In WWII, soldiers used plexiglass for pistol grips so they could put pictures of loved ones on their pistols. Where they got it is super resourceful

In times of war, resources can be very scarce. That was especially true during the Second World War. U.S. Soldiers had to make do with whatever they had. It is also true that being away from home and loved ones can be emotionally taxing. Leave it to troops stationed away in foreign countries to come up with a clever solution to the the pains of wartime.

When planes were shot down in the course of battle, they could be salvaged for useful materials, one of which was plexiglass. The plexiglass from planes could be worked with and shaped in such ways that it could be used for making pistol grips, giving troops a better handle on their weapons.

Their ingenuity did not stop there, though. Plexiglass had another unique quality that made it useful for getting through the desperation of war. Conveniently enough, it’s see-through, and it can serve to hold photographs in place.

During all times, soldiers could carry both their weapons and pictures of their girlfriends, wives, brothers, sisters, friends, parents, or really anyone they loved and missed. There’s no doubt being reminded of life back home was comforting and gave them the strength to carry on until the bloodshed was over.

(Source)