army historian

Hello, I have 3 uniforms and some insignia from a Spanish American War through 1925 serviceman. He enlisted in Apr. 1898, served in the Philippines, and China 1900-01. He was discharged in April 1907 as a Electrician First Class from the signal Corp. He re-enlisted in 1913 at Fort Omaha with the Signal Corp. He appears to have been a weatherman. He was commissioned a Captain in the Signal Corp Reserve in 1917. He was promoted to Major Air Service Reserve. Reverted to Master Sergeant Air Corp 1920. My question is: I know he was "relieved from regular and frequent flights" by War Department Special Orders (he was 37). Since he was a weatherman and was in flying status (before the Special Order) would he have qualified for the half wing (observer) badge? Weatherman flew as observers (weather) at that time. I tried to get info from the National Personnel Records people, by his records were destroyed in the 1973 fire. They rebuilt his record, but only showed 3 periods of service: 1913-1917 (nothing as an officer) 1920-1923, and 1923-1925. They did say he was awarded the WW1 victory medal with Defensive Sector Bar. Note: no overseas chevrons on WW1 Officer, or 1925 master sergeant uniforms. I also have not been able to locate the criteria for award of the Observers half wing. No definition as to if weather observation would count. Thanks Captain George Albert

PVON I posted a topic "Ship survivors" and there wasn't much interest. I have in my collection 4 groups (medals - documents) to ship sinking survivors. #1. (My favorite) is a German Naval group to a Rear Admiral z. V. (Acting) who served on the Light Cruiser S.M.S. Leipzig, at the Battles of Coronel and the Falklands. He was one of 18 survivors of the Leipzig, and the Ranking Officer. He retired from the German Navy in 1932, and was recalled in 1941. He retired again 31 Dec. 1944. #2. Is another German WW1 Naval Medical Officer who served on the Light Cruiser S.M.S. Karlsruhe which exploded in Nov. 1914. He was was one 129 survivors from the ship. #3. Is WW2 U.S. to a BM3 who served on the USS Bismarck Sea CVE-95, which was sunk by kamikazes. He was one of 605 survivors - 318 died. #4. Is a small WW2 German group to the First Officer of the Merchant Ship General Osorio. He served on the Blockade Runner MS Porto Alegre and was awarded the War Merit Cross 2nd Class with swords, and Blockade Runner Badge. The General Osorio was sunk in Kiel in 1945, by Allied aircraft. I do not yet know if this man survived or not. Cheers Captain Albert

Noor, If a U.S. soldier, sailor or airman only received foreign awards, he would not be able to wear them on uniform. He must have at least one US ribbon or medal. This is from the regulations. Cheers Captain Albert

I am trying to locate a photograph of the SS Jason 1904. Prior to March 7, 1914, the steamship Edna was known as the Jason. She had Norwegian ownership and registry. In 1912 she was equipped with a radio. By charter agreement she came under the management and control of a national of Germany named Friedrich Jebsen, of San Francisco, California. She was renamed SS Mazatlan. She was sold in 1915 and renamed Edna. She was captured by H.M.S. Newcastle in 1916. Any help would be appreciated. Please note: there was more that one SS Jason. Captain George Albert

Wow! Really nice and informative. Thanks Captain Albert

Does anyone know if the crusiers in the Atlantic in 1914 S.M.S. Dresden and S.M.S. Karlsruhe were eligiable for the Kolonial Badge? Any help would be appreciated. Captain George Albert

Chief Commissary Steward Raymond E. Griffith (served 1945 to 1963) Here is another photograph.

Here is a model 1886 Light Artillery Sergeant's uniform. I still have the helmet.

I traded a while back for a couple of Iron Crosses 2nd Class one 1914, and one 1939. Both are marked the 1914 is "KO" which I am aware of . The 1939 has what looks like "106" on the ring. Is this correct or possible? Sorry I went back and is not "L08" Captain George Albert.

Sorry I didn't enclose a photograph of Chief Commissary Steward Raymond E. Griffith (served 1945 to 1963). 1st in Antartica.

Here is a WW1 enlistman's complete uniform with extras. He was a Pvt. in the 144th Field Artillery (Grizzles) 40th Division. The dry cleaners lost a button, I will have to replace (large vegitable type). The boots came from the family, they are hob nailed, but very small? They were made by Montgomery Wards. I also need to replace the laces. Served in France. Sorry for the quality of the photo. What does not show is the Canteen with carrier, and enlisted spurs. George Albert

I would say a very nice start. I think the Bavarian Orders and medals of War Merit are some of the most lovely. Keep up the collecting. George Albert

Yes, small? in quantity maybe, but huge in quality. Beautiful collection. Happy hunting. Captain George Albert

Very nice group! I would love to see more. Thanks for sharing. Captain Georeg Albert

Peter, Here is one of the uniforms I fielded for recuiting. It is an 1886 style light artillary Sergeant Dress uniform. George Albert

Leight, Beautiful collection.

Patrick Very nice collection, beautiful headgear, and in excellent condition. I had a complete 21st Lancer's uniform pre-WW1. If I can find a picture I will post. This was back in the late 1970's. Captain George Albert

Here is a documented with photos medal/uniform group to: Chief Commissary Steward Raymond E. Griffith (served 1945 to 1963) (Mounted medal group of 5): Navy Good Conduct with Silver Star (6th award) Engraved: “Raymond E. Griffith”American Campaign MedalWorld War II Victory MedalNational Defense Medal with Bronze StarAntarctic Service Medal with Bronze “Winter Over” Bar (note: Should be Gold Bar, for second award)I received all this with paperwork from the family. His brother David found out I collected uniforms and gave it all to me free.

Sorry for the last post, operator error. Here is a Model 1972 Light Artillery Officer's Dress Helmet that has been cut down to the M1881 style. The maker was Bent & Bush. This was sold a long time ago also. Notice the "hair" is not horse hair like the enlist plumes, the officer's were made of buffalo or yak.