USMC P1912 Winter Service Uniform & Group. 5th Brig. 8th MG Co. Cpl. J.J. Prendergast

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I will attempt to start this thread to the Cpl. Prendergast Grouping, although the footlocker has not arrived, still sitting in some USPS distribution center waiting for a cheap ride being standard shipping. It should have arrived yesterday per insurance tracking, but PO informed me it may take up to 21 days. I did receive a box yesterday with a few smalls belonging to Prendergast, and some that did not. I will post this grouping as it arrives, as promised.

Marine Cpl. John Joseph Prendergast born 4 Mar 1895 in Gympie Queen, Australia, Died 7 Jan 1978. His father died early, and his mother remarried and moved to England. His family came to the US in 1911 settling in Inyo, California. He joined the Corps Joined 20 Feb 1918, training at Mare Island, CA. He joined 8th MG Company, 5th Marines June 21, 1918. Oct 1-9, Operations Champagne Sector, Promoted PFC Oct. 17th, 1918, Promoted Cpl. June 1, 1919. He was discharged from the Marine Corps, March 1922. After the war, he returned to Inyo, CA, got married and moved to Sparks, NV where he spent the rest of his life, employed by the Southern Pacific Railroad as Conductor. He did lose some fingers in a railroad accident in 1945.

The small box contained Prendergast's dog-tags w/watch key, victory ribbon from his tunic with 4 stars, 1 missing. The 2nd Division qualified for 4 bronze battle star for their VM ribbon for Aisne, Aisne-Marne, St. Mihiel and Meuse-Argonne

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Pic

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I'm uncertain if this EGA in WW1, therefore not sure if it belonged to Prendergast. Larger than those on Visor. Thoughts???

 

 

[BigJohn#3RD]

Yes WWI EGA found on covers and overseas hats, helmet etc for enlisted men. Look forward to seeing the rest.

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These items found in the Prendergast locker certainly belonged to his son-in-law. Prendergast had 2 daughters, both married Marines. These items I'm showing more than likely belonged to Master Sgt.Robert Frederick Purington. His service in Corps 1924-28, and 1940-58. During WW2 as a First Sgt. with the 14th Marines, 4th Div he was wounded at Saipan. He also served with the 1st MarDiv in Korea, retiring in 1958. The small collar ega's are clutch-back (mismatched), one marked Blackinton. China medal perplexing as issued in late 30's as well as 1945-57. Purington did served in China in 1927, but don't know if it applies to him. The 4th Marines weren't in China after war, so not sure. The National defense medal came out in 57, and he retired in 58.

 

The 2nd son-in-law was Earl, he only served in WW2 in L Co. 22 Marines, 3rd Battalion, and in 3rd Marine Raider Battalon.

 

I'm guessing the Marine Corps Legion tie tack could have belonged to any of them, but more than likely Prendergast or Purington.

 

IF ANYONE HAS ANY INFORMATION THEY CAN SHARE ON PRENDERGAST OR THE 8TH MG CO. ALL HELP IS GREATLY APPRECIATED. IS THERE A COMPANY HISTORY THAT WAS PUBLISHED? I have ordered his service file from a friend in St. Louis, hopefully that comes as well one day.

 

As noted, as this group comes in I will continue to post updates and pictures.

Thanks for looking and any help in advance.

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Thanks for the confirmation on the EGA BigJohn#3RD

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BigJohn#3RD, thinking on the ega, the pin at the bottom has been removed, would that indicate use on a helmet?

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EGA also has a curve to it.

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League tack.

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Grouping came in today, and of course missing several items...

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Photo of Prendergast in his FG's with visor.

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Seated view of Prendergast

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Is this the buckle from WW1 Marine service belt??

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Reverse..

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Good Conduct award letter with number.

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Service Certificate.

 

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Antrim photo of 8th. I understand this is only the 3rd known of this image. Had period tape repairs and was rolled up in wood box. I repaired reverse cracks with filmoplast p-90 and placed in frame to flatten. Although probably the worst condition of the 3 known, the contrast is great for being not exposed to sunlight for almost 100 years.

 

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The coveted 8th MG SS!. Much discussion was had in reference to if cut or insect damage. I feel certain it was insect, as part of face and headdress still present. Star painted silk, and what a beautiful patch it would be if still 100%.

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