Original Items. One-of-a-Kind. This is a tremendous pair of collar discs from World War I for Company G of the 38th Infantry Regiment. The 38th Infantry, which was part of the famous 3rd Division, earned the nickname “Rock of the Marne” during the 2nd Battle of the Marne.

The Second Battle of the Marne (mahrn) was the last major German offensive on the Western Front of World War I. This German attack through Belgium was designed to be a diversion for a larger attack on the British forces in Flanders. The German attack near Rheims (reemz), France along the Marne River stalled shortly after part of the German forces crossed the river. The United States 38th Infantry Regiment would earn the nickname “Rock of the Marne” for continuing to hold the line and even counterattacking the overwhelming and advancing German forces. The Germans failed to break through the defenses and the Allies counterattacked.

This became the regiment’s nickname which is still used today. These collar discs, one U.S. and one 38th Infantry Regiment, Company G, were found while surveying a stream in the small village of Saint Eugène, France, about six kilometers south of the village of Mezy Moulins on the Marne, where the 38th got their nickname. Before going into combat, it was customary for soldiers to strip themselves of any unit-distinguishing insignia, as to not give that valuable information to the enemy. These collar discs were one such case, discarded in a nearby stream and forgotten about! Relics from the First World War don’t get much better than this!

This is a tremendous set of collar discs with a fabulous patina & provenance. The 38th regiment disc retains its back washer while the US disc does not. A great set of scarce discs from one of the most famous regiments of the war, ready for further research and display!