army historian

I don't know - but it is a very nice looking older medal.

Thanks, I should of added that James probably lived at the Oaks from 1908 to 1910 at least. Nice to see the house is still around.

Nice medal - I think you are correct about the Maker.

Chris I can get you a length (any size) of replacement ribbon, and supply a slip brooch if you would like, let me Know. George Albert

A little more on Chief Pharmacy Mate James Mcree Lane. I manged to locate him in the 1900, 1910, 1930 and 1940 US Census. In the 1910 Census he was still living with his parents in Saluda, North Carolina. In the 1940 Census he is living with his wife Elizabeth in Saluda, North Carolina. I found some extra information on his family. First his father is listed in the 1910 census as a cashier at the Carolina State Bank in Saluda (which folded during the depression). They bought a house called "The Oaks" in Saluda in 1908. It had been built in 1895 for a local Banker. There is a listing for Mrs. H. B. Lane (father's wife) running the Oaks as a boarding house from 1908 to the 1920's sometime. The Oaks is now a Bed and Breakfast - Here is a picture. Cheers Captain Albert

Yes Paul - I believe these were issued or worn from 1897 to the 1930's. I don't know why everyone referrers to them as "WW1". Also here is the 1920-30s Chief Pharmacy rating George

Yes Paul he retired as a Commander, like the last photo. George

Thanks Rogi, Yes it is nice when the Archives comes through. I especially liked the photos - I try to collect, or find photo ID'd groups. Captain Albert

Chris I think that is just human nature. I feel the same about my German Rear Admiral - not killed, but a survivor of the Battles of Coronel and the Falklands in 1914. George

Paul here is the WW1 ear CPO cap badge I told you about. I was told these were worn into the early 1930's. George

Thanks Paul, that's my feelings exactly. I sure wish I could run down a nice 1920-30's Chief Pharmacy Mate's rating. Cheers George

Yes Chris, it is funny how some medals travel. I once traded a friend of my dad's (here in the states) a set of wheels for moving boats, for his medals, a French Legionnaire driver's license (with his picture and name on it) and other items. He was in the Foreign Legion prior to WW2, joined the British Army in North Africa as an interpreter, and then went to the Princess Irene Brigade (Free Dutch). He moved to the US after the war. I got his awards card for the British Medals, and the medals, Africa Star, WW2 War Medal, some french collar patches, his driver's license and a combatants card, and the Dutch WW2 Cross, and his Princess Irene shoulder tally. That story of the British medal in Morocco sounds really interesting also. Cheers George

Yes it seems his wife Elizabeth Rosalie De Praetere Lane was born in Brussels, Belgium. In all the trips they traveled together except her last voyage from Belgium to New York in 1954 - she traveled alone (James was probably dead). The dealer told me he bought it at a garage sale in Brussels, Belgium. It arrived today and I add a complete upper section to his medal. The upper section had 2 named bars on it, but no medal. Looks very nice. I also found some postcards of the Navy Hospital, Las Animas, Colorado. Cheers Captain Albert

As you all know ,I have been working on William Lee Davis' Navy group with the Yangtze Medal, from last year. Well I finally received another 4 inches of copy paperwork from the National Archives. This is his Officer's records. Other than supplying his ships and assignments, there were 4 copies of photos of him 1949-1956. He retired as a Commander in 1956. I also acquired his engraved sword and a 20 Feb. 1942 Neptune Certificate (USS Indianapolis) from the dealer I had gotten the medals from. First he did serve on the USS Henley, but not during Pearl Harbor. He transferred to the USS Indianapolis in Aug. 1941, and was on her when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. The Indianapolis was at Johnson Island practicing shore bombardments. He also earned the following medals: WW2 Navy Occupation Medal with Asia bar; China Service Medal (extended); National Defense Medal; Korea Service Medal, and UN Korean Service Medal. He had 4 campaign stars on his Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal. Here are the photos. Cheers Captain Albert

1949

1952

1956

Wow, that's very nice.

I just bought this Navy Good Conduct Medal (no suspension, ribbon, nor attachment bar) named: James Mc R. Lane Navy Hosp Las Animas Colo. Aug. 11 1914 – medal was being sold from Belgium. Man said he got it at a garage sale.

