New York State Medal Conspicuous Service Cross 1917-1919

[1st Sgt CES]

Hello Everyone---I found another New York State Medal---#2472--medal is sterling silver--made by Tiffany & Co---it's a World War One medal as it has 1917-1919 on the front. Is there a way to find who it was issued to and the unit and why ? Thanks Mark

[Bill_Carman]

Mark,

 

This information is from the New York State Military Museum, Ancestry, and Find a Grave.

 

Medal # 2472 was issued "posthumously" to Mathew D Bingham for his service in World War I while a member of Company C, 107th Infantry, 27th Division. It was issued to a next of kin in 1937.

 

Mathew D Bingham's death occurred on September 29, 1918. He is buried at Saint Agnes Cemetery in Utica, New York. His age is recorded as being 19 years.

 

Happy to assist.

 

Here is the New York State issue card:

[Bill_Carman]

The following is an account of the actions of 27 September to 1 October 1918, during which the 27th Division, was attacking the Hindenburg Line. 29 September being the day specifically involving the 107th Infantry and the day Private Bingham was killed.

 

On September 27, 1918, the 105th and 106th Infantry Regiments advanced 1,000 yards to capture the German strong points at the Knoll, Gillemont Farm, and Quennemont Farm. The New Yorkers encountered stiff resistance and sustained heavy casualties. At the end of the day, the strong points remained in enemy hands despite the loss of 317 Americans. The men were relieved by the 107th and 108th Infantry Regiments the following day.

 

On September 29, the 107th and 108th Infantry Regiments resumed the assault toward the Hindenburg Line. First, they had to secure the objectives of the previous day. The coordinated assault soon deteriorated into small battles. Small groups or individuals took heroic actions against enemy machine gun nests and trenches. The 107th sustained the highest number of casualties –337 killed and 648 wounded–of any American regiment in a single day during the war. Four men of the regiment were awarded the Medal of Honor.

 

In desperate fighting, General O'Ryan employed all four regiments of the 27th Division, leaving only one battalion of engineers in reserve. By the end of the day, the 27th Division had made significant advances but still faced several pockets of enemy resistance.

 

On October 1, the 3rd Australian Division prepared to "leapfrog" the Americans and continue the breakthrough. Following the breaking of the Hindenburg Line, the 27th was relieved. With the loss of its last and best line of fortifications, the German Army began a general retreat toward the Le Selle River. The Allies remained in close pursuit.

 

The 27th rejoined the fight at the Le Selle River on October 17, again forcing the Germans to withdraw. With their armies in retreat, the Germans agreed to an armistice.

 

Just wanted to share the story of the unit's action on the day(s) of Private Bingham's death.

[1st Sgt CES]

Thank you for all the help !

[Orion27]

I have a group to a Lieutenant who commanded Company F, 108th Infantry, 27th Division and was wounded a few weeks later at the LeSelle River on October 17th. It includes his PH, Mexican Border Medal and his presentation officer's sword.

 

http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/306137-great-reunite-wwi-purple-heart-and-1902-officers-sword/?hl=spicer

[Jim T]

From the History of the 107th Infantry, available for download at the New York State Military Museum.

 

[Garth Thompson]

Very nice Conspicuous Service Cross, the Tiffany made ones are the first pattern and much harder to find and of a higher quality than the later AECo. more common examples.