Posted 13 years ago
scottvez
(977 items)
For those not familiar with the DSC it is the second highest award for valor, second to the Medal of Honor and higher than the Siver Star. Starting in WW1 to the present, there have been about 13,500 DSCs presented (includes the Navy Cross and Air Force Cross).
LT E. B. Thorsen was a member of the 127th Infantry, 32nd Division ("Red Arrow" Division). He acquired this shell after the units baptism of fire at Alsace 21 MAY 1918 and had it engraved in the shield. He also had his name and unit engraved at the bottom of the shell.
LT Thorsen gave his life a short time later while leading his men in battle.
His DSC citation is below:
*THORSEN, EDWIN B.
Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army
127th Infantry Regiment, 32d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 3, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Edwin B. Thorsen, Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Roncheres, France, July 3, 1918. Wounded in the abdomen by a machine-gun bullet, Second Lieutenant Thorsen continued to lead his men in the advance for 100 yards, till he fell from loss of blood, dying later from his wound. His example was an inspiration to his men.
General Orders 74, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Ashland, WI
(from homeofheroes.com)
Scott
Trench art can be beautiful, like this piece, but it's the stories behind these pieces that make them special.
Thanks for sharing, Scott!
Thanks Esther. The history of an item can lead to some interesting discoveries.
I really enjoy researching. Some lead to a dead end, while others reveal a great story.
Scott
Thanks justin.
Thanks tlmbaran.
I wasn't aware of the LT being a DSC recipient until recently and I have owned the shell for about 15 years. The internet is an amazing resource for research!
Thanks for looking p...!
scott