Probably entered service in Aug 1910. 1930 Census lists him at the Philadelphia Naval Yard as a CPHM Chief Pharmacy Mate. He probably retired prior to 1933 (when he starts his travels back and forth between New York and Antwerp, Belgium (1933-1939). Since his medal is being sold from Belgium, I assume he died there and there is no more information for him in the US past 1939.

But here is the best part: I found a photograph of him on the internet (Cape Fear Historical Society). Can't get much better that that. Captain Albert

Here is the listing for him in the 1930 Census:

James Mc R Lane
[James Mc Ree Lane]

“James McRee Lane” c. 1900’s

Probably post WW2 - D22 Denmark’s Military Equipment Corp., Astoria/New York, NY. Also the 10012 is a zip code for New York.

Wow, great uniform and history, definitely Museum quality. Thanks for sharing.

Sure Paul but not much change for now - as I said I am trying to traded for his sword (initials engraved on scabbard, and name and address in sword case) and the Neptune Equator document. I have not mounted the ribbons (for display only). George

USS John D. Edwards DD-216

USS Blackhawk

USS Sterett DD-407

USS Heney DD-391

USS Indianapolis CA-35

USS Fall River CA-131

Well it's taken a long while but after paying $70.00 to the National Archives I received about 2" of copy paperwork from Davis' enlisted file. Since it stops in 1943 (as Lt. J.G.) I called and asked for the rest (will see). There is request and transmittal letter for the Yangtze Service medal M.No. 2367 (so that is verified), for service on the USS John D. Edwards (DD-216) also on the USS Blackhawk (AD-9) these cover the entire period 1930-1932. Here is a condensed record:

Entered service 25 Nov. 1927 at Hannibal, Missouri, with Father’s consent (letter dated 25 Nov 1927. Discharged 24 Sep 1931 EM3

26 Mar. 1929 USS Meyer (DD-279) promoted from F3c to F2c Note: Early in 1929 the destroyer began inactivation overhaul and on 15 May 1929 was decommissioned at San Diego. On 17 June she was towed to Mare Island for scrapping. Struck 25 November 1930, her materials were sold 25 February 1932.

15 May 1929 transferred from USS Meyer to USS Reno DD-303

22 Jun 1929 F2C qualified as Expert Rifleman USS Reno.

29 Jun 1929 transferred from USS Reno to USS John D. Edwards (DD-216).

18 Aug 1929 entered the Asiatic Squadron – USS John D. Edwards (DD-216) operated along the West Coast until 1 August 1929 when she sailed for the Far East, arriving Yokohama 26 August. Edwards undertook a lengthy duty as part of the Asiatic Fleet. Operating out of the Philippines along the Chinese Coast and off Japan, she guarded American interests during the Sino-Japanese War in the late 1930s, underwent training and battle practice, and operated with the Yangtze River Patrol, South China Sea Patrol, and the Neutrality patrols.

16 Oct 1929 promoted to F1c.

14 Mar 1929 to R/S Cavite P.I for course at the Sound Motion Picture Technicians School (6 weeks). 21 Apr 1931 complete course.

12 Jan 1930 USS John D. Edwards (DD-216) qualified as Marksman.

30 Jun 1930 qualified as Motion Picture Operator.

25 Jan. 1931 USS John D. Edwards (DD-216) promoted from F1c to EM3 Manila, P.I.

25 Sep 1931 USS John D. Edwards (DD-216) re enlisted at Chefoo, China (4 years). Discription: age 21 years 11 months, Height 5’8”, weight 145 lbs, eyes Brown, Hair Dk. Brown, complexion Ruddy.

