Original U.S. WWII 709th Tank Battalion Officer’s Trunk Grouping with Uniform, Bronze Star, and Captured German Souvenirs - Lieutenant Clark L. Bailey, Service Company

Original Items. One-of-a-Kind Group. This is an outstanding extensive grouping identified to Lieutenant Clark L. Bailey, 709th Tank Battalion, who was awarded the Bronze Star medal with an oak leaf cluster for Meritorious Service in connection with military operations of the 709th Tank Battalion. He entered the service on September 6th, 1941, and was a principal at an elementary school before enlisting.

This outstanding grouping includes:

- Clark’s trunk, which is stenciled to the front LT. CLARK L. BAILEY / O-1010183 / 6222-AA / S. The sides of the trunk name him as CLARKSON L. BAILEY so it appears Clark was a shortened version of his first name. The top of the trunk is marked with his unit and Army information along with his home address, from when the trunk was sent home with many of his personal effects. Both of the leather straps are retained but extremely weak from cracking and crazing. Do not use these straps to handle the trunk.
- Bailey’s Ike jacket uniform with 9th Armored Patch and Armored patch on shoulders, three OS stripes, Armored officer’s insignia, 1st Lt. bars on the shoulders, and three-place ribbon bar with the Bronze Star, EAMD Campaign medal with three stars, and American Defense Medal.
- Bailey’s officer’s garrison cap with Lt bar. 
- Bailey’s dog tags, four total on chains, two with NOK info two without. 
- Bailey’s customized Tanker’s holster with initials and “MUFF” etched onto leather. Some damage and snap is broken.
- Tanker’s coveralls in Size small with 1942 manufacture date. 
- Small packet with five photos of nude women.
- Toiletries bag with razor, shaving mirror, other bits and some foreign coins from overseas. 
- Various other clothing pieces from his service.
- Several voice recorded records sent during the war to Clark and to his wife. 
- Astronomy starfinder device in sleeve. 
- 19 Armored patches of different divisions, very interesting collection. 
- Bronze Star medal, not engraved. 
- Countless bits of ephemera including letters, booklets, manuals, three Yardlong panoramic photos, and more.

The captured German items in the group include:
- Heer Army Heavy Burlap Grain Sack.
- Two large German flags in varying condition, one retaining hooks on ends.
- One large cutout swas from German flag.
- German map case, marked both by Bailey and the German soldier who used it. Has an August 1945 mini calendar attached under the flap, with the last date crossed out being August 22nd, 1945. 
- US Volt Ammeter in German leather case dated 1937. 
- German Heer Army belt buckle and leather tab.
- Deutsche Wehrmacht Civilian service armband. 
- Captured German spurs. 

Clarkson Lambert Bailey was born on June 15th, 1915 in Amston, Connecticut. He enlisted in the Army on September 6th, 1941, and was a principal at an elementary school before enlisting. He was assigned to various units before being commissioned a Lieutenant, and eventually ending up with the 709th Tank Battalion. He went overseas and saw combat in three major campaigns, being awarded the Bronze Star medal with an oak leaf cluster for Meritorious Service in connection with military operations of the 709th Tank Battalion and with the 8th Infantry Division, with which the battalion was often attached. He returned to the states and passed away on April 26th, 1996, at the age of 80.

This is an outstanding trunk grouping with tons of research potential and some great captured pieces to a 2x Bronze Star Recipient! Ready for further research and display!

Approximate Measurements:-
Collar to shoulder: 9.5"
Shoulder to sleeve: 26”
Shoulder to shoulder: 16"
Chest width: 19”
Waist: 17"
Front length: 24"