WWI Tunic Question

[gjw]

Hi all, hope you can helpme out on this one. My wifes Granddad served in the 78th Div and she has his uniform tunic. He has a wound stripe and of course overseas stripe. However, on the upper left sleeve there is a red stripe (like a modern PV2). I don't believe this is a rank insignia as his discharge papers show him as a Private (not a PFC). He was in the infantry. Anyone know what the red stripe is for?

Thanks So Much!!!!!

Greg

[hunyadi]

Hi all, hope you can helpme out on this one. My wifes Granddad served in the 78th Div and she has his uniform tunic. He has a wound stripe and of course overseas stripe. However, on the upper left sleeve there is a red stripe (like a modern PV2). I don't believe this is a rank insignia as his discharge papers show him as a Private (not a PFC). He was in the infantry. Anyone know what the red stripe is for?

Thanks So Much!!!!!

Greg

Hi Greg -

The wound stripe should be on the lower cuff of the right arm. The overseas stripe should be on teh lower left arm and mid way on the left arm should be the Discharge Stripe - this was like the WW2 version of the "Ruptured Duck" patch - it allowed the individual to wear the uniform in public as a discharged civilian so that the MP's would not go around and round him up - as happened with my grandfather after serving two years in the CBI and he landed in CA...

[gjw]

Thanks so much, know I know that it is. THANKS!!!!

Greg