Meuse-Argonne medal | ||
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Posted 8 years ago
denton
(1 item)
Can anyone tell me exactly what the "Defense Sector" designation on this WWI service medal means? I know this was awarded to my relative for his service in that offensive. I am not sure what the secondary designation means. Any help would be appreciated.
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This is the WWI Victory medal awarded at the end of the war. They were is the Meuse-Argonne Battle(s) & in the defense. Have some experts here who will probably give you more details.
That is a WW1 Victory Medal with two clasps.
I believe the "Defensive Sector" clasp is for smaller engagements w/o other designated clasps.
These two clasps were awarded to soldiers in the following divisions: 6th, 29th, 35th, 36th, 79th, 81st, 82nd. Of course there are other divisions awarded these two clasps along with one or more other clasps, so I am assuming he didn't join one of those division later/ miss some of the battles.
Chris can probably add more information.
scott
"Defensive Sectors" were areas where soldiers were vulnerable to the enemy. Even when there wasn't a major battle going on, these soldiers were still exposed to artillery fire, gas attacks, snipers, trench raids, etc. and General Pershing wanted to recognize these soldiers that stood in harm's way, so on his urging, the Defensive Sector clasp was created.
Defensive Sectors were defined as 1st Army Area of operations between 30 Aug and 11 Nov 1918; Second Army Area between 12 Oct and 11 Nov 1918; and corps, division or smaller independent organizations under French, British, Belgian, or Italian commands between 6 April 1917 and 11 Nov 1918.
Additionally, if a soldier participated in an action against the enemy that did not have an authorized battle clasp, the Defensive Sector clasp was awarded instead.
Finally, because of overlapping award criteria, it's almost impossible for a soldier to have been eligible for a battle clasp and not also be eligible for the defensive sector clasp.
Clasps were awarded based on the individual soldier's record, so as Scott points out, although the soldiers in those divisions usually had this combination of clasps, your relative could have been in a different division and missed a battle - for example if he were wounded or sick or came later as a replacement.
Chris
Thanks to all of you for your responses. My grandfather was in the Tank Corp but we have not been able to pinpoint what unit he was with. We do know that he was a driver for a French made Renault tank (similar to one he photographed with his "soldier's friend" compact autographic camera) and that he was wounded at some point as he was awarded a "Wound Chevron" as seen in the portrait I added above.
The 344th and 345th Tank Battalions used the Renault tank and fought at Meuse-Argonne.
Chris
Both those tank battalions formed 304th Tank Brigade, trained and commanded by then Lieutenant Colonel George S. Patton. The 304th was the first American tank regiment to see combat in WWI. Patton was wounded at St Mihiel, before Meuse-Argonne, and replaced in command by his executive officer.
Your Grandfather seems to have missed St. Mihiel, since he did not receive a clasp for it. Just speculating here, but perhaps he was wounded just before and rejoined the unit afterwards? Good luck with researching him.
Chris
I meant Brigade where I wrote regiment
Hi Chrisnp, I really enjoyed reading your information, thanks for posting.
Thank you all again for your response....very helpful.
No problem Denton, and thanks for your kind words Peasejean55
I've got one of these; it belonged to my grandfather and I also have his Purple Heart. Amazingly, I also have this Doughboy tunic and a matching helmet. I've forgotten the name of his Division but it was from Pennsylvania and had a keystone for its symbol. As a result, it was sometimes called the "Heinz Division." Given that the tunic is now more than 100 years old, it's in great shape.
Mark-- that would be the 28th Division.
Post your items on here when you have the time. Sounds like a great grouping-- nice to have a family connection.
scott
My grandfather was a member of of the 1st regiment battery A 12th field artillery at Meuse and Argonne. his victory medal lists both and a defensive sector clasp. does anyone have any info on the part this unit played in these engagements?