War Department Exceptional Civilian Service Medal Engraved to Man Who Helped Intern Japanese-Americans

[GIKyle]

A little bit of a different medal- engraved War Department Exceptional Civilian Service medal.  Victor W. Nielsen was the Chief of the Western Defense Command’s Civil Affairs Division Research Branch from 1942-46.  As such, he had a part in the round up and internment of Japanese civilians on the West Coast.  While I haven’t nailed down his precise role, it’s possible this award is related to that.  His son was an AAF pilot and shot down in the ETO.  A unique piece of history that needs more research.
 

 

 

[jmpmstr]

Exceptional set with great history. I think these early War Department versions aren’t vastly underrated but highly significant.