Original U.S. WWII 1st Infantry Division 16th Infantry Regiment Uniform & Visor Cap with Possible Identification - Robert J Wrede

Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. This is a lovely 1st Infantry Division uniform grouping with a partial identification to Private Robert J. Wrede, Company K, 16th Infantry Regiment, provided by the original seller in 2011 who notes he received it from the widow. However, we found that Robert J. Wrede actually served in the 80th Infantry Division, and was killed in action on December 22nd, 1944. So we aren’t sure who this uniform belonged to, making for an interesting research project. 

The uniform jacket bears US & Infantry collar discs and a 1st Infantry Division patch on the left shoulder, with a French fourragère cord on the left shoulder. Above the right breast pocket is a Presidential Unit Citation with a frame and oak leaf cluster, and above that is a Ruptured Duck honorable discharge patch. Above the left breast pocket is a Combat Infantryman badge, and below that is a 4-place ribbon bar with the Bronze Star Medal with an OLC, the Purple Heart Medal with an OLC, the Good Conduct Medal, and the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign medal with four campaign stars and an invasion arrowhead. On the pocket is a ladder qualification badge with bars for Auto Rifle and Pistol.

The jacket has a November 10th, 1942 contract date on the tag in the pocket, and is stamped size 40R below the collar.

The Enlisted man’s visor cap is in fair service-worn condition with the correct circular eagle badge to the front. The interior shows heavy service wear but retains the size tag, 7¼. There is a name, Hess, scribbled on the sweatband.

The group comes with photographs of Wrede’s purple heart medal, souvenir handkerchiefs with Company K, 16th Infantry, 1st Division on one of them. We aren’t sure where the confusion with the identification came about, but with some work there might be something to find. It’s possible that the group belonged to a Wrede, just not this one.

A very interesting grouping, ready for further research and display.