The included copy of a June 1, 1971 dated U.S. MACV headquarters document signed by U.S. Air Force Major General A.J. Bowley identifies this pistol by make, model, and serial number as being issued to Brigadier General Geoffrey Cheadle, by the 377th, Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, as being his personal weapon. The document is stamped "CUSTOMS CLEARANCE/JOINT CUSTOMS GROUP/SAIGON AREA DET." Brigadier General Cheadle was born in Manila, Philippine Islands in 1924 while his father was stationed there with the U.S. Army. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1944 and was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Corps. From 1945 to 1946 he served as officer in charge of flight control at Guam. He earned a masters degree in electrical engineering from Purdue University in 1949 and in 1952 took a teaching position West Point, in the department of electricity. During Vietnam he was assigned to Headquarters U.S. Air Force in the office of Deputy Chief of Staff, and attended The National War College from 1969 to 1971. Military decorations include: Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon, and National Order of Vietnam 5th Class, and he was a Command Pilot. Standard issue blue and black anodized Model 39 pistol with blade front and adjustable rear notch sights, standard markings, and checkered walnut S&W medallion grips. Includes original box, S&W slim black leather holster, extra magazine, cleaning tools, and copies of correspondence between General Cheadle and a Colonel Lawrence S. Lodewick (1928-2018 U.S. Army Ret.). Lodewick from 1958 to 1961 was stationed at the U.S. Army Ordnance Tank-Automotive Command Research & Development Land Locomotion Lab, and participated in basic research with simulated lunar soils, the results of which were used to design the original lunar rover. Lodewick's name is inscribed on one of the gold sheathed legs of the first lunar lander.

Excellent with 97% plus original anodized and blue finishes remaining, some small surface scratches, faint traces of edge wear, and handling marks. The grips are excellent with lightly visible scuffs. Mechanically excellent. Box and holster are both very fine.