Posted 12 years ago
Dr_Rambow
(88 items)
At the request of Militarist, I wanted to add a few more shots of my uniform, specifically the medals.
I took a bit of artistic liberty in this setup with respect to the marksman badges. From what I've gathered, the NG badges were only used up to 1916. Being that I am going for a NJ oriented impression, I really didn't want to leave it off (it looks too good).
The correct marksman badge is placed above it. Notice that this is the brass version for NG troops. I was lucky enough to find this at the flea market since these are not as common as the silvered regular army types and it fits perfectly.
Next is the ubiquitous Victory medal. To go along with the 29th Division's service, I found one with the Meuse-Argonne and Defensive Sector clasps.
Last but not least, is the New Jersey Victory medal.
It took me a good six months to find one, but I was able to add a 114th regiment disc. To complete the ensemble, I found a NJ collar disc to go on the overseas cap.
Good job Dr_R! This combo of medals is very possible if worn by a veteran no longer on active duty on any patriotic holiday after 1920. While on active federal duty state and local issue medals could not be worn. While on active duty not during a federal call up national guard troops could wear both federal and national guard medals. Local and state medals like the N.J. WWI medal could not be worn on any active duty uniform. I am sure on the day of the award how ever these rules were ignored.
I've just finished reading "Marksmanship in the US Army; a history of Medals, Shooting Programs, and Training" by William Emerson. The plethora of state and unit issued marksmanship medals is a rich field for study, and it looks like you have a real winner pinned under the there. I think a vet may have worn it on occasions he could get away with doing so.
Thanks guys! I'm happy the set up makes sense. I was worried it would be a little too much. The NJ marksman badge I have isn't too uncommon, but it's still a really great looking item that I couldn't help using for this display.
nice set up!
Dr R
The WWI Museum in KC has NO jacket on display with a 29 ID patch.
Would you be willing to donate this to them so the 29 Div would be represented in their display of division jackets?
I have the curator's contact info and could help compensate you for donating it if the curator was interested in accepting it for the display. He would probably list your name with it in display as the donor. I can see you put great effort to make whole this uniform. You would be doing a patriotic service by donating it to the WWI museum so all visitors would get to see it and remember service of 29 Division. I just visited the museum last week and confirmed they have no such jacket. I served in 29th from 2006 to 2011 and so have an affinity for it.
Patrick
If you can put me in contact and have them let me know exactly what they need, I would be happy to help.
Yes! Here is what Mr. Cart, the museum curator wrote to me. Below that is his contact info. You would be doing a great service to posterity and to the memory of the 29th Division veterans of WWI if you could work something out to donate the jacket or entire ensemble if you wish to the museum. You can call him or write him and reference me because he knows I've been trying to locate one that could go in his display.
best,
Patrick
patrickaswan@gmail.com
Dear Patrick:
While we do not have a M1917 US service coat with post-war insignia of the 29th Division in that particular exhibit, the 29th insignia is shown on the color wall opposite. I will continue my search for a period coat.
Thank you for your email.
Doran
Doran Cart
Senior Curator
National World War I Museum
Liberty Memorial
100 W. 26th Street
Kansas City, MO 64108 USA
http://www.theworldwar.org
816-888-8120
dcart@theworldwar.org
Member Guild of Battlefield Guides