My father carried it the majority of his life in his pants pocket, served in the US Infantry during WWII (from Jan 1945 - all ETO). I am not sure if it is a US coin, but the language is clearly English (what can be seen). Can anyone here help me out or point me in a direction? I have done just about every google search I can think of but cannot find this. I am mostly wondering if it might be a commemorative coin from a battle he was actually involved in. Given that he always had this on him, I always assumed it was of some kind of great value to him and I have always wondered why. Not sure how attachments work, but here's a go... Thanks to anyone that can help out! -stevehelium
"THE BATTLE OF" is the most legible part, on the back. The front on the bottom appears to say "..UE GR..." but we can't make out much more. It is however about the size of a US service medal. That gives me something to work with!
Welcome aboard, Steve! It's too worn for me to be able to make out the wording. I can barely make out "BATTLE OF" on one side. Do you know your father's unit? My Dad was in the D-Day landing with the 79th Division, 314th Infantry and was captured in January, 1945 during the Battle of the Bulge. Since your father entered the European theater in January, he may have seen action somewhere along the German border. I can only suggest that you research some of the units and battles that were fought along the border. It may give you a clue to the writing on the medal. Chris
45th Division, 180th Infantry, B Company, 3rd Platoon from January 1945 until wars end. He fought in Lorraine France, Homburg, Nuremburg, Munich and arrived at Dachau on April 29th 1945 participating in its liberation. He has Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, WWII Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, and The European, African, Middle Eastern Medal. I've been looking through lists of ALL the military medals issued to the US Army and come up with nothing. One friend has suggested that the bottom enscription might be "Blue and Grey" suggestion a relation to Gettysburg; perhaps my father got this as a good luck charm or something before going overseas, because he wasn't without it until he left it with me in Japan before his death.
Thanks folks. I am now convinced it is Civil War. At least that makes it US (fits the forum!). I wonder if it is rare. I would never think of selling it or anything, but my curiosity is stirring! Are there any good reference sites for these kids of things? I'm googling like crazy but keep getting the same images that don't seem to fit.
I believe the medal is a commemorative and not a medal that was issued by the military. Was your grandfather in World War I? Where did he live at that time? The 29th Infantry, known as the "Blue and Gray" Division, was formed in 1917 from National Guard units of Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey and the District of Columbia. Is it possible that your father acquired the medal from your grandfather or perhaps he acquired it in remembrance of your grandfather? The 45th Infantry was formed in World War II from elements of the Oklahoma National Guard. Chris
Chris - you are well informed! I spent last summer going through Europe visiting the 45th's battle sites, so I did extensive research (particularly from January on for obvious reasons). I am completely sure this is Civil War related. My grandfather was in the military, but he was a traveling salesman, so there's no telling where he enlisted or was drafted. However, according to his discharge papers, he saw no combat (I actually have those somewhere on my computer if I dig hard). But I believe he was cavalry. It's interesting just to know THIS much. If I can find a copy of the actual coin somewhere I'm going to be ecstatic! One friend said he found images of the 25th and 75th reunion medals for Gettysburg but they did not match this. I wonder if it is over a different battle...
29th infantry - WWI. This is making more sense now. The hats in the Gettysburg medal are facing the wrong way (I was SURE that was it when I first glimpsed that photo).
FOUND IT! http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/battle-of-gettysburg-north-south-coin-75th-anniv 75th Anniversary coin - exact match.
Chris: Here's the info I have on my grandfather: Trained at Camp Funston, Kansas from January to April 1918 and was eligible for a position as 2nd Lieutenant in the Infantry. Discharged as a 1st Lieutenant on 13th of May, 1919 (my father was born that September) The back of his discharge note is totally useless - battles and engagements: NONE; Awards and Medals: NONE. Comments: NONE. Glad that officer took the time... Signed by a Lieutenant Colonel, Infantry, US Army (signature is illegible of course and no unit association is ever mentioned). If you happen to have any leads on that, the info would be interesting (of course), but the coin/medal issue is now solved, so perhaps not totally appropriate for this forum. Thanks for all the help (everyone!) Cheers, stevehelium addendum: 356th Infantry, Company D. when he was deployed.
Very neat, you found it all right-- 75th Blue and Gray Reunion encampment of the Battle of Gettysburg..
