Purple Heart
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
George Gilbert Shepard
American, 1897 - 1918
Date1918
Mediumgold; metal; enamel; silk; velvet; leather; satin
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions ((a) length x width of medal): 3 × 1 1/2in. (7.6 × 3.8cm)
Other ((b) height x width of lapel bar): 3/8 × 1 1/2in. (1 × 3.8cm)
Primary Dimensions ((c) height x width of lapel pin): 1/8 × 3/4in. (0.3 × 1.9cm)
Other ((d) height x width x depth of case): 1 × 3 1/2 × 6 1/2in. (2.5 × 8.9 × 16.5cm)
Other ((b) height x width of lapel bar): 3/8 × 1 1/2in. (1 × 3.8cm)
Primary Dimensions ((c) height x width of lapel pin): 1/8 × 3/4in. (0.3 × 1.9cm)
Other ((d) height x width x depth of case): 1 × 3 1/2 × 6 1/2in. (2.5 × 8.9 × 16.5cm)
ClassificationsCeremonies
Credit LineGift of Marion M. Foskett
DescriptionA Purple Heart in its original case posthumously awarded to George Gilbert Shepard who died from wounds he recieved near Verdun, France during World War I. The Purple Heart (a) medal is in the shape of a heart decorated with purple enamel in the center an a gold border. A gold silhouette of George Washington is affixed to the center. A red and white enamel shield with green leaves adorns the top of the heart, which hangs from a purple and white satin ribbon. The reverse side of the medal is inscribed and engraved with "FOR/ MILITARY/ MERIT/ GEORGE G./ SHEPARD." A separate rectangular lapel bar (b) is included with the medal. It is covered with purple and white satin ribbon. A rectangular lapel pin (c) is also included with the medal and it is a purple and white enamel. The medal and pins are housed in a black leather case (d) embossed with gold. The interior of the case is lined with gold velvet and silk. The exterior of the case has "PURPLE/ HEART" printed in the center.
Object number1999.43.3a-d
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.Subject Terms
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Dr. Reynold Webb Wilcox
