Bidspirit auction | A Collection of WWII US

A Collection of WWII US Army 101st Airborne 502nd PIR 1st Lt. Fred R. Metheny Militaria Including - This historical military grouping is attributed to First Lieutenant Fred R. Metheny (O 532 283) of the 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. The primary item is a United States Army Distinguished Service Cross set. The medal is a bronze cross with a central eagle on a laurel wreath above a scroll reading FOR VALOR. The reverse features a blank central plaque, indicating it is an unengraved example. The set is housed in its original black leatherette presentation case with a yellow velvet-style lining and includes the full-sized medal, a matching ribbon bar, and a lapel pin. The collection includes an official photostatic Certificate of Service for Fred R. Metheny, documenting his active Federal service from December 3, 1943, to March 25, 1946. The document was issued at the Separation Center at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri, and is signed by Major Willis L. Plant. The reverse of the certificate bears a purple ink certification stamp from Lancaster County, Nebraska, dated May 17, 1946, from the Lincoln Blue Print and Map Co. Accompanying the medal and document are three photographs. The first is an 8 x 10 inch studio portrait of Lieutenant Metheny in his Class A uniform, clearly showing the 101st Airborne shoulder patch, 502nd PIR collar insignia, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Parachutist Badge with two combat jump stars. His ribbon rack includes the Distinguished Service Cross and Purple Heart. The second is an 8 x 10 inch historical action photograph of paratroopers exiting a C-47 transport plane, stamped U.S. ARMY PHOTOGRAPH on the reverse. The third is a smaller black and white snapshot of Metheny in jump fatigues.