kanemono Posted March 5, 2015 Share #1 Posted March 5, 2015 I posted this a couple of years ago and found the medal and card in a box. I think it is worth re-posting. Here is a pair of items that belonged to Pvt. Francis E. Lentz, Co. B, 6th Marines, who served in Shanghai, China from September 1937 to January 1938. The Christmas card was sent to his family in 1937. The medal, which is in a red leather case, is made from a Chinese silver coin with an engraved EGA set onto the face of the coin. The reverse of the medal is engraved "FRANCIS LENTZ 6th U.S. MARINES" and "THE FOUR ON EIGHT OFF CLUB SHANGHAI 1937". The hanger is a piece of the same kind of Chinese coin showing a dragon. The ribbon is two tone yellow (the color of Soochow Creek?). I have never seen anything like this medal before and guess it may be "one of a kind" or part of a small number of handmade medals. I know there were a number of company's which catered to the servicemen who served in China. Here is a card from the "Nose Dragon Co." which made unique items. While doing some research I found a reference to Soochow Creek and "four on eight off" in a Walla Walla magazine I think it is safe to assume this is a spoof medal made up by one or a few Soochow Creek Marines. Dick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kanemono Posted March 5, 2015 Author Share #2 Posted March 5, 2015 Walla Walla Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wake1941 Posted March 5, 2015 Share #3 Posted March 5, 2015 Thanks for posting that is one beatiful medal you got there Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric Queen Posted March 5, 2015 Share #4 Posted March 5, 2015 Outstanding Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brig Posted March 5, 2015 Share #5 Posted March 5, 2015 I remember that one, very nice, referring to post rotations. Hilarious, as not much has changed in the world of standing post, just the shifts off. I wish I had had a 4 on in country, seemed they were always higher, and often even Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobgee Posted March 5, 2015 Share #6 Posted March 5, 2015 I love it! A truly unique China service piece. BTW I had two 'regular' SooChows at SoS. Both priced. A 1932 with replaced ribbon un-named at $400 and a 1937 with original ribbon and pin un-named @ $500. No interest. Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katieony Posted March 6, 2015 Share #7 Posted March 6, 2015 Wow, the first I have ever seen like that! Thanks for posting the pics! Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aerialbridge Posted March 7, 2015 Share #8 Posted March 7, 2015 I enjoy seeing just about any paper or metal under the category "China Marine" or "Sailor", particularly during the 20s and 30's. 1937 is the watershed year with the Battle of Shanghai and the Panay. That is a rare bird you've got there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firefighter Posted March 21, 2015 Share #9 Posted March 21, 2015 Those pre-war medals from the China Marines are so cool.You have to love the designs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ewiatrowski Posted March 29, 2015 Share #10 Posted March 29, 2015 Where did you find those things? How long have you had them? The man mentioned Francis Lentz is my grandfather on my mothers side. I am very curious. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kanemono Posted March 30, 2015 Author Share #11 Posted March 30, 2015 Hi, I have only had the medal and card since 2012, however, the medal was bought in Shanghai, China in 1945 or 1946 by a friend of mine who was stationed there at the end of WW2. I bought the card and envelope on ebay in 2012. I offered to give the card to my friend to go with the medal but he let me buy the medal to go with the card. If you have a photograph of your Grandfather could you please post it? I hope this answers your questions. Dick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teufelhunde.ret Posted March 30, 2015 Share #12 Posted March 30, 2015 Truly one of the most unique items to come out of theater, you need to lend these pics to Dirk for his chinamarine.org website s/f D. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now