$30.00 CAD
| /
Interesting RPPC photo postcard of Distinguished Service Cross medal ceremony for soldier in the 140th Infantry Regiment, 35th Division in France.
Photo shows troops lined up in background, cavalry to the left. Then standard bearers and lone soldier facing camera, backs of two men who will pin the medal. Undated but likely 1918.
At bottom, written on negative “Pining on the D.S.C. 140th Inf. 35th Division”
The Distinguished Service Cross is the United States Army's second highest military award for extreme gallantry and risk of life in actual combat. The following in the 140th were awarded the honor:
‘AZO’ photographic paper used confirms date is 1910-1930.
Tear and crease LR corner. Toned on back.
Unused.
(Red text is an electronic watermark that is not physically part of the photo for sale)
On June 29, 1917, the regiment was reactivated for service in the First World War when it consolidated with elements of the 3rd Missouri to create the 140th Infantry in October 1917. The new regiment was assigned to the 35th Division. Within the 35th Division they were assigned to the 70th Brigade alongside the 139th Infantry. Companies of the regiment were drawn primarily from the southeast of the state...The regiment organized and trained in the United States at Camp Doniphan, Oklahoma and then shipped out for France where it began training under British tutelage in June 1918. In July, the 140th had its first taste of combat in the Gérardmer sector in the Vosges Mountains, where they conducted raids on German forces. They were moved to the Saint-Mihiel sector in September where they served as a reserve for the First Army. The regiment soon participated in the Meuse-Argonne offensive, the largest battle the American Expeditionary Forces waged during the war. After five days of intense battle, they were relieved by elements of the 1st Division and were placed in the Sommedieue sector where they launched harassing attacks on the enemy positions until the Armistice ended the war.
WIKIPEDIA
