Original Item: One-of-a-kind. World War One death during service citation presented to Private John A. Simpson from Richburg, South Carolina. He ws killed when hi troop transport ship the USS Ticonderoga was sunk by a German U-Boat off the coast of Ireland on September 30, 1918. Overall condition is very good with staining and edge wear. Framed and measures approximately 21" H x 17" W.

Official this is known as a Meritorious Service Citation Certificate. They were given to both the dead and wounded of the AEF after the war (1919) before the introduction of the Purple Heart in February, 1932 (recipients of this citation could apply for a Purple Heart). The documents read at the top, "Columbia Gives To Her Son The Accolade Of The New Chivalry Of Humanity." Some are detailed enough to show the soldier's unit while others just list their branch of service.

Ticonderoga loaded another Army cargo at Norfolk between 5 and 19 September. She then steamed to New York where she joined a convoy bound for Europe. On 22 September, Ticonderoga cleared New York for the last time. During the night of the 29th and 30th, the transport developed engine trouble and dropped behind the convoy. At 05:20 the following morning, she sighted the German submarine SM U-152 running on the surface; and she cleared for action. For the next two hours, her gun crews fought the enemy in a losing battle. The U-boat's gunners put her forward gun out of commission after six shots, but the 6-inch gun aft continued the uneven battle. Almost every man on board Ticonderoga, including her captain, suffered wounds. Eventually, the submarine's two 5.9-inch guns succeeded in silencing Ticonderoga's remaining gun. At 07:45, Ticonderoga slipped beneath the sea. Of the 237 sailors and soldiers embarked, only 24 survived. Twenty-two of those survivors were in one lifeboat and were picked up by the British steamer SS Moorish Prince four days later. The other two, the executive officer and the first assistant engineer, were taken prisoner on board the U-boat and eventually landed at Kiel, Germany, when U-152 completed her cruise. Ticonderoga's name was subsequently struck from the Navy list.

Lieutenant Commander James Jonas Madison received the Medal of Honor for his actions on Ticonderoga.