Original Item: One-of-a-Kind. This is an outstanding named U.S. WWI Coast Artillery Corps uniform grouping identified to Private Cliffe H. Gelbach of the 69th Artillery, CAC. The group consists of Gelbach’s olive-drab service tunic, matching breeches, and an overseas cap. His service number, 834410, is written inside the tunic lining, providing a direct identification to the original soldier.

The tunic retains a desirable First Army Artillery shoulder patch, U.S. and Coast Artillery collar discs, a red honorable discharge chevron, and one overseas service chevron indicating between six and eleven months of overseas service. The insignia and wear are consistent with a uniform retained after Gelbach’s return from France.

The collar discs currently fitted to the tunic identify Battery D, while the grouping has traditionally been attributed to Gelbach as a member of Battery F, 69th Artillery. It is possible that he transferred between batteries during his service, that the discs were changed during the period, or that the present insignia was added later. Without Gelbach’s complete personnel records, his exact battery assignment at the time he wore this tunic cannot be conclusively established.

The left shoulder bears an excellent First Army Artillery patch. This insignia connects the tunic with the American Expeditionary Forces and gives the uniform a particularly strong overseas appearance.

A red honorable discharge chevron is sewn to the left sleeve. These chevrons were worn by honorably discharged soldiers following their release from service. One overseas service chevron appears on the lower sleeve, representing approximately six months of foreign service.

A depot label remains beneath the interior lining and is dated: APRIL 12, 1917

The label identifies a Baltimore, Maryland manufacturer, although the complete maker’s name should be confirmed from the photographs. The early date is entirely appropriate for a tunic later issued or used during America’s participation in WWI.

The accompanying breeches match the tunic well in color, material, and overall appearance. They remain in good condition with expected age, handling wear, and evidence of service.

Also included is an overseas cap that was found inside the tunic pocket. The cap does not retain a collar disc. A leather identification or manufacturer’s tag remains inside, but the original information has been washed away and is no longer legible.

The 69th Artillery, Coast Artillery Corps was constituted on May 17, 1918 and organized at Fort Worden, Washington, on May 27. Much of its enlisted strength came from men already serving in the Coast Defenses of Puget Sound. After completing its organization, the regiment moved to Camp Mills, New York, in preparation for overseas deployment.

The regiment sailed for Europe in August 1918. The main body traveled aboard the USS Jason, while an additional group of officers sailed separately aboard the SS Demosthenes. After arriving in England, the regiment crossed to Le Havre and continued to the Operations and Training Center at Libourne, France.

The 69th was assigned to the 36th Artillery Brigade, CAC, and trained for the operation of mobile 5-inch seacoast guns. The regiment remained in training when the Armistice ended hostilities on November 11, 1918 and therefore did not enter combat as a complete organization. It departed France in February 1919 and was demobilized at Camp Eustis, Virginia, in March.

Condition is very good overall, with expected age, staining, minor wear, and handling marks throughout the tunic, breeches, and cap. The tunic retains its principal insignia and named service number, while the accompanying garments create an especially complete presentation.

The named attribution, First Army Artillery patch, Battery D collar disc, overseas and discharge chevrons, matching breeches, and surviving overseas cap make this a compelling and highly research-worthy Coast Artillery Corps uniform grouping. Additional research into service number 834410 may clarify Gelbach’s battery assignments and his precise duties with the 69th Artillery in France.

Approximate Measurements:
Collar to Shoulder: 9"
Shoulder to Sleeve: 23"
Shoulder to Shoulder: 16"
Chest Width: 19"
Waist: 16 1/2"
Hip: 21"
Front Length: 29"

Breeches:
Waist: 28"
Rise: 15"
Inseam: 23"