20 May 1932 transferred to USS Blackhawk AD-9 (Destroyer Squadron Five)

25 Feb. 1933 USS Blackhawk request for Good Conduct Medal Manila, P.I.

25 Feb. 1933 USS Blackhawk request for Yangtze Service Medal (service John D. Edwards) Manila, P.I.

20 May 1933 USS Blackhawk received Navy Good Conduct Medal engrave “William Lee Davis 1931”.

21 Aug 1933 received Yangtze Service Medal M. No. 2367

25 Sep 1933 transferred to US Peary (DD-226).

12 Jun 1934 – 20 Aug 1934 transferred to USS Chaumont (transport)

20 Aug 1934 received on the USS Barney (DD-149)

21 Mar 1935 Received Gas Mask instruction at Destroyer Base San Diego, CA

10 Jun 1935 Appointment Electrician Mate 2nd.

24 Sep 1935 USS Barney Discharged this date with Honorable Discharge # C158527 by reason of expiration of enlistment: no time lost: Is recommended for Good Conduct Medal, having the required marks; net service 7 yrs, 10 months; on current enlistment: 4 years; final average all marks: 3.78. At San Diego, CA.

14 Feb1936 received Good Conduct Pin engraved “William Lee Davis, 1935”

9 Nov 1936 transferred from USS Barney to R/S Phila. Temp duty transfer to USS Winslow

17 Feb 1937 transferred to USS Winslow (DD-359)

1 Oct 1937 designation as Mail Clerk USS Winslow

16 Feb 1938 USS Winslow (DD-359) promoted to EM1c

26 Feb 1938 USS Winslow (DD-359)

15 Jul 1938 designation as Mail Clerk USS Winslow revoked

16 Jul 1938 trnsferred to Naval Research Lab., Washington D.C. for training interior Communications School.

13 Dec 1938 Naval Research Lab., Washington D.C. extension of enlistment 3 years

27 Jan 1939 transferred to R/S Norfolk, VA to USS Arkansas for duty on USS Sterett.

8 Feb 1939 trans to USS Arkansas

3 Apr 1939 transferred to Navy Yard Charleston, S.C. for duty USS Sterett

15 Aug 1939 transferred to USS Sterett upon commissioning

20 Sep 1939 Agreement to extend cancelled discharged C-230827 – for re enlistment and recommended for Good Conduct Medal.

22 Sep 1939 Re enlisted on USS Sterett for 4 years.

Note: Trade School Sound Motion picture technician Interior Communication School.

16 Dec. 1939 received Good Conduct pin Engraved “Davis, William Lee 1939”

6 Mar 1940 received gas instruction and passed through gas chamber.

12 Oct 1940 transferred from USS Sterett to USS Henley (DD391) Pearl Harbor, H.T.

28 Feb 1941 received appointment as Chief Electrician’s Mate (AA).

30 Apr. 1941 recommended for examination for Warrant Electrician.

18 Jul 1941 acting appointment Warrant Electrician USS Henley

7 Dec 1941 on Henley during Japanese attack.

15-22 Dec. 1941 Wake Island relief mission.

There is a Neptune (Equator Crossing) document dated 1942 to Davis on the USS Indianapolis (trying to trade for along with his sword).

10 Feb. 1943 Commissioned Lieutenant (JG) USNR

End National Archives

More information:

According to the July 1944 Navy Register: Lieutenant William Lee Davis with temporary appointment on 1 July 1944 to Lieutenant File No. 102182.

13 Aug 1945 Navy Report of Change USS Fall River CA-131 for:
Name File # Rank
Davis, William L 102182 Lieutenant

USN Trans 11 Aug 1945 from Naval Landing Forces Depot, Albany, CA for duty on the USS Fall River.

It appears he earned all the WW2 medals on his bars, and the Navy WW2 Occupation with "Asia" bar, China Service Medal (Extend) on the USS Fall River, and the National Defense Medal.

Navy Officer’s Registers:

01 Jan 1949 promoted to LCDR (Navy Register).

01 Aug 1956 Promoted to Commander (CDR) (Navy Register).

Retired 8/1956 (Navy Register).

Well let's hope it isn't as stupid as the first attempt.

Bridgebee - it appears to be a WW1 campaign hat (possible Mexican Border 1916) - but does not look like it, does not have the row stitching seen in earlier hats. George

I should of added in the records (partial) I received for Lt. William Lee Davis from NPRC is a letter of request from him for the Yangtze Service medal and a letter (ward transmittal) for the medal. See below George

I am not sure about that - this is some of the information Larry gave me. George

Thank you Paul - Larry was not a close friend, just a good friend. George