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  • United States. A Valor Group to Colonel Stephen Louis Garay, 37th Infantry Division in the Philippines
  • United States. A Valor Group to Colonel Stephen Louis Garay, 37th Infantry Division in the Philippines
  • United States. A Valor Group to Colonel Stephen Louis Garay, 37th Infantry Division in the Philippines
  • United States. A Valor Group to Colonel Stephen Louis Garay, 37th Infantry Division in the Philippines
  • United States. A Valor Group to Colonel Stephen Louis Garay, 37th Infantry Division in the Philippines
  • United States. A Valor Group to Colonel Stephen Louis Garay, 37th Infantry Division in the Philippines
  • United States. A Valor Group to Colonel Stephen Louis Garay, 37th Infantry Division in the Philippines
  • United States. A Valor Group to Colonel Stephen Louis Garay, 37th Infantry Division in the Philippines
  • United States. A Valor Group to Colonel Stephen Louis Garay, 37th Infantry Division in the Philippines
  • United States. A Valor Group to Colonel Stephen Louis Garay, 37th Infantry Division in the Philippines
  • United States. A Valor Group to Colonel Stephen Louis Garay, 37th Infantry Division in the Philippines
  • United States. A Valor Group to Colonel Stephen Louis Garay, 37th Infantry Division in the Philippines
  • United States. A Valor Group to Colonel Stephen Louis Garay, 37th Infantry Division in the Philippines
  • United States. A Valor Group to Colonel Stephen Louis Garay, 37th Infantry Division in the Philippines
  • United States. A Valor Group to Colonel Stephen Louis Garay, 37th Infantry Division in the Philippines
  • United States. A Valor Group to Colonel Stephen Louis Garay, 37th Infantry Division in the Philippines
  • United States. A Valor Group to Colonel Stephen Louis Garay, 37th Infantry Division in the Philippines
  • United States. A Valor Group to Colonel Stephen Louis Garay, 37th Infantry Division in the Philippines
  • United States. A Valor Group to Colonel Stephen Louis Garay, 37th Infantry Division in the Philippines
  • United States. A Valor Group to Colonel Stephen Louis Garay, 37th Infantry Division in the Philippines
  • United States. A Valor Group to Colonel Stephen Louis Garay, 37th Infantry Division in the Philippines
  • United States. A Valor Group to Colonel Stephen Louis Garay, 37th Infantry Division in the Philippines
  • United States. A Valor Group to Colonel Stephen Louis Garay, 37th Infantry Division in the Philippines
  • United States. A Valor Group to Colonel Stephen Louis Garay, 37th Infantry Division in the Philippines
  • United States. A Valor Group to Colonel Stephen Louis Garay, 37th Infantry Division in the Philippines
  • United States. A Valor Group to Colonel Stephen Louis Garay, 37th Infantry Division in the Philippines
  • United States. A Valor Group to Colonel Stephen Louis Garay, 37th Infantry Division in the Philippines
  • United States. A Valor Group to Colonel Stephen Louis Garay, 37th Infantry Division in the Philippines
  • United States. A Valor Group to Colonel Stephen Louis Garay, 37th Infantry Division in the Philippines
  • United States. A Valor Group to Colonel Stephen Louis Garay, 37th Infantry Division in the Philippines
  • United States. A Valor Group to Colonel Stephen Louis Garay, 37th Infantry Division in the Philippines
  • United States. A Valor Group to Colonel Stephen Louis Garay, 37th Infantry Division in the Philippines
  • United States. A Valor Group to Colonel Stephen Louis Garay, 37th Infantry Division in the Philippines
  • United States. A Valor Group to Colonel Stephen Louis Garay, 37th Infantry Division in the Philippines

Item: W5273

United States. A Valor Group to Colonel Stephen Louis Garay, 37th Infantry Division in the Philippines

$2,050

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United States. A Valor Group to Colonel Stephen Louis Garay, 37th Infantry Division in the Philippines

