Re: Yes . . .
Gathering momentoes in conflicts are an American tradition. just ask Russia about all those art treasures lifted from Germany atr the close of WW II -- which they now hold as part of Russia's national treasures.
GI's have taken things throughout history. It's illegal, as well as wrong, but it does, and will continue to happen.
Calls to mind "Kelly's Heroes" (1970), where his captain rides off in a duece an' a half pulling a sailboat from a French cottage he had ransacked -- and warning his troops to bear in mind that looting is forbidden.
Cheers,
Dan