2nd Division DSC & Croix de Guerre Medals

[world war I nerd]

A recent snapshot acquisition showing a 2nd Division display of Distinguished Service Crosses & French Croix de Guerres that were awarded to the 2nd Division.

 

The image is inscribed: "Medals of Honor for the Second Division 5/25/19."

 

Not sure if these medals were those awarded to a specific unit within the 2nd Division or just a portion of the awards that were bestowed on that division during the Great War.

[world war I nerd]

Close up of the 2nd Division DSCs & CdGs ...

[warguy]

That is a neat image. Have to wonder how they went about it. Have everyone line up and unpinned medals from their tunic? The numbers represented there reflect it has to be a specific unit, company or battalion maybe. I know there were more DSC awarded to the Marines alone than what is reflected in the photo and probably hundreds more CDG's. Thanks for sharing. Kevin

[world war I nerd]

I agree, probably, like you said Kevin, the medals are likely from a company or battalion.

 

If one were to find something like that today, it would be a hell of a thing to hang on a wall!

[Teamski]

Amazing shot!

 

-Ski

[atb]

Maybe assembled on the board for an award ceremony formation handing them out to the awardees.

[warguy]

That is a real possibility actually

[littlewilly]

Maybe assembled on the board for an award ceremony formation handing them out to the awardees.

I note the date on this to be in May, 1919. By that date I believe most award ceremonies had already taken place, as the Army usually made awards to men reasonably quickly after the event in order to stimulate the man's comrades to emulate the brave act in future actions. I am more inclined to think this is just a showing of all the awards the company/battalion earned during the conflict.. An impressive photograph no matter what the story behind it. Just imagine what that grouping would bring at today's prices! MHJ

[littlewilly]

Forgot to note the number of DSC's in this photo. It seems to me that if this is all from one unit, 10 DSC's would more likely be a company sized one. The War Department list of DSC awards to the 2nd Division published in 1923 records a total of 721 awards of this medal and oak leaf clusters to the division. Any thoughts on this? MHJ

[world war I nerd]

This photo was listed on eBay by a seller who'd also been posting a number of personal photos, taken in Germany circa 1919, that belonged to a member of the 2nd Supply Train, 2nd Division, of which I purchased eighteen.

 

There's absolutely no proof to back the following assertion up, but could the above awards photo be associated with the 2nd Supply Train: Yes - No?

[littlewilly]

Personally, I doubt that the supply train would have gotten that many DSC's. The CO, possibly a couple other officers. If we had a copy of the unit history, I am sure there would be mention in there. I do not have a copy. I do believe that they are certainly for just one unit. The search continues! MHJ