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Unusual Named WWI Purple Heart


Frank_Smith
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While encountering a script engraved decoration is not unusual, I was quite surprised with this one. Rather than a late issue WWII Purple Heart that was engraved in the 1947 to 1949 time frame, this one turned out to be a first issue to a WWI veteran who was wounded on 25 July 1918.

 

The medal was issued to Private Mack M. Mays, service number 549832. Private Mays served in Company B, 38th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division. He was wounded in the right hand on 25 July 1918 during the Aisne-Marne Offensive. Born on 3 April 1897, he entered the service from Amherst, Virginia.

 

Following the War, Private Mays returned to Amherst, Virginia, married and worked as a laborer and farmer. He was the father of eight children.

 

Private Mays applied for and received his first and only Purple Heart on 11 April 1949. He died on 11 November 1971 at the age of 74 and is buried in the Amherst Cemetery, Amherst, Virginia.

 

Rest in peace Private Mays. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

 

Does anyone else have a script engraved first issue medal for WWI service?

 

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Here is another to PFC F.R.E.D. E. Mc. N.A.R.Y., Company B, 327th Infantry.

 

Slightly wounded 7 Oct. 1918.

 

Award card confirms issue on 9 March 1949.

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