1937 Marine Soochow Creek "one of a kind" Medal

[kanemono]

I posted this a couple of years ago and found the medal and card in a box. I think it is worth re-posting. Here is a pair of items that belonged to Pvt. Francis E. Lentz, Co. B, 6th Marines, who served in Shanghai, China from September 1937 to January 1938. The Christmas card was sent to his family in 1937. The medal, which is in a red leather case, is made from a Chinese silver coin with an engraved EGA set onto the face of the coin. The reverse of the medal is engraved "FRANCIS LENTZ 6th U.S. MARINES" and "THE FOUR ON EIGHT OFF CLUB SHANGHAI 1937". The hanger is a piece of the same kind of Chinese coin showing a dragon. The ribbon is two tone yellow (the color of Soochow Creek?). I have never seen anything like this medal before and guess it may be "one of a kind" or part of a small number of handmade medals. I know there were a number of company's which catered to the servicemen who served in China. Here is a card from the "Nose Dragon Co." which made unique items. While doing some research I found a reference to Soochow Creek and "four on eight off" in a Walla Walla magazine I think it is safe to assume this is a spoof medal made up by one or a few Soochow Creek Marines.

Dick

 

 

[kanemono]

Walla Walla

[Wake1941]

Thanks for posting that is one beatiful medal you got there

[Eric Queen]

Outstanding

[Brig]

I remember that one, very nice, referring to post rotations. Hilarious, as not much has changed in the world of standing post, just the shifts off. I wish I had had a 4 on in country, seemed they were always higher, and often even

[bobgee]

I love it! A truly unique China service piece. BTW I had two 'regular' SooChows at SoS. Both priced. A 1932 with replaced ribbon un-named at $400 and a 1937 with original ribbon and pin un-named @ $500. No interest. Bob

[katieony]

Wow, the first I have ever seen like that! Thanks for posting the pics!

Mike

[aerialbridge]

I enjoy seeing just about any paper or metal under the category "China Marine" or "Sailor", particularly during the 20s and 30's. 1937 is the watershed year with the Battle of Shanghai and the Panay. That is a rare bird you've got there.

[firefighter]

Those pre-war medals from the China Marines are so cool.You have to love the designs.

[Ewiatrowski]

Where did you find those things? How long have you had them? The man mentioned Francis Lentz is my grandfather on my mothers side. I am very curious.

[kanemono]

Hi,

I have only had the medal and card since 2012, however, the medal was bought in Shanghai, China in 1945 or 1946 by a friend of mine who was stationed there at the end of WW2. I bought the card and envelope on ebay in 2012. I offered to give the card to my friend to go with the medal but he let me buy the medal to go with the card. If you have a photograph of your Grandfather could you please post it? I hope this answers your questions.

Dick

[teufelhunde.ret]

Truly one of the most unique items to come out of theater, you need to lend these pics to Dirk for his chinamarine.org website s/f D.