twining540 Posted February 8, 2017 Share #1 Posted February 8, 2017 Very happy to be sharing this grouping with the forum. I recently received a phone call from a local military shop in regards to this grouping having been brought in on consignment. I couldn't get down there fast enough. Anyways after some tough dealing, I was able to walk away with this grouping having traded a arisaka rifle and $100! Happy Days! The grouping belonged to George J Walker of Dowagiac Michigan. I have not been able to find any detailed information in regards to his multiple wounds received, just the basic NARA enlistment information. Probably going to have to send for his files. I am assuming he was with the 2nd Div, wounded, then attached to the 99th Div. Anybody else seen the use of stars in place of oak leaf clusters on the ribbon bar before? I believe the engraving is considered small blackened machine engraving. Also included in the grouping, but not pictured, are a handful of family photos, wallet, bank book, and a second medal shipping box. Hope you enjoy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twining540 Posted February 8, 2017 Author Share #2 Posted February 8, 2017 George is in the front row, third in from the left. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twining540 Posted February 8, 2017 Author Share #3 Posted February 8, 2017 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twining540 Posted February 8, 2017 Author Share #4 Posted February 8, 2017 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VenitHora Posted February 8, 2017 Share #5 Posted February 8, 2017 Very nice! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tke507 Posted February 8, 2017 Share #6 Posted February 8, 2017 Very nice...I love 99th Division stuff... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tarbridge Posted February 8, 2017 Share #7 Posted February 8, 2017 It looks to be officially large machine engraved. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tarbridge Posted February 8, 2017 Share #8 Posted February 8, 2017 Battle Monuments list this soldier. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tarbridge Posted February 8, 2017 Share #9 Posted February 8, 2017 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tarbridge Posted February 8, 2017 Share #10 Posted February 8, 2017 I know it is a different serial number...if they were promoted from enlisted to officer...would their serial number change? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twining540 Posted February 8, 2017 Author Share #11 Posted February 8, 2017 Thanks for the research. I was thinking it could be him also until I found a Benton Harbor MI newspaper with some more info. It lists homeward bound Michigan soldiers and It lists a Sgt George J Walker of Dowagiac Michigan having been discharged from Fort Sheridan on Oct 5th 1945. I will end up sending for his files. I think this one will be well worth it, if his files are still intact. Thanks again! Todd Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doyler Posted February 8, 2017 Share #12 Posted February 8, 2017 Screenshot_20170208-064405.png I know it is a different serial number...if they were promoted from enlisted to officer...would their serial number change? I have seen where the individuals were discharged and then reassigned a new numer when commissioned.I think its often seen when cadets are commssioned pilots as well.I have a copy of papers from a 101st vet who was commissioned after OCS and he was assigned a new serial number. The Walker posted KIA was from the 88th Div and the medal appears to be 2nd and 99th Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tarbridge Posted February 8, 2017 Share #13 Posted February 8, 2017 Thanks for the research. I was thinking it could be him also until I found a Benton Harbor MI newspaper with some more info. It lists homeward bound Michigan soldiers and It lists a Sgt George J Walker of Dowagiac Michigan having been discharged from Fort Sheridan on Oct 5th 1945. I will end up sending for his files. I think this one will be well worth it, if his files are still intact. Thanks again! Todd Looks like your Soldier...Follow up when you get his files. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bellasilva Posted February 8, 2017 Share #14 Posted February 8, 2017 Correct, once commissioned you receive an officers service number, beginning with an O, in place of your enlisted service number. Should also note that the two service numbers will not be matching or similar to each other Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jumpin Jack Posted February 8, 2017 Share #15 Posted February 8, 2017 I'm not questioning the originality of the grouping, but why two stars on the ribbon, which would indicate three awards of the Purple Heart. Normally, the stars were only used by the seagoing services. Any idea? Jack Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Posted February 8, 2017 Share #16 Posted February 8, 2017 The Purple Heart is privately engraved from some time. It is not official government engraving, the font is incorrect. Just to clarify... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Posted February 8, 2017 Share #17 Posted February 8, 2017 Can you provide a image of the shipping label on the box? Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tarbridge Posted February 8, 2017 Share #18 Posted February 8, 2017 The Purple Heart is privately engraved from some time. It is not official government engraving, the font is incorrect. Just to clarify... Dave is correct...I need to look closer before I speak...the font is not correct...I stand corrected. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Posted February 8, 2017 Share #19 Posted February 8, 2017 Dave is correct...I need to look closer before I speak...the font is not correct...I stand corrected. You check the forum with your phone too often - need to get yourself one of those great big monitors for your shop! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tarbridge Posted February 8, 2017 Share #20 Posted February 8, 2017 You check the forum with your phone too often - need to get yourself one of those great big monitors for your shop! So true...It had the large machine engraved look...but the font is a no-no... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Posted February 8, 2017 Share #21 Posted February 8, 2017 So true...It had the large machine engraved look...but the font is a no-no... Conveniently, I have images of a bunch of Purple Heart examples at my fingertips... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tarbridge Posted February 8, 2017 Share #22 Posted February 8, 2017 Conveniently, I have images of a bunch of Purple Heart examples at my fingertips... My man Wilby is good to go... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Posted February 8, 2017 Share #23 Posted February 8, 2017 My man Wilby is good to go... One of my favorites! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twining540 Posted February 8, 2017 Author Share #24 Posted February 8, 2017 These are the two shipping boxes that came with the grouping. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twining540 Posted February 8, 2017 Author Share #25 Posted February 8, 2017 This is the larger shipping box that has the single line purple heart case in it. It has a postal stamp on it from Dowagiac post office but I cannot make out the date stamp. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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