Posted 11 years ago
scottvez
(977 items)
WW1 32nd "Red Arrow" Division soldier. Soldier is from Wisconsin and part of the 128th Infantry Regiment. The 128th was a WI National Guard unit that was activated in 1917 for WW1 Service.
The unit served in 4 campaigns during the war, earning the nickname "Les Terribles" or the Terrible Ones.
This particular soldier was out of Wisconsin as this image was taken by a WI photographer. The photograph was most likely taken shortly after the units return to the US as this soldier has the "Red Arrow" patch on his shoulder. Additionally, his "128th Infantry, Co. K" collar brass is visible.
I am not sure of the ribbon bar on his chest. It may be for Mexican Border service, but I haven't checked it out yet.
Reproduction of these images in any form is prohibited.
scott
Bet he didn't look that clean after a week in the trenches!
Company K was out of Monroe Wisconsin and the ribbon looks like that of the King Medal which a WNG attendance award.
It is interesting that he would wear a WNG ribbon vs. US Army ribbon (such as a Victory Medal).
Do you have a link to the medal-- the ones that I found show a different ribbon.
scott
Thanks david.
scott
Thanks for looking petey.
scott
Scott, the King Medal is the only ribbon that I know of that even comes close. That would make the photo 1929-30's so this young soldier was probably not a WWI vet. I'll post a King medal here on this site.
That fact would further indicate to me that it isn't a King Medal ribbon. The guy has two overseas bars.
I suspect it is some other medal ribbon.
scott
Thanks official and gargoyle.
scott
On a closer look it probably is not the King ribbon but it does not match any WNG ribbon that I know of. If you post this on the US Militaria Forum some one there may have the answer.
The US Victory medal wasn't issued until 1920, so since he isn't wearing that ribbon, I think this photo may have been taken between June 1919, when the 32nd returned to the US from occupation duty in Germany and Mid-1920, when the victory medals began distribution (I have one in my collection still in it's shipping box addressed to La Crosse Wisconsin, postmarked July 10, 1920).
As you know; there were many locally issued WWI service medals after the war, and I'm thinking this may be one of them. Knowing Militarist's expertise, I doubt it's the Wisconsin medal or he would have recognized it. Could it be a medal from Monroe or the county Monroe is in? Perhaps some unofficial medal?
Probably so chris. I got the same thing from a militaria forum-- a local WW1 service medal.
Thanks for taking the time to look and comment.
scott
Also chris, thanks for the information on the release/ distribution of the US Victory Medal. I thought that it was much earlier.
scott
Definitely not a known Wisconsin local. There was some kind of private issue medal produced by Thomas Elder to raise funds for the French that was on a multi vertical stripe ribbon. That medal has a motto something like "Do no evil" which may be the ribbon that he is wearing.
Thanks tom!
scott
Here's a picture of what might be the Elder Medal (Right ribbon on ribbon bar) that Militarist commented on in a 77th Division grouping.
http://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/74698-77th-division-wwi-veterans-grouping
Thanks chris-- that one sure looks close!
I appreciate your continued assistance.
scott
Thanks buss.
scott
Thanks fran and tom.
scott
Thanks for looking budek.
scott