Looking for info 2nd Infantry Division

Great NEWS! Just got off the phone with my aunt. She has several pictures and a bunch of my Granfathers paperwork. I will try and get them scanned and posted on this board so that you all can help me determine the medals he is entitled to. One of my goals is to get his uniform back to the way it should be. You guys have been a treasure trove of information and I greatly appreciate it. Thanks a ton.

 

You are so lucky to have your grandfathers uniform! I look forward to seeing it when you are done. Best of luck in your research, you won't find a nicer bunch to help you out than here.
Krystal

 

Biak,
That is strange, my grandfather was only 4 years old when that medal was rendered obsolete. I may not have known the War history of my Grandpa, but I definitely knew his character. He would have never put a ribbon on his uniform had it not been earned and awarded. Must be a mix up.......maybe one of his kids put it on there or something not knowing. Thats strange......

It is almost a reverse of the bronze star ribbon, wonder is someone didnt mix it up with that? I dont know.......

 

L Russo,
Thank you so much, I was looking all over the net trying to find an explanation for that ribbon. It sure looked like the medal that was discontinued in 1918, but I was certain if it was my Grandpa didnt put it there. Glad to have clarification on that. I do believe an adjustment of the ribbons are in order. Once I recieve the documents from my aunt and get them posted on here, I am going to try and replace all of his ribbons/lapels etc. I would like to get his uniform back to the way it would/should be.

Once again, you guys are a great resource. Glad I can lay this to rest. Thank You very much.

He spent something like 35 or 40 years in the VFW. He was the post commander for a long time, so that ribbon makes perfect sense. Again thank you

 

Russo,
Thanks for the info on the Bronze Star. I wonder why my Grandpa didnt tell any of his kids about the Bronze Star? My Dad said he must not have known that he was awarded a Bronze Star. I wonder how many of these WWII vets dont know about the CIB or the MIB and the Bronze Star award? Told all of my aunts and uncles and not a single one of them ever heard Grandpa say anything about a Bronze Star and several of them were prior military.



Just realized I never listed my Grandpas name.

Charles Edward Lenz

 

Russo,
This question may be a little premature, but how do you go about obtaining medals/ribbons for a family member who is no longer living? Is it difficult? I would like to have a certificate attesting to my Grandfathers Bronze Star as well. I would have feel a whole lot better if I also had a certificate. Again this question may be slightly premature but I am confident of the history I have to this point. Just want to get the papers to %100 back it up.

Think I found the answer http://www.care2.com/c2c/groups/disc.html?gpp=5510&pst=484509 Not sure how accurate this site is but it sounds about right to me.

 

Once again thank you so much Russo!

 

Matt, What patch do I see peeking from the right shoulder in the first uniform picture? Looks like an American Legion patch.
I think the ribbon between the Purple Heart and the the Good Conduct may be an American Legion ribbon.
The cord around the left shoulder is a French Fourrarere-a unit award presented by the French Government. Fourragère - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The scull patch and the small bars under it are new to me--very interesting.
Keep up the good work with your research. Good luck, Dave

 

Dave,
Thanks for the encouragement! I actually think the patch on the right arm is another type of VFW patch. I think he was a member of the American Legion so its possible that the ribbon was from the American Legion, but I believe that Russo nailed it. I believe its a faded VFW participation patch, he was a member for over 35 years. I will definitely keep everyone up to speed on what is going on with my research. I have some great accounts from relatives, and the funny thing is they are all matching up. For instance, I will give you one brief example. My Grandfathers Unit deployed to Ireland in 1943, upon arriving in Ireland I guess they ate Fried chicken damned near every day. Well till the day my Grandpa died he could not stand to eat Fried Chicken. This was told to me by my aunt at first, and just tonight my Dad confirmed that without any help from me. So I know that in Ireland they fed these guys to much chicken, and that is confirmed.