army historian

Yes an exceptional group, congratulations.

Thanks - this one was relative easy compared to some projects. The worst part was "Stiffening" the helmet. It is so old and fragile that it wobbled and was sinking where the fitting were, and slightly miss shaped. I used Aleene's Stiffen Quick on the inside, it worked great and did not leave any residue. The netting for the plume, I hand made (that was not easy either). Here is one that is coming in the mail. We will see what I can do. It is a "trashed" US Model 1872 Officer's kepi.

Here is the "finished" version of the Field Grade Officer - plume corrected.

Thanks guys, there are a lot more photos. George

About that but a lot of broken service. Here are some of his medals. George

Well not anymore - but not complete yet. George

No not horse hair - the black one was two black kinky (Afro) hair extensions, the white one is a Santa beard. Officer's plumes were buffalo or yak. Cheers George

I agree with dante - if you want it all to stay together - have them parade mounted, then put them in a display case. Also have his name on the back of the bar.

You are welcome. I should of added that all Infantry Officers Captain and below (Company Grade), and all other dismounted soldiers (all branches) wore the spiked helmet. The enlisted men wore leather chin straps and if mounted had horse hair plumes. Here is the Officers Helmet as a Infantry Company Grade Officer.

After the Civil War US Army officers were not happy with their headgear - shakos and kepis. The French adventure into Mexico in the 1860s and their defeat in the 1870 Frano-Prussian War ended French military fashion for the US. The New style 1872 dress helmet was supposedly a stylized classical Greek helmet, it was in fact influenced by the Prussian and British style service helmets. This was a very different style for the US. The 1872 helmets were only issued to the Cavalry, Light Artillery, and Signal Corp (troops that were mounted). This caused an outcry from the rest of the Army Officers that wanted the stylish Dress helmets. So in 1879-1880 the Army devised the "Model 1881" dress helmet (more British looking that the 1872 model). Some of the State National Guards (New York, etc.) had in 1878 adopted their own dress helmets. This helmet fit in the military fashion of the times. Note: These were "Dress Helmets" and not field (campaign headgear). The kepis, sun helmet, and slouch hats were worn in the field. The 1872 and 1881 helmets lasted to 1902-03 when the Army redesigned the dress uniforms and went to the "Bell Crown" visor cap. I have also decided to build a white plume for my Officer's dress helmet, as acquiring one (not with helmet) is about impossible. Here is a start on the white plume. Note: I have done restorations, rebuilds, etc. for years. At the end of this is a "model 1902" cavalry dress uniform. M1902

This is a restoration project. The helmet (Officer's) had a staff plate, Mass. Side buttons and no top assembly. I changed the eagle plate to Infantry, found missing parts and got as black plume. I believe the black plume was worn by company grade Infantry Officers on the Regimental Staff - as the white plume was worn by Field Grade Officers. I will change out to the white plume when I locate one. Comments welcome.

Very nice - I had a Zippo with all my Bases engraved on it - someone stole it before I made it home.

Extremely nice group.

Chris - I believe it is rowing whale boats, but I could be wrong. George

Thanks Scott I will do that - quick note: First I found another picture of him on the 503rd Heritage site. Second on his discharge from the Ill. National Guard he has listed "Flood" Active duty 7-28 Feb. 1937 - for the 1937 Ohio River Flood. I checked the book "Awards and Decorations of the U.S. State Military Forces" by Gregory W. Ogletree 1988 Patriot Press. Illinois N.G. awarded a ribbon for State Active Duty (1923-1937) called the "Campaign Bar", and (1937-1967) called the "Active Service Ribbon, they still award the ASR, but I think the ribbon is a different color. Very interesting. Here is the picture from the Heritage site. George Current Illinois Active Service Ribbon:

Very sorry to hear that Scott, I am sorry, is that why you have gown to Purple Hearts (your Purple Heart collection is fantastic). The group showed up today - I will start posting pictures. It appears he served in two campaigns - New Guinea (two jumps) and The Southern Philippines. He did not jump on Corregidor (this is probably why the other collector traded). My gain. Morr served in the Illinois National Guard 1936-1939. Very interesting. More later. Cheers George

Scott - I have been contacted by family members of groups I've owned. all have been positive. I have sold two groups back to the families. One Hungarian, one US. Two have supplied a lot of information I did not have. But they contacted me, One I did contact - His medals had been stolen, I asked if he wanted them back. He said no (he could replace from the PX), except for some miniatures - sent back to him. Another group (Old CA National Guard) appears to have been stolen from a museum (I do not want to get involved with this one). So I agree with you, especially on Purple Hearts. There has been too much hype on them and other US medals lately. Like you I, am a collector, and researcher, trying to save and keep, and add to the history associated with the medals or groups, I do not need the head aches. One question what happened to your extraordinary Imperial German Collection? Cheers George

Thanks scottplen and Ulsterman. No I have not seen the JOMSA article, will have to look it up. With all the hype about Purple Hearts, I don't think I want to deal with his family. I really do not collect Purple Hearts, this is the third one I've had. The first was an enameled and numbered one. The last two are in groups one named, one not (including this one). I will post better pictures when the group shows up. This Purple Heart was awarded for "Injuries" not wounds. Some of the paratroopers were dropped at 150' or less during the drop. The Lt. Col. lead pilot had not reset his altimeter for the ground level of 150'. He was broken down to Captain after the drop. George Noemfoor Island drop PVT. Clyde J. Morr After looking closely at this picture - I noticed he is wearing the one piece armored or mechanic "jump suit" - interesting.

Yes the "CAL" would replace the "US". The "US" was Federal and the "CAL" was California National Guard. So it would be A Company, 1st California Cavalry Squadron to match the rare badge. The saber at this period would still be the model 1860 light Cavalry saber used 1860 to 1906. George

I hope you all are not getting tired of this. But here is a picture of the Enlisted 1902 Cavalry Uniform to-date.I still need the "CAL" collar insignia and a set of chevrons (thinking Corporal). Any comments welcome.

What no comments?

Very nice - cleaning and display. George

Thank you Herman, yes I think you hit it on the nose. That is my option also. since I paid less than $100.00 for my group - I feel it is worth the chance. George

Yes - I realized that the Purple Heart is privately engraved - the serial number is a dead give away. But remember that almost all "Offically Named" Purple Hearts are to KIAs etc. Alot of vets that earned them (and did not die - got unnamed medals). Great example is the Army Good Conduct (very rarely offically named - except for more recent issues to WW2 Vets, etc.). The error on the last name alignment, and only Initials & serial number seems too obvious for a fake. I was wondering if anyone has seen privately engraved Hearts with serial numbers. Hugh thanks alot for your help, I appreciate it. I guess I should also note, I am not buying this Purple Heart - I am trading a well known collect of parachute groups. His group is a lot better than mine - except that mine is for the 508th PIR, and the man was in the 509th piror. My group only has the 4 WW2 medals and 4 patchs and his award entitlement card. Here is the 503rd group. George

Hello all I have been offered this named WW2 Purple Heart to Clyde J. Morr 503rd PIR. The naming looks very odd to me (I'm no expert). I would like to hear from some of you Purple Heart experts etc. on this. Thanks.