Black leather case with gold print lettering. "James E. Wilhelm, Benjamin W. Binns, optometrists, National Bank Bldg., Portsmouth, Ohio". Dr. Wilhelm and Dr. Binns, optometrists, offices were located at the National Bank Building on Ninth (9th) and Gallia Streets.
Silk maroon and white striped ribbon. Gold Medal with an Eagle sitting on a sword and book with the embossed words "Efficiency. Honor. Fidelity." around the Eagle on one side. On the other side a 5 point star in center of medal surrounded by an oak leaf and laurel leaf branch with embossed writing "Food good conduct." The name Omer T. Cochran also embossed. Omer T. Cochran was an PFC for the US Army- he enlisted in Cincinnati on September 9, 1942 and was discharged in 1944. He was born in Kentucky October 11, 1911 and died in Butler County, Ohio on April 17, 1991. The Good Conduct medal was establised June 28, 1941 for members of the US Army and Air Force for exemplary conduct, efficiency, and fidelity or those who honorably completed 3 years of active service.
Silk brown and green with red, white, blue, and black stripes ribbon with 3 bronze stars at the top. Gold medal with an LST landing craft shown with troops landing under fire, with an airplane in the background below the words EUROPEAN-AFRICAN-MIDDLE EASTERN CAMPAIGN on one side. On the other side an American bald eagle is shown on a rock. To the eagle's left, the dates 1941-1945; to the eagle's right, the words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. This medal was established under Executive Order 9265, on November 6, 1942 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It was awarded for service in the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater between December 7, 1941-March 2, 1946. Possibly Gordon or Harold Lowe's.
Silk ribbon, center red stripe with rainbow stripes (adopted from the World War I Victory Medal). Gold medal with one side showing the relief of Liberty figure with a broken sword and embossed text "World War II"; On the other side embossed text "United States of America 1941-1945, Freedom from fear and want, Freedom of speach and religion." This medal was issued to any member of the US Armed Services who served in Active Duty or Reservist between December 7, 1941-December 31, 1946. Possibly Gordon or Harold Lowe's.
Light blue silk ribbon with red, white, and blue vertical center stripes and white, black, and red vertical stripes. Gold medal with a Navy cruiser shown beneath a B-24 airplane flying overhead and sinking an enemy submarine in the foreground; in the background, there is a group of buildings. Above this scene are the words AMERICAN CAMPAIGN on one side. On the other side an American bald eagle on a rock. To the eagle's left, the dates 1941-1945; to the eagle's right, the words United States of America. The American Campaign Medal was established by Executive Order 9265 on November 6, 1942, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The medal was awarded to any member of the United States armed services with 30 consecutive days of service in the American Theater between December 7, 1941 and March 2, 1946. Possibly Gordon or Harold Lowe's.
Aged black, rusty box with green print. Print says: "Thomas D. Smith, Direct Manager, The Union Life Insurance Company, Rooms 1-2 Royal Savings Building, Phone 283, Portsmouth, Ohio." The Union Central Life Insurance Company was an insurance company out of Cincinnati, Thomas Smith was the local agent in Portsmouth, office at 828 Gallia Street.
Wooden box for cola bottles; Barq's and Royal Crown Cola. Blue worn wood with rusted metal at the seams. Located at Front & Jefferson Streets, Barq’s Bottling began its operations in 1941. In 1957, it added Royal Crown Cola (RC Cola) to the product line.
In 1970, an expansion was completed to add 6,400 feet to their facilities. The company also made syrups for fountain drinks.
Discolored brown, wooden box with Portsmouth Brewing & Ice Co. (company), Portsmouth imprinted/carved into wood. Rusted metal strips at the corners. Wood swollen in some areas.
Julius Esselborn purchased the brewery in 1889. His son, (Paul) Julius Esselborn was the head of Portsmouth Brewing & Ice Co. from 1899 to 1920, succeeding his father at his death (1900) as the brewery’s president
Clear glass medicine bottle with black cap and red and white label. Faded hand written instructions on label. Dr. Braunlin practiced from 1914-1964. He was a Doctor and a Pharmacist.
From left to right: Diamond/arrowhead shaped badge with red, white, and blue stripes with black material around it. This badge was used by the Twelfth Army Group as a shoulder sleeve insignia issued during World War II. The design, approved July 29, 1944, was used to show force in the red, white, and blue national colors of the United States. This unit was directly under the control of Supreme Headquarters, Allied Expeditionary Force, beginning September 1, 1944. It fought its way across Europe, encircling the German Army in the Ruhr Valley in April 1945. It was the largest force ever assembled by the US military. Germany surrendered May 7 and the Group was inactivated on July 31, 1945.
The red with white "A" in the middle with white design badge is unknown to what it means. My guess it was used to show when someone was in the US Army on their uniform.
Driver-W pin was approved in 1942 and was awarded to soldiers who completed training and met standards which qualified them to operate and repair military automotive machinery and wheeled vehicles.
From left to right: Gold staff sergeant grade 3 pin was used to show the ranking of the staff sergeants. A lot of times this pin was presented with the grade 3 technician patches as they were paid and ranked the same, but staff sergeants had more authority.
The middle pin is brass and was the pin given to people joining the Army during WWII.
The far right pin is brass with U.S. embossed lettering. This pin was given to anyone who served during WWII.