Silver Star (two-piece construction, silver star placed upon a bronze gilt star-shaped base, engraved "STEPHEN L. GARAY" on the reverse, measuring 36.5 mm (w) x 35 mm (h), original ribbon with brooch pinback); Legion of Merit, Legionnaire Grade (in bronze gilt with red, white, blue and green enamels, engraved "STEPHEN L. GARAY" on the reverse, measuring 48 mm (w) x 46 mm (h), original ribbon with brooch pinback, intact enamels); Bronze Star Medal (in bronze, engraved "STEPHEN L. GARAY" on the reverse, measuring 36.5 mm (w) x 35.2 mm (h), bronze "V" Device on its original ribbon with brooch pinback); two Bronze Star Medals (in bronze, measuring 36 mm (w) x 34.5 mm (h) and 36.7 mm (w) x 35.5 mm (h), each with an original ribbon with brooch pinback); Purple Heart (two-piece construction, in bronze gilt with purple, red, white and green enamels, engraved "STEPHEN L GARAY" on the reverse, measuring 34.7 mm (w) x 44 mm (h), original ribbon with brooch pinback, intact enamels); Army Commendation Medal (in bronze, measuring 35.2 mm (w) x 40.5 mm (h), original ribbon with brooch pinback); Army Reserve Medal (in bronze, measuring 32.5 mm in diameter, original ribbon with brooch pinback); American Defense Service Medal (in bronze, measuring 31.7 mm in diameter, original ribbon with brooch pinback); American Campaign Medal (in bronze, measuring 31.8 mm in diameter, original ribbon with brooch pinback); Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal (in bronze, measuring 31.8 mm in diameter, two bronze stars on its original ribbon with brooch pinback); World War II Victory Medal (in bronze, measuring 36.5 mm in diameter, original ribbon with brooch pinback); Army of Occupation Medal (in bronze, measuring 31.5 mm in diameter, original ribbon with brooch pinback); and National Defense Service Medal (in bronze, measuring 32 mm in diameter, original ribbon with brooch pinback). Accompanied by a Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon Bar (fabric ribbon within a gilt metal frame, measuring 36 mm (w) x 15.3 mm (h), dual push pin points); a Philippine Liberation Medal Ribbon Bar with bronze star (fabric ribbon, marked "M22" and maker marked "N.S. MEYER, INC." on the reverse, measuring 35.7 mm (w) x 10.5 mm (h), dual push pin points); a Philippine Independence Medal Ribbon Bar (fabric ribbon, marked "M22" and maker marked "N.S. MEYER, INC." on the reverse, measuring 35.5 mm (w) x 10.5 mm (h), dual push pin points); a Combat Infantryman Badge (in silvered metal with blue enamels, maker marked "N.S. MEYER INC. NEW YORK" with the company's insignia on the reverse, measuring 76.5 mm (w) x 26 mm (h), dual push pin points); his Silver Star Award Certificate (inscribed "THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / TO ALL WHO SHALL SEE THESE PRESENTS, GREETING: / THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AUTHORIZED BY ACT OF CONGRESS, JULY 9, 1918, HAS AWARDED A SILVER STAR TO Major Stephen L. Garay, 845 416, Cavalry FOR GALLANTRY IN ACTION Luzon, Philippine Islands, 10 June 1945 GIVEN UNDER MY HAND IN THE CITY OF WASHINGTON THIS 1st DAY OF March 1949", signed by the Adjutant General, Edward F. Witsell and by Secretary of the Army, Kenneth C. Royall, with embossed Silver Star insignia and War Office Seal, printed in black, red, blue, bronze and silver inks, on a thick off-white paper stock, measuring 296 mm (w) x 250 mm (h)).

