July 12-14, 2022 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/13/2022
Excellent named World War I Purple Heart medal grouping with exceptional unofficial dog tags. The medals are named to Persons W. Wing, who served as an officer in the Medical Corps during WWI. Wing is listed on a variety of documents and had prior service on the Mexican border when tensions were raised after the Zimmerman Telegram was intercepted, where he served with the 1st Field Artillery of the New Hampshire National Guard as a Lieutenant. Corresponding medal matches the US Mexican Border Service medal rolls. He was sent overseas in 1917 and is listed as a Captain in the Medical Corps. Wing served with the 4th Field Hospital while attached to the 26th Division throughout WWI and is listed as returning to the United States in 1919 while attached to the Sanitary Detachment of the 103rd Field Artillery Battalion. The 26th Division was a hard fought unit during WWI, having seen service at the campaigns of Champagne-Marne, Aisne-Marne, Battle of Saint-Mihiel, and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. Wing's medal grouping includes his Mexican Border Service Medal and ribbon which was issued to National Guard troops who were federalized for service in the Pancho Villa Expedition which is numbered "30833" on the rim. Also included is his WWI Victory Medal with 5 battle clasps which correspond to the 26th Division's service during the war complete with matching ribbon bar with 5 campaign stars. Wing's split wrap brooch Purple Heart is engraved on the reverse and numbered "12635" on the left rim, complete with ribbon. There are also 2 New Hampshire WWI Service Medals. lastly there is a French Verdun Medal on a dog tag chain with 2 excellent unofficial dog tags. The first dog tag is square and is marked "1917 / P.W. Wing / 1ST LIEUT. / M.C. U.S.A. / F. HOSP. 101 / A.E.F." on the obverse and A.F. AND A.M. above the Masonic symbol. The second dog tag is on the reverse of a French medal and reads "Persons W. Wing / 1st Lieut. / 4th Field Hosp. / 26th Div. / U.S.A." in beautiful engraving styles. The dog tag is perhaps the highlight of the group. CONDITION: The medals have been laying in a riker mount which has not strained the ribbons. Medals exhibit a nice patina and are quite presentable. Dog tags also exhibit a pleasant patina which does not take away from their presentation. Overall very good. An excellent grouping worthy of more research. PROVENANCE: Roger Bender Collection. JLD
Item Dimensions: 12" X 8"