WW2 Authorization to wear a Combat Infantryman's Badge

This authorization was presented to SGT Edward Wagner of the 303rd Infantry, 97th Infantry Division ("Trident").

SGT Wagner enlisted in the Army on 18 FEB 1943, just about the time that the 97th Division was activated. He was a 23 year old shipping/ receiving clerk from Allentown Pennsylvania.

He deployed overseas with the Division to the ETO in MAR 1945. The Division fought at the Ruhr pocket encountering rough street by street engagements in Siegburg in APR.

The Division, along with the 90th, liberated the Flossenburg Concentration Camp in Bavaria.

Because of its late entry to the ETO, the Division was identified as one of the units that would continue its fight in the Pacific.

The 97th left France on 16 JUN 45 and arrived in the Phillipines on 16 SEP 45 (the unit had leave in the US). On 23 SEP 45 the Division went on to Japan for occupation duty.

The Division was inactivated on 31 MAR 46.

SGT Wagner's authorization was most likely completed so that "veterans" could document their achievements while on leave in the US and with new troops as the unit departed for the Pacific.

I collect Combat Infantryman related items.

scott