Designed by
DuBois, Arthur E., American
Issued by
United States Army, American, founded 1775
Received by
Cpl. McVey,, Lawrence Leslie Sr., American, 1897 - 1968
Subject of
369th Infantry Regiment, American, 1913 - 1945
Date
1921-1949
Medium
metal
Dimensions
H x W x D: 1 x 1 3/8 x 1/4 in. (2.5 x 3.5 x 0.6 cm)
Caption
Due to racial tension within the US Army, the 369th Infantry Regiment was assigned to the French Army for the duration of US involvement in World War I. Formed from the 15th New York National Guard Regiment and nicknamed the "Harlem Hellfighters," the 369th was the first African American regiment to reach the battlefields of World War I and the first Allied troops to reach the banks of the Rhine. Upon completion of the 369th’s service in the war, the regiment had spent 191 days in combat, the longest of any American regiment. In appreciation for their actions in the Maison-en-Champagne campaign, the 369th was awarded the Croix de Guerre by the French Government for acts of bravery in conflicts against the enemy. In addition to this honor, 171 individual members of the 369th Regiment were awarded the Croix de Guerre and the Legion of Honor. The 369th Regiment finished their service in Europe and returned to the US in February 1919.
Description
Badge for sharpshooter-level marksmanship issued to Corporal Lawrence Leslie McVey. The badge is in the shape of a cross with a bulls-eye in the center. Three clasps hang from the badge by circular hinges. The first identifies expert level as [SHARP SHOOTER]. The following two are the Army Weapon Qualification clasps for the [M-1] and the [B.A.R.]. The back has two butterfly clutch pins on each horizontal end.
Place made
United States, North and Central America
Classification
Awards and Medals
Type
medals
Topic
Military
World War II
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Gina R. McVey, Granddaughter
Object number
2011.108.4
Restrictions & Rights
No Known Copyright Restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5f7378f29-1dbc-4870-ae86-8c72322c27c4

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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