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Virginia Military Institute Archives
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Soldiers' memorabilia and military service related manuscripts. Manuscript # 0287. Virginia Military Institute Archives
This collection consists of documents and printed material dating from World War I, World War II, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf War. Most items were donated by VMI alumni and they represent the types of items retained by returning soldiers.
The Oliver E. Harris material (one item) consists of a printed postcard that features the achievements of the 1st Division, Allied Expeditionary Forces.
The Richard J. Howard material (two items) consists of documents from the British government sent to Howard's mother that relate to his war service. One item details the receipt of medals while the other is a document from King George V recognizing his service.
Oliver E. Harris was from Rockbridge County, Virginia. He served in Company H., 18th Infantry, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces.
Richard J. Howard, VMI Class of 1915, was a Second Lieutenant, British Expeditionary Forces, Black Watch. He was killed in action in France on March 17, 1916.
First American Troops to Land in France and last to go home
FIRST in sector. to shoot at Germans. to attack. to conduct a raid. to be raided. to capture prisoners. to suffer casualties. Sto be cited singly in general orders. in number of division, corps and Army Commanders and General Staff Officers produced from its personnel. In front line 220 days. Captured 163 officers and 6,304 men, 119 pieces of field artillery, 62 trench mortars, 413 machine guns. Casualties 21,612. Killed and died of wounds 4,411. Replacements received 30,206. Distinguished service crosses won 356.
Printed postcard that features the achievements of the 1st Division, Allied Expeditionary Forces.
Letter from the British government to Richard J. Howard's mother. The letter transmitts the Star British War and Victory Medals.
One document from King George V that recognizes Richard J. Howard's service.
This folder consists of two items, including a Military Identification Card (1942) and a printed circular from General Dwight D. Eisenhower distributed to soldiers prior to D-Day, 1944.
This file consists of items related to Richard E. Traver's (VMI Class of 1941) military service, including: Letter written in Chinese from the Section of Military Affairs, Department of War, Nanking, China (1937) Christmas card (1944) Flyer (1944) Europe Road Map Series, 1:1,000,000 A.M.S. 6303, First Edition - AMS 1, France, Army Map Service, Corps of Engineers, U. S. Army (1944) V-Mail "Greetings from Britain" Excerpts of letters exchanged by American and German Commanders at Brest, France
Certificate issued Lieutenant Colonel Philip W. "Eli" Root (VMI Class of 1918), 29th Infantry Division, certifying his service from "D-Day to St. Lo." Certificate is signed by Major General Charles H. Gerhardt.
This folder includes: A Safe Conduct Pass for Billy M. Seargeant (VMI Class of 1968) Certificates issued by the Vietnamese government (Jan Gray, VMI Class of 1963) Printed material (James M. Warrington, VMI Class of 1948B)
This folder includes: Receipt for property given to citizens by United States soldiers Propaganda leaflet dropped on Iraqi troops Card written by schoolchildren to United States soldiers Calendar page (in Arabic) featuring a photo of Saddam Hussein