World War I Victory Medal
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
George Gilbert Shepard
(American, 1897 - 1918)
DistributorDistributed by
U.S. Department of Defense, Department of the Army
(American, founded 1947)
Date1918
Mediummetal; enamel; ribbon; velvet; embossed fabric
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (length x width): 3 × 1 1/2in. (7.6 × 3.8cm)
ClassificationsCeremonies
Credit LineGift of Marion M. Foskett
Object number1999.43.4
DescriptionA World War I Victory Medal with Battle Clasp for Meuse-Argonne and Defensive Sector posthumously awarded to George Gilbert Shepard. Bronze medal suspended from a rainbow striped gros-grain ribbon with two battle clasps affixed to the ribbon. On the front of the medal is a winged figure of Victory wearing a crown and holding a shield and sword. One battle clasp reads: "DEFENSIVE SECTOR" and the other reads "MEUSE-ARGONNE." The verso of the medal has a shield and reads: "THE GREAT WAR FOR CIVILIZATION" and lists the countries involved.
NotesHistorical Note: George Gilbert Shepard was born on 8 July 1897, in Worcester, MA. He enlisted as a Private in the Connecticut Army National Guard on 11 June 1917. He was assigned to the Machine Gun Company, 1st Regiment Infantry, Connecticut National Guard (M. G. Co., 102d Inf./ 26th Div.). Assigned as Mechanic 8 August 1918, Corporal 9 September 1918, and Sergeant 8 October 1918 in the American Expeditionary forces. Sent overseas 9 September 1917. Wounded in action. Died 23 October 1918 of wounds received in action in the vicinity of Verdun, France during World War I. He was posthumously awarded the World War I Victory Medal with Battle Clasp for Meuse-Argonne and Defensive Sector. Credited to Connecticut.Status
Not on view
George W. Corliss
