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Let me introduce y'all to Henry and Jack Forbes, Father and Son grouping


hawkdriver
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hawkdriver

I was recently contacted by a woman that was given my name as a collector. She had her father's grouping that she was interested in selling. We met at her father's house and I was introduced to his items. While talking, the mans fathers WWI items were there in the room as well and when I showed interest in both, we went through all of it.

I will start with the father. Henry Forbes was a Private in the 29th Aero Squadron. Here is his oval picture, unfortunately it wasn't a rounded glass frame, but a very nice picture.

 

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A picture of his items. It includes some of his uniform buttons, and award from St. Joseph Mo. his 29th Squadron patch, 1st Army patch, dog tag, personal diary. A picture of a British bomber, his unit picture, school certificates and his civilian ID.

 

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Henry is the front row, second from the left

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After the war and in 1941, Henry went to vocational school and got a certificate in Aircraft Engine Mechanics

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This is his 1947 USMC Civilian Employee ID badge. Also included is his Navy 1960 certificate of 9 years accident free work.

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hawkdriver

Jack, Henry's son joined the Army for WWII and became a Commo specialist in the 13th Armored Division, 496th Armored Field Artillery Battalion. Here is his military photo.

 

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Here are his personal items. His daughter kept his named bronze star, so most in this grouping are current replacements that he had tagged to a display board.

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Here is his armored pocket bible that his family gave him in 1943

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His named good conduct medal and his marksmanship badge

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hawkdriver

Here is his post war Ike. He was transferred to 2nd Armor until his release. Included is his garrison hat

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These are some additional patches that he had glued to a piece of red felt.

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hawkdriver

He also has his bayonet, a AFH 16" cutdown with brown handles.

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Also included in his collection are several TR prisoner bring backs.

 

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Beautiful grouping. I really like the multi-generational theme in collecting. Check that photo again, I think that's your man, 3rd from left.

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hawkdriver

Beautiful grouping. I really like the multi-generational theme in collecting. Check that photo again, I think that's your man, 3rd from left.

 

OK, I will compromise, he is 2nd and a half from the left :D

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hawkdriver

While I was putting this stuff back in the envelope I found something in the corner of the envelope fold. Turns out it was Jacks Bronze Star narrative.

 

Jack H. Forbes, 37 727 300, Technician Fifth Grade, Field Artillery, Headquarters Battery, 496th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, for heroic achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy on 12 April 1945 near Dellbruck, Germany. Technician Fifth Grade Forbes, wiremean, was subjected to intense enemy fire while establishing a wire net prior to occupation of a position by his unit. Despite continued hostile action, he installed three vital overhead circuits at a prominent six-road junction, voluntarily exposing himself by climbing high on a telephone pole to complete his mission before the arrival of the Battalion. His inspiring display of courage and skill are worthy of the highest traditions of the Armed Forces. Entered military service from St. Joseph, Missouri.

 

His daughter told me while talking to her that he was shot off that pole mentioned in the citation. She thinks his purple heart is in the house and will look for it. I asked when he passed away assuming he had done so because his house was empty for several months. She said he is still alive along with his wife, but that he has dementia so bad that he doesn't know anyone and is always asking for his mom and dad. I asked why they were selling his stuff and it was because they had in home care and it cost so much that it drained their wealth down to where they are now hurting for money.

The daughter took me in the basement to so me some more of his stuff and he had quite a black powder cannon display and he also collected several hundred Ertl toy trucks, a massive German stein collection, all of which is well documented and cataloged. It is unfortunate that I wasn't able to talk to him before his mind went.

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ww2relichunter

wow thats an amazing grouping to a father and son in ww1 and ww2 !! Also i love the bring backs

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hawkdriver

What I learned from this collection is that the Nazis had a motor club like our AAA. I thought the pennant was a maritime item, rather surprised to find that it was for the motor club.

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The DDAC is still alive and well in Germany! great items too...I see this all the time...I'm a veterans benefits advisor with an insurance company that specializes in senior health care, and plenty of people loose everything because of long term care. . You might suggest to the woman she contact the VA..maybe there's a VA nursing home near there, or she could apply for Aid and Attendance to help pay some of the costs....or he/his wife might be eligible for a pension....

 

 

Mark sends

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hawkdriver

I was contacted by the family and they found his Belgian Fourragere shoulder cord. It seems that when he left the 13th Armor to the 2nd Armor, he was allowed to wear this cord. Everywhere I read, this is supposed to be worn on the left shoulder, however, his Ike had the additional button on his right shoulder. Anyone know about why he would have it on his right shoulder?

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I was contacted by the family and they found his Belgian Fourragere shoulder cord. It seems that when he left the 13th Armor to the 2nd Armor, he was allowed to wear this cord. Everywhere I read, this is supposed to be worn on the left shoulder, however, his Ike had the additional button on his right shoulder. Anyone know about why he would have it on his right shoulder?

 

Steve

 

Basically most vets simply didnt know the the reuglations(or much cared)I have seen two cord worn on the same shoulder.One on each shoulder etc.To most it was a personal choice or prefferance or possibly what they had seen another do and just done the same.One of those WW2 annomolies.I have seen the Order of the Orange worn on left or right shoulder as well.Have a 100% out of the wood work Minnesota Glider Pilot group and he wore the Orange Cord on the left shoulder.He even wore it on his USAF uniform(and his Glider Pilots wing) til he retired from the AF Reserve in 1968.

 

Just one of those things ;)

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Great grouping especially the overall history! My wifes grandfather was in the 13th armored and I am very partial to those items as he was just a great guy. He too was in an assisted living home and I did the VA paperwork for him and he got aid and attendance. It is a process but this vet certainly will qualify if the family is selling assets. My wifes Grandfather was able to keep his house through the process as well. Good luck and great items! Scott

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