1953 Dated Blue Dress Uniform - Lt. Col. Charles E. Temple Jr. (Silver Star Recipient & Armor Advisor)

[Jamecharles]

 

Hi everyone,

I’m excited to share one of my latest acquisitions: a complete Blue Dress Uniform (Tunic, Trousers, and Visor Cap) that belonged to a distinguished career officer, Lt. Col. Charles Edwin Temple Jr. (Armor Branch).

Tailored Excellence: A.H. Dondero, Inc.

The uniform is a superb example of high-end tailoring. It features the original label from A.H. Dondero, Inc. - Military and Naval Equipment based in Washington, D.C.

Dondero was a prestigious maker known for supplying the military elite in the Capital. This set was tailored in 1953, a pivotal year for the Blue Dress Uniform as it reflects the updated regulations of the era while maintaining the exceptional "old school" quality of materials and construction. BTW I am truly in love with the details of the trousers back pockets that remind the newly pattern introduced together with the new service dress with Ike jackets.

 Armor vs. Cavalry: The Yellow Branch Color

An interesting addition to this group is a Korean-made Armor Combat Badge. There is a specific detail here for the "color purists": the background is Yellow.

As many of you know, from 1942 to 1951, the Armor branch used Green piped with White as its colors. In 1951, the Army decided to revert to Yellow, the traditional color of the Cavalry. This "made in Korea" badge is a perfect witness to that transition and the branch’s pride in its Cavalry roots.

From the Foxholes of WWII to Diplomacy in Iran

Based on the accompanying service records and citations, Temple had a remarkable career:

• Heroism in WWII: In December 1944, near Mackwiller, France, then-Captain Temple earned the Silver Star while serving with the 94th Armored Field Artillery Battalion (4th Armored Division). Under intense enemy fire and after several officers were wounded, he volunteered to go back into "plain view of the enemy" to recover vital secret attack plans.
• The Iranian Connection: Post-WWII, Temple became a specialist in Armored affairs. He studied Persian at the Army Language School and served as an Advisor to the Imperial Iranian Army (ARMISH-MAAG) during the late 50s and early 60s. His ability to speak the native language was highly commended in his citations.

Decorations & Awards (per records):

• Silver Star (with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster)
• Bronze Star with "V" Device
• Purple Heart (Wounded in Action)
• Army Commendation Medal (for his service in Iran)
• European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
• Korean Service Medal

Lt. Col. Temple retired on July 31, 1963, at Fort Hamilton, NY, after over 20 years of continuous service starting just months before Pearl Harbor.

 

It’s rare to find a uniform where the "paper trail" so vividly brings the fabric to life. I’d love to hear your thoughts on Dondero-tailored sets or these specific Korean-war era yellow-base Armor badges!

[Jamecharles]

Career Progression & Promotions:

Looking at his appointment dates, we can see a steady climb through the ranks, serving across the AUS (Army of the US), USAR (Reserves), and RA (Regular Army):

 

• 2nd Lt: July 28, 1942 (Commissioned at the height of WWII)
• 1st Lt: December 15, 1942
• Captain: August 10, 1943 (The rank he held during his Silver Star action)
• Major: February 3, 1947
• Lt. Colonel: October 5, 1955

One funny detail, the bullions ranks on shoulder boards were painted of silver that's means he didn't changed the previous one as major, he just... painted them. So he clearly made this dress between 1953 to at least 1954.

[jim2]

Beautiful display