Posted 5 years ago
Watchsearc…
(88 items)
This is a map from my dad’s Army footlocker along with his ID, a photo of him home on leave, and the certificate detailing what he did to earn a Bronze Star and a Battlefield Commission to First Lieutenant.
One day about 15 years ago, he showed up at my door with these items along with his army blankets and some other items. He knew I would appreciate them.
I had these 4 items professionally framed and hung it in my house. Then a few years later, I acquired the rest of his Army memorabilia and put those items in shadow box frames for him.
I moved all the framed items to his home to create a wall dedicated to his Army years. I his last years, he loved reading about himself and seeing everything consolidated and displayed instead of being packed away in his footlocker.
The 102d Infantry Division arrived at Cherbourg, France on 9-25-44. This map shows their involvement battling their way to Berlin.
V-E Day commemorated Germany’s unconditional surrender in May 1945.
This map helped me understand exactly where my dad was and what was going when he earned his Bronze Star and Battlefield Commission.
For all his years after WWII, he carried a photograph of himself and 2 more soldiers standing in the rubble of Krefeld.
The capture of Krefeld occurred 3-3-45; he earned his recognitions a few days later as he led a machine gun platoon.
I have not seen this map posted here so I hope it is of interest to CW viewers.
I’m not certain of the maker of this map but I have reason to believe it came from an Ozark Division Association reunion.
The Ozark Division Association disbanded a few years ago because there were so few members still living.
I read their final publication (magazine) - It was sad to see the lengthy list of deaths that had occurred among the members that year.
My dad lived a very full life. He died in 2015 at age 93.
So wonderful that you've preserved your Dad's treasured military items. I love how the metal are framed. I'm certain he's smiling upon you.
Jscotto363, you are so kind! Thank you.
I tried to get them arranged right by looking at pictures in military magazines. I wanted to understand the meaning of each so I looked them all up.
Our family had a party for him at age 92 when I finally got all the war stuff together- a reporter for his hometown newspaper came and the next day, his story was the front page feature.
He is sorely missed but will always be in my heart.
Thank you for your kind words.
Newfld
Fortapache
AdeleC
Jscotto363
Buckethead, thank you all for the Loves. I appreciate y’all reading and loving!
Broochman
Purvis
Yougottahavestuff
Officialfuel
Brunswick
Vynil33rpm , many thanks to all of you who “loved” the post!
What a beautiful way to showcase these and a wonderful tribute to your dad!
Mrstyndall, thank you for the sweet comment and the love. It meant a lot to him to see these items (and more that I didn’t post) and it was a joy to me to see him enjoy them.
Wow very touching and informative!
Love this so much.
I'm sure you made your father very happy.
Thanks for posting these items.
Clockerman, many thanks for the nice comment and the love!
vcal, again, thank you for bringing up this old post.
Thank you to everyone who gave it a Love!