1904-13 USMC group china 1905

[Sweazy21]

Today’s mail

Arthur Raymond Bellis was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania on May 30, 1885. He enlisted in the USMC on May 28, 1904, and served until March 11, 1913.
During his career, he was stationed in the Philippines, three different times(Mar. - Sept. 1905, Mar. - Oct. 1907 & Oct. 1909 - Mar. 1910). He also served as a member of the American Litigation Guard in China from Oct. 1905 to Mar. 1907. Arthur returned to China in April 1910 as a marine detachment aboard USS Helena and would return to the US in April 1912. He was stationed aboard the USS Pensacola in 1908. 
After his discharge in 1913, it does not appear that he served again. He was a foreman at John Deere Harvester works from 1920 until 1951. Arthur passed away in September 1952.
 

[manayunkman]

Thank you so much for posting something that is seldom seen and very educational.

 

 

 

[warguy]

That is a very nice grouping of an early Marine. Love the legation guard connection. Thanks for sharing. 

[Bill_Carman]

That is a really nice group, Marine shooting badges are wonderful source items as many times they are engraved with names and dates. Great addition. Thanks for posting.

[Brig]

Great little group. Portrait is the best part, IMO

 

@Dirk Nice China connection

[katieony]

A really nice group!  Did he also earn a Good Conduct Medal?

[Dirk]

Truly a remarkable group….the international shooting badge dates to the first year the Marines returned to the Legation after taking over from the Army. Would love to know more about that diary!

[KurtA]

If the ribboned medal in the portrait is his Expeditionary Medal, the portrait must have been taken well after his discharge, as that medal did not come out until 1921.

Really great group.  The badges being worn in the portrait really makes it special.  

[Sweazy21]

15 minutes ago, KurtA said:

If the ribboned medal in the portrait is his Expeditionary Medal, the portrait must have been taken well after his discharge, as that medal did not come out until 1921.

Really great group.  The badges being worn in the portrait really makes it special.  

I do not believe it’s his expeditionary, the ribbon doesn’t look right, and the top of the medal looks like it has a large lug or barrel, instead of a ring top. 

[Sweazy21]

On 2/16/2023 at 3:12 AM, katieony said:

A really nice group!  Did he also earn a Good Conduct Medal?

I couldn’t find any evidence in the Marine Corps rolls. I would have to send for his file. 

[KurtA]

5 minutes ago, Sweazy21 said:

I do not believe it’s his expeditionary, the ribbon doesn’t look right, and the top of the medal looks like it has a large lug or barrel, instead of a ring top. 

Yes.  Good eye. And the ribbon ring is much larger than a typical campaign medal.  Possibly another shooting award? 

[Flightpath]

What a great group, congratulations!

[kanemono]

A wonderful China grouping! thank you for posting it for us.