Original U.S. WWII 9th Infantry Division Bronze Star Grouping
Item Description
Original Items: One-of-a-kind grouping. Sergeant Edwin (ASN 35256359) was assigned to the Headquarters Battery of the 204th Field Artillery Regiment, 9th Infantry Division during World War Two. He served for the duration of the war and this collection of Uniform pieces, photos and paperwork was purchased directly from the veteran and his family. He was awarded the bronze star on December, 14th, 1944. His original medal and the citation are included in this set. The citation reads as follows:
SUBJECT: Award of Bronze Star.
14 December 1944
Artillery, US Army.
EDWIN M. MARKS, Corporal, 35256359, Division Artillery; who distinguished himself by meritorious service in connection with military operations against the enemy during the period 5 July 1944 to 30 September 1944 in the European Theater of Operations. Displaying his devotion to duty, initiative, and capacity for hard work and long hours, Cpl Marks performed his duties as Operations Corporal in an outstanding manner. Responsible for the construction of firing charts and overlays vitally necessary in accurately massing artillery fire upon the enemy, his expert judgement and technical skill have enabled his Command Post to displace, occupy its new position, and bring effective and accurate fire upon the enemy in record time. Cpl Marks' actions contributed materially to the success of the operations during this period and were, at all times, exceptionally meritorious and worthy of commendation. Entered military service from Indiana.
Included in this set are the following pieces:
- Ike Jacket in excellent condition (size 36L) marked in ink MARKS with 6359 (last four digits of his Army Serial Number). The jacket features 9th Infantry Division embroidered patch on left shoulder, Sergeant Chevrons, Medal ribbons that include: Bronze Star Medal,Good Conduct, European–African–Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 3 Campaign Stars, WWII Victory Medal. Ruptured Duck and six overseas service bars on the left sleeve indicating 3+ year in overseas service. World War II version of the French fourragère shoulder cord. Sgt. Marks is seen wearing this very jacket in both his service photo and as an older man in another photo included with this grouping.
- Khaki Army Service shirt with 9th Infantry Division embroidered patch on left shoulder and Sergeant Chevrons. Sgt. Marks is seen wearing this very shirt in a photo and as an older man which is included with this grouping.
- Army issue wool trousers.
- Original Dog Tags.
- Original Sterling Silver ID bracelet.
- Overseas Garrison cap with DI.
- Large binder stuffed with original wartime documents and original wartime photographs as well as post war military related documents and veterans materials.
- Bronze Star Medal with Original Paper work.
- Unattached insignia and Distinctive Unit Insignia.
- Of particular note is a letter written to Edwin Marks' mother by Joan Coward. Joan's father was Charles Coward. Charles Joseph Coward (30 January 1905–1976), known as the "Count of Auschwtz", was a British soldier captured during the Second World War who rescued Jews from Auschwtz and claimed he had smuggled himself into the camp for one night, subsequently testifying about his experience at the IG Farben Trial at Nuremberg. He also smuggled at least several hundred Jewish prisoners out of prison camp. Learn more at this link.
- Much Much More.
History of the 9th Infantry Division During WWII.
The 9th Infantry Division was among the first U.S. combat units to engage in offensive ground operations during World War II. (The others were the 32nd and the 41st in the Pacific on New Guinea, Carlson's Raiders on Makin Island, the 1st Marine, and the Americal on Guadalcanal, and, alongside the 9th in North Africa, were the 1st Infantry, 3rd Infantry and the 2nd Armored Divisions.) The 9th saw its first combat on 8 November 1942, when its elements landed at Algiers, Safi, and Port Lyautey, with the taking of Safi by the 3rd Battalion of the 47th Infantry Regiment standing as the first liberation of a city from Axis control in World War II.
With the collapse of French resistance on 11 November 1942, the division patrolled the Spanish Moroccan border. The 9th returned to Tunisia in February and engaged in small defensive actions and patrol activity. On 28 March 1943 it launched an attack in southern Tunisia and fought its way north into Bizerte, 7 May. In August, the 9th landed at Palermo, Sicily, and took part in the capture of Randazzo and Messina. After returning to England for further training, the division landed on Utah Beach on 10 June 1944 (D plus 4), cut off the Cotentin Peninsula, drove on to Cherbourg and penetrated the port's heavy defenses.
GIs of C Company, 36th Armored Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division at Geich [de], Germany, 11 December 1944.
After a brief rest in July, the division took part in the St. Lo break-through and in August helped close the Falaise Gap. Turning east, the 9th crossed the Marne, 28 August, swept through Saarlautern, and in November and December held defensive positions from Monschau to Losheim. Moving north to Bergrath, Germany, it launched an attack toward the Roer, 10 December, taking Echtz and Schlich. From mid-December through January 1945, the division held defensive positions from Kalterherberg to Elsenborn. On 30 January the division jumped off from Monschau in a drive across the Roer and to the Rhine, crossing at Remagen, 7 March.
After breaking out of the Remagen bridgehead, the 9th assisted in the sealing and clearing of the Ruhr Pocket, then moved 150 miles (240 km) east to Nordhausen and attacked in the Harz Mountains, 14–20 April. On 21 April the Division relieved the 3d Armored Division along the Mulde River, near Dessau, and held that line until VE-day.
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