His Legion of Merit Award Certificate (inscribed "THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / TO ALL WHO SHALL SEE THESE PRESENTS, GREETING: / THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AUTHORIZED BY ACT OF CONGRESS, JULY 20, 1942, HAS AWARDED THE LEGION OF MERIT TO Colonel Stephen L. Garay, 845 416, Armor, United States Army FOR MERITORIOUS CONDUCT IN THE PERFORMANCE OF OUTSTANDING SERVICES September 1961 to January 1966 GIVEN UNDER MY HAND IN THE CITY OF WASHINGTON THIS 31st DAY OF January 1966", signed by the Adjutant General, Major General Joe C. Lambert and by Secretary of the Army, Stanley R. Resor, with embossed Legion of Merit insignia and War Office Seal, printed in red, white, blue, green and gold inks, on a thick off-white paper stock, measuring 304 mm (w) x 253 mm (h)); his Bronze Star Medal Award Certificate (inscribed "THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / TO ALL WHO SHALL SEE THESE PRESENTS, GREETING: / THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AUTHORIZED BY EXECUTIVE ORDER, FEBRUARY 4, 1944 HAS AWARDED THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL TO Major (then Captain) Stephen L. Garay, 845 416, Cavalry FOR HEROISM IN GROUND COMBAT Luzon, Philippine Islands, 5 February 1945 GIVEN UNDER MY HAND IN THE CITY OF WASHINGTON THIS 1st DAY OF March 1949", signed by the Adjutant General, Edward F. Witsell and by Secretary of the Army, Kenneth C. Royall, with embossed Bronze Star Medal insignia and War Office Seal, printed in black, red, blue, bronze and gold inks, on a thick off-white paper stock, measuring 279 mm (w) x 246 mm (h)); his second Bronze Star Medal Award Certificate (inscribed "THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / TO ALL WHO SHALL SEE THESE PRESENTS, GREETING: / THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AUTHORIZED BY EXECUTIVE ORDER, FEBRUARY 4, 1944 HAS AWARDED THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL TO Major Stephen L. Garay, 845 416, Cavalry FOR MERITORIOUS ACHIEVEMENT IN GROUND OPERATIONS AGAINST THE ENEMY Pacific Theater of Operations, 15 April 1945 - 17 May 1945 GIVEN UNDER MY HAND IN THE CITY OF WASHINGTON THIS 1st DAY OF March 1949", signed by the Adjutant General, Edward F. Witsell and by Secretary of the Army, Kenneth C. Royall, with embossed Bronze Star Medal insignia and War Office Seal, printed in black, red, blue, bronze and gold inks, on a thick off-white paper stock, measuring 298 mm (w) x 254 mm (h)); his Purple Heart Award Certificate (inscribed "THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / TO ALL WHO SHALL SEE THESE PRESENTS, GREETING: / THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY VESTED IN HIM BY CONGRESS HAS AWARDED THE PURPLE HEART ESTABLISHED BY GENERAL GEORGE WASHINGTON AT NEWBURGH, NEW YORK, AUGUST 7, 1782 TO Major (then First Lieutenant) Stephen L. Garay, 845 416, Cavalry FOR MILITARY MERIT AND FOR WOUNDS RECEIVED IN ACTION New Georgia Island, Solomon Islands, 22 July 1943 GIVEN UNDER MY HAND IN THE CITY OF WASHINGTON THIS 1st DAY OF March 1949", signed by the Adjutant General, Edward F. Witsell and by Secretary of the Army, Kenneth C. Royall, with embossed Purple Heart insignia, printed in black, red, green, purple and gold inks, on a thick off-white paper stock, measuring 295 mm (w) x 250 mm (h)); his Army Commendation Medal Award Certificate (DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY / THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT THE SECRETARY OF THE ARMY HAS AWARDED THE ARMY COMMENDATION MEDAL TO COLONEL STEPHEN L. GARAY, 045416 ARMOR, UNITED STATES ARMY FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICE FORT MONROE, VIRGINIA, 1 NOVEMBER 1962 - 15 JUNE 1965 GIVEN UNDER MY HAND IN THE CITY OF WASHINGTON THIS 30th DAY OF JUNE 1965", signed by General Paul L. Freeman, Jr. USCONARC and by Secretary of the Army, Stephen Ailes, with embossed Army Commendation Medal insignia and War Office Seal, printed in black, green and bronze inks, on a thick off-white paper stock, measuring 304 mm (w) x 253 mm (h)); his Army Commendation Medal Citation Certificate (inscribed "HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CONTINENTAL ARMY COMMAND Fort Monroe, Virginia / CITATION ARMY COