A Victory Medal To A Volunteer.

[Medalman90]

I would just like to start off by saying that i learned something new when this came in the mail. The YMCA has supported our soldiers throughout the wars. From rest and relaxation, to entertainment and education. and now i would like to pass this knowledge to you.

John A Linn was born September 9th, 1872 in Chicago Illinois. Before the war he was a pastor of St. Pauls Church in Mishawaka Indiana. when he tried to enlist in the Army, but he was denied to due to bad eye site. So he volunteered though the YMCA Secretary and said to France February 2nd 1918. Attached to the 1st Infantry Division, 5th Field Artillery, D Battery he served as a teacher. He served six months overseas before being killed by Austrian artillery.He was one of 33 "Y" volunteers to give their lives caring for our troops.

 

[Javelin4life]

Love it!! Can't wait to see it in person.

[Medalman90]

Thanks Alex! I thought this was an interesting find. Many people don't realize the contributions the Y made to the war effort. Their work predates the Civil War. Not only that but they were the forerunners of the USO and the GI Bill. I remember summer after summer I attended camp at the YMCA as a kid and I never knew anything of its legacy.

[Johnnymac]

Hello, First off, I think this a great example of a Victory Medal.

 

Just asking, Is it possible that John A Linn was given the Victory Medal by a soldier he befriended during the war? The reason I ask is I have seen this restriction I posted in other publications. This is the only one I could find off hand.

 

 

[Medalman90]

Hey JMac, thank you for brining this to my attention. When I first saw this on eBay. I thought that May have been the case because I have never heard of voullenteer medals of any kind being awarded from the US. That being said, I though the clipping was added to the medal for apeall. I did some digging online and some sites mention that YMCA members were highly decorated from the US, UK, and France so I thought it made sense that he would be entitled to the victory medal. Also, I have seen some voullenteer groups on the forum that had the field service medal along with multi bared victory medals. I realize that your knowledge on the victory medal is existensive, it is very possible that the award was given to him. When it comes to the "Y"s involvement and entitlements is an area that is still new to me.

[AustinO]

Was the Republic Francais American Legion medal/coin also touted as his? That most certainly would not have been handed out to someone who did not survive the war.

[Medalman90]

Yes Austin, the RF coin came with the medal. I figured it was something he picked up along the way. I didn't know these were presented to the troops.

[Johnnymac]

Bottom Line is your medal is a beautiful example of a 1st Division victory medal and it is also a unique one, as no other Division was entitled to that combination of clasps.

[Medalman90]

Thank you Jmac. I am excited to be able to add a big red one medal to the collection. I especially like that it has it's box. Hopefully the next victory medal I come across has the Vittorio Venetto clasp or the Cambri clasp.

[AustinO]

Pat I believe those those RF medals were given out in 1919 after the first American Legion caucus in Paris. I once owned one with the shipping box, to a Pvt from Minnesota (its now in BigJohn's collection).