Includes:
1. Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal: in bronze, engraved "No. 242 / BRUNO A. FORSTERER / 1st ENLISTMENT / NOV 2, 1901" on the reverse, measuring 33.3 mm in diameter, original ribbon suspended from a hanger inscribed "U.S. Marine Corps" with brooch pinback (note: Forsterer was subsequently awarded the bar to the medal, however, it was lost during an earthquake and therefore is not included here).
2. U.S. Marine Corps Rifle "Sharpshooter" Marksmanship Badge: in sterling silver, measuring 31.2 mm (w) x 33.3 mm (h), suspended from a hanger inscribed "Sharpshooter" with pinback.
3. California Volunteers' Medal for the Spanish American War: in bronze, engraved "B.A. FORSTERER / C.M.H. / U.S.M.C." on the reverse, measuring 38 mm in diameter, suspended from a hanger inscribed "California" and numbered "6783", with pinback.
4. "For Commander in Chief B.A. Forsterer" Medal: two-piece construction, printed insignia on a button that is mounted to the centre of a medal in bronze gilt, measuring 48.7 mm (w) x 63.3 mm (h).
5. United Spanish War Veterans Commanders Jewel: in silver gilt, measuring 46 mm (w) x 51.8 mm (h) inclusive of its integral ring, United trophy of arms suspension in Gold, clasp bearing two stars affixed to its original flag ribbon, the Gold bar on the reverse of the clasp engraved "PRESENTED TO B.A. FORSTERER PAST DEPT. COMMANDER DEPT. OF CALIF. 1912-1913", suspended from an eagle, arms and wreath pinback hanger in Gold.
6. United Spanish War Veterans Medal: in bronze, measuring 34.5 mm (w) x 38 mm (h) inclusive of its integral ring, United trophy of arms suspension in bronze and numbered "8545", clasp bearing two stars affixed to its original flag ribbon suspended from an eagle, arms and wreath pinback hanger in bronze.
7. United Spanish War Veterans Medal: in bronze, measuring 34.5 mm (w) x 38 mm (h) inclusive of its integral ring, clasp in Gold and engraved in running script "Comrade B.A. Forsterer Quartermaster, Dept. of Cal. U.S.W.V. 1910. Service Homestand Faithful From P.C. Mulqueeney Dept. Comdr. 1910.", on its original ribbon with fob.
8. United Spanish War Veterans 26th Encampment at Sacramento Medal 1929: in bronze, maker marked "A.E.CO. UTICA N.Y." on the reverse, measuring 38 mm (w) x 50 mm (h), original ribbon suspended from a convention badge with pinback.
9. Grand Army of the Republic, California and Nevada 66th Annual Encampment at Berkeley Convention Badge 1933: badge with ribbon and pinback.
10. 43rd Annual Reunion, Army & Navy Legion of Valor at New York Medal 1938: in bronze gilt with red, white and blue enamels, measuring 37.8 mm (w) x 42 mm (h), original ribbon suspended from a name tag hanger with pinback.
11. National Sojourners Oakland Chapter No. 108 Medal: in bronze gilt, maker marked "DIEGES & CLUST" and engraved with the initials "B.A.F." on the reverse, measuring 23.8 mm (w) x 44.7 mm (h), original ribbon with pinback.
12. three United Spanish War Veterans Oakland, California Convention Badges.
13. Medal of Honor Rosette: in light blue and white embroidery, measuring 12 mm (w) x 13.5 mm (h), button hole attachment maker marked "B.B.& B. COMPANY PHILADELPHIA" (Bailey, Banks & Biddle). Accompanied by his Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal and Bar Award Documents, his Sharpshooters Medal Certificate, various Promotion Documents and Discharge Certificates, a four page Extensive Biography, twelve Photographs, along with assorted research papers.
Extremely fine.
Footnote: Bruno Albert Forsterer (July 14, 1869 - June 13, 1957) was a U.S. Marine Sergeant who received the Medal of Honor for actions during the Second Samoan Civil War for "distinguished conduct in the presence of the enemy at Samoa, Philippine Islands, April 1, 1899." His Medal of Honor was awarded by President Theodore Roosevelt, by General Order No 55, dated July 19, 1901. Forsterer was born on July 14, 1869 in Koenigsberg, Germany and joined the Marine Corps from Boston in November 1896, and was honorably discharged thirteen years later. William E. Dargie appointed Bruno Forsterer general manager of the Oakland Tribune. Upon Dargie's death on February 10, 1911, Forsterer succeeded Dargie as the publisher of the paper (1911-1915). Forsterer also served as the executor for Dargie's will. Forsterer would then serve the new Tribune owner, (former U.S. Congressman) Joseph R. Knowland as Business Manager of the Oakland Tribune, (1915-1957). In 1936, Joseph Knowland, Bruno Forsterer and Joseph Blum founded the Franklin Investment Company (later, the Franklin Credit Union). His son, Harold B. Forsterer (1900-1974) served as Secretary-Treasurer of the Oakland Tribune (1957-1965). Bruno Forsterer died on June 15, 1957 and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery, Section 53, Lot 2757.