Javelin4life Posted June 12, 2014 Share #1 Posted June 12, 2014 Hello everyone, I just bought this today, and after doing some research, I was rather shocked to be holding not just my first WWII vintage USMC uniform, but also a uniform that belonged to a Marine that fought at and was wounded at Iwo Jima. My research showed that the uniform belonged to Edward W. Travis. The following information was taken from his obituary: The uniform belonged to Edward W. Travis. Mr. Travis was born Feb. 1, 1925, in Philadelphia. He was orphaned when he a young boy living in Baltimore, Maryland, resided in a Boys home for a few years, later living with a foster family who taught him a love for music and singing. He enjoyed volunteering to play his Marine Harmonica through-out his life for others, was an avid gardener, birdwatcher, fisherman, and won many trophies shooting darts. Edward was a U.S. Marine Veteran of World War II, and fought in various expeditions with the 4th Marine Division. He was wounded in Iwo Jima in February 1945, and was later awarded a Purple Heart for his service to his country. In addition, PFC Travis was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation w/ 1 star, The American Theatre medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign medal w/ 3 combat stars, and the WWII Victory Medal. All of the ribbons are 1/2" Wolf-Brown made and the sharpshooter badge is sterling marked. PFC Travis passed away on Veteran's Day, November 11 1999 at Memorial Hospital from lung cancer. He was surrounded by his family singing his last request "Amazing Grace", and holding a mirror to see the reflection of the American flag flying outside his window, with his last words "I love you" to his wife. I am honored not only to be the new caretaker of this uniform, but able to own an important piece of history. Thank you all for looking! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Javelin4life Posted June 12, 2014 Author Share #2 Posted June 12, 2014 PFC Travis's grave marker and a photo of him later on in life Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shrapneldude Posted June 12, 2014 Share #3 Posted June 12, 2014 That is an amazing piece of history there. He served with the 4th Pioneer Battalion on Iwo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Javelin4life Posted June 12, 2014 Author Share #4 Posted June 12, 2014 Thank you! Through help from members on the Facebook page, I was able to learn that he also participated in the Roi Namur, Saipan and Tinian campaigns in addition to Iwo Jima. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dakota Posted June 13, 2014 Share #5 Posted June 13, 2014 Great snag! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katieony Posted June 13, 2014 Share #6 Posted June 13, 2014 A very nice tribute. Thank you for posting. Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rusl4 Posted June 14, 2014 Share #7 Posted June 14, 2014 You can't put a price on something like that. Very nice! Thanks for sharing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cull canyon Posted June 16, 2014 Share #8 Posted June 16, 2014 Why is there a star on his victory ribbon? My father warms in the navy in the pacific and he also had a star on his victory ribbon. He doesn't know why it is there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doomula5000 Posted June 16, 2014 Share #9 Posted June 16, 2014 From the stories I've heard the star was put on the WW2 victory ribbon to show that they were in combat or participated in a campaign. It was unauthorized to put stars on a WW2 victory ribbon so I am sure there are other reasons. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jguy1986 Posted June 16, 2014 Share #10 Posted June 16, 2014 There are several threads discussing the star on the Victory ribbon. As mentioned, the general consensus is that it signified combat participation, to signify someone who wasn't "behind the lines" and away from the danger. I have several uniforms with one on them, and it makes sense, especially for a vet who might not have qualified for a CIB or other combat-related award but was still under hostile fire. Of course, since it isn't an authorized detail, it was really up to the vet as to what the star meant, and there are several other theories discussed on the forum. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Javelin4life Posted June 17, 2014 Author Share #11 Posted June 17, 2014 I've heard these theories discussed before as well. From the research I did on PFC Travis he was extremely proud of his service during WWII so I wouldn't doubt for a second he added the star to his victory ribbon to show pride in his combat participation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
American Heritage Posted September 13, 2014 Share #12 Posted September 13, 2014 Javelin, I had missed your post until now. A fine treasure of a uniform with a touching bit of history as well! Congrats on preserving this one. I do like it a lot. Where did you find it? I am assuming that it was named inside? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Javelin4life Posted September 26, 2014 Author Share #13 Posted September 26, 2014 Thank you very much! I found it at a small swap meet not too far from my house. The name was actually printed multiple times on the inside of the jacket so doing research wasn't too difficult thankfully. It's definitely a historical piece with a lot of significance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USMC Saipan Posted September 26, 2014 Share #14 Posted September 26, 2014 very nice tribute for him thank for the sharing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Javelin4life Posted January 28, 2017 Author Share #15 Posted January 28, 2017 Bumping this back up- I wanted to know if anyone has come across PFC Travis's Purple Heart. I would love to reunite his medal with his uniform. Thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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