December 14-17, 2021 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/15/2021
World War II 411th Infantry Regiment WIA Purple Heart, Silver Star, and ephemera grouping of Technician Fifth Grade Winford P. Barnum. The grouping consists of Barnum's Purple Heart and Silver Star medals. Both medals include an extra ribbon, ribbon bar, lapel pin, and are contained in their original coffin cases. The reverse of both medals are pantograph stamped. Pantograph stamped medals are a rare impressing style that was used for about two months in July-August 1945. This style is encountered on non-posthumous medals as the pantograph machines were available in some demobilization stations where soldiers could impress their medals before being discharged. The group also includes one of Barnum's dog tags, as well as a nice 9 - 1/2" x 7 - 1/2" frame containing Barnum's Good Conduct Medal, his cloth rank and unit insignia, Combat Infantry Badge, Combat Medic Badge, and photo of Barnum standing on the back of a US Army ambulance. There are also two large photos of combat medics in action as well as two small photos, one of the Barnum family and the other with Army tents and vehicles. Interestingly, there are four golf clubs included from Barnum's post war golf club business. Finally, a reprint of the book "Report After Action" and a folder of research from the consigner is included with the group. Winford P. Barnum was born on September 16th, 1917 in Woodland, Michigan and enlisted in the US Army on February 14, 1943 at Fort Sheridan Illinois. He was assigned to the 411th Infantry Regiment of the 103rd Infantry Division as a medic. The 103rd trained for two years before it was sent overseas and arrived in France during the Fall of 1944. The Division was quickly moved to the front lines where it began its short, but significant combat chronicle. The men of the 103rd crossed several bridges and captured even more towns, all while encountering heavy resistance along the way. In January 1945, General Anthony "Nuts" McAuliffe was given command of the 103rd and held this position until July 1945. Barnum, known to other men in his unit as Barney, was awarded the Silver Star on July 21, 1945 by the command of General McAuliffe, for his actions on March 15, 1945, which he is credited for saving the lives of several wounded soldiers. His original Silver Star citation is included with the group and reads "For Gallantry in action. On 15 March 1945 near Muhlhausen, France during an advance through machine gun, mortar and artillery fire, Technician Barnum, aid man, ran 40 yards through hostile fire to a seriously wounded man and administered aid. Observing four more casualties 40 yards to his front, he crawled through the hostile fire and administered aid. Technician Barnum's actions reflected the highest traditions of military service." After the war, Barnum was discharged from the Army and he settled in California where he went on to own and operate a golf course in Claremont California. He also manufactured golf cubs known as "Barney Barnum Putters". Four of his original putters are included with the auction and they are labeled El Ranchero, Dutch Boy, Old Sam, and Green Sam. This is a nice grouping from a decorated combat medic that sheds light on his wartime service as well as his civilian life. CONDITION: The pantograph stampings are faint but present, as is typical with most pantograph stamped medals. The cases are clean and exhibit little blemishes. The photos and paper are well preserved with little wear. The golf clubs exhibit wear from use. All of the military memorabilia is contained in a wood display case and is ready to be displayed. Overall excellent. JLD
Item Dimensions: 38" x 20"
Paperwork
Photos, Research, Silver Star Citation, Golf Clubs