Captain Duncan was assigned to Service Company, 253d Infantry Regiment with duty as Motor Officer. He was one of the original cadre to form the 63rd Infantry Division, having been assigned to the division on 15 June 1943 at Camp Blanding, FL. Capt Duncan then moved with his unit to Camp Van Dorn, MS in August 1943. He moved with his unit to Europe in November 1944 arriving in Marseille, FR on 8 December 1944. From there his unit moved to the Sarreguemine area of France. At the time of his death his unit was positioned in the Sarreguemine, France area. I don´t have any other information what had happen but I know that he was noted as MIA and from 25th February 1945 as KIA.

 

I´m not sure about engraving on purple heart. To me it seems to be Large Blackened Machine Engraving but I´m not sure.

 

Collection includes: documents from President Roosvelt, Purple heart certificate dated 18th May 1945, his photo in art-deco frame, military papers from 1936 (Military training certificates, military papers from Capm Croft, Camp Blanding and Capt van Dorn) to 1945 which are ended by Purple heart awarded posthumously.

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Fantastic grouping...just the kind I'm always looking for !! :thumbsup:

 

The engraving appears to be the large machine style but I can't really tell from your image posted here...anyway to get a closer pic of the planchett !?!

 

hhhhmmmm...might even be hand-engraved as I recognze this possible engravers "hand."

 

Thanks for showing !!

 

Vic

The suspension ring on the Purple Heart looks a little odd, like it is too big and replaced.

 

Kurt

The suspension ring on the Purple Heart looks a little odd, like it is too big and replaced.

 

Kurt

 

Hey Kurt !

 

Its certainly possible the ring or even whole assembly has been replaced but that's OK with me.

 

FYI - I have a fairly complete posthumous PH grouping to an Americal soldier who was KIA on Guadalcanal (remember those "Army guys" mentioned in The Pacific) where the mother wore the Purple Heart planchett as a pendent around her neck. I've left it "as is" because this is such a personal and touching choice made by the soldier's mom IMHO.

 

Vic

Anyone else notice the period after the first name?

Jim,

im looking at same. I dont know if is it wittingly or is it error.

Because i look for an answer so i put it here . Im not expert..

Thank you

Anyone else notice the period after the first name?

 

 

That doesn't bother me so much...however, I would like to see a closer image of the engraving...especially under a loupe !

 

Vic

i am leaning toward hand engraved ?Vic I have a guam marine that was worn by the mother !!! also have a guadalcanal Americal heart!!! like see yours Vic

Here is a better photo of the engraving from Hobza . Clearly machine engraved, but the font just looks a bit off to me. The period after the first name concerns me too.

 

:think: :crying: not sure of this one !

Sorry but that engraving is not giving me a good feeling AND the man in question held the rank of Captain while the photograph clearly shows an enlisted man.

 

Rob

That engraving looks something like the stuff that is coming out of Fla. I don't think it's official and am not comfortable with it.

 

John

On back of photo is: Jack N. Duncan June 1942

 

And i have honorable discharge from 9th april 1942...private Duncan....by reason of sextion X. AR 615-360 C. of G. to accept commission as 2nd Lt.

 

On photo is 100% J.N. Duncan as private or 2nd.Lt

 

 

I´m not sure about engraving on purple heart. I look for an answer so i put it here . Im not expert..

 

Thank you for all comments.

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.63rdinfdiv.com/miscphotospage110.html

 

 

 

Sorry but that engraving is not giving me a good feeling AND the man in question held the rank of Captain while the photograph clearly shows an enlisted man.

 

Rob

Here is a better photo of the engraving from Hobza . Clearly machine engraved, but the font just looks a bit off to me. The period after the first name concerns me too.

 

 

 

This example might be one that one would need to see "in hand" to make an accurate assessment. The font does appear to be a tad smaller than the usual large machine engraving...that said the image does give the impression that the drill bit was circular due to the "rounding" where the bit would have stopped on the surface of the planchett...tough call.

 

I'd like to see a large machine engraved PH photographed next to this one. Man...aren't we the anal bunch !!

 

Any opinion on this one Frank !?!

 

Vic

Thank you very much for photos to ISIDOR and his friend from France.

 

Grave of Captain Duncan in Epinal American Cemetery - France