This lot also includes his original issue General Officers, U.S. marked black leather holster made by and marked "BIANCHI", his black leather G.O. pistol belt with the gold colored G.O. belt buckle, two original issue black leather double magazine pouches and the original set of black plastic grip panels.