WWI 1918-1920, USMC ,4th Bgd., 6th Regiment , 2nd Division, AEF
Born: April 17, 1897, New Rochell, NY. Died: December 12, 1969.
Enlisted: May 21, 1918 at Paris Island, SC. 21 years old at time of enlistment, 71 in high, brown eyes, brown hair, and ruddy complexion. Civilian Occupation of a Plate Printer (Steel Plate Engraver)
Donated: 09/27/1995, Mrs. Joseph (Thoren) Brooks. Daughter, of Woodford, VA

· Served in France as part of AEF, 2nd (Indian Head) Division, First Army. St. Mihiel, Argonne Campaigns.

· Wounded by shrapnel in combat (severe) on 1 Nov. 1918, Argonne Campaign, near Hill 289, most likely in Bois de la Folie north of Bayenville. Account of wounding: "hit in the left arm, by shell fragment which blew the fellow in front of me to bits, I was hit by the fragment and shards of the soldier, Walked back to the aid station, loosing rifle along the way". Wound became seriously infected and nearly lost his arm. Finally operated on with one of the first bone grafts performed at Brooklyn Navy Yard upon return to states. Doctor (Smith, Eugene?) a skilled surgeon who Mr. Thoren credited with saving his life.

· He was kept in the service to treat his wounds. He spent nearly two years in the hospital and received a Honorable Discharge, after promotion to CPL., on 15 October, 1920.

· Medals: Entitled to Wound Badge and one overseas chevron, Purple Heart medal after the war. Awarded Victory Ribbon with 3 bars and ( 2 ) battle stars, Marksman's badge, Good Conduct Medal, Croix DeGuerre (unit award).

· In civilian life worked for Bureau of Printing and Engraving, living in Arlington VA. Member of VFW Post 596, Mt Vernon, NY.

ACCESSION LIST.
1. USMC dress blue tunic, 2nd Division (bond drive) patch. EGA devices, Cpl. chevrons. Croix de Guerre Aiguillette, WWI Victory Ribbon with 2 stars, wound stripe, 1 O/S Stripe. Mkd. 1919-1920 QM Depot.
2. Dress blue trousers, with QM Depot marks.
3. Dress blue cap with EGA device.
4. Photos, copied from postcards.
5. Discharge paper.
6. Copy of the telegram notifying parents that he was wounded.
7. Copy photo in uniform.
8. Copy photo in civilian clothes prior to enlistment.
9. VFW cap.
10. Copy of wounding newspaper article.
11. Copy of various USMC photos.