WWI USN Purple Heart Issued in 1951

[tigerfan]

WWI Purple Heart lot to a pharmacist mate 1c on board the USS Mount Vernon.  The Mount Vernon was torpedoed on September 5, 1918 and from the jolt of the explosion he hit his head which caused a severe cut and hurt his back.  At that time he did not record his own wounds of being hurt or wounded.  Many years later, in 1950,  he applied for the purple heart and was awarded it in Jan. of 1951.  The heart has a full wrapped brooch, comes in a short titled case and nicely engraved in a WWII style of engraving.  He also has a WWI victory medal with transport clasp (as noted on a page from his CSC).  Victory medal also has a citation star.  I believe this was for a commendation to the men saving the ship from being torpedoed.  Last medal is a city medal from Salem, Mass. with his name engraved on back.   

 

Very interesting lot especially with a nice engraved purple heart from 1951.  Papers shown and not shown are copies from the archives.  

[ww1collector]

Great group-most unusual that it is a Type 2 Navy Purple Heart with the issue box.

[wartimecollectables.com]

Now that is a great group!  Excellent research!

[katieony]

What an interesting group...thank you for sharing it!

 

Mike

[Dave]

Fascinating group!!!

[dhcoleterracina]

Great group and a very rare Purple Heart. As I recall, a WW1 WIA Navy guy wasn't eligible for a Purple Heart until the regulations changed after we entered WW2. Army awards began to be issued in 1932. The Navy would have had far fewer WIA's and the later date of awards further lowers those who received an award. It seems like this would be a very rare medal. 

 

If that is the case, is that why the engraving looks very unusual from what we normally see? Did this award take a different path before being approved for award?

[mkite93]

That’s an impressive grouping, very interesting too. Thanks for sharing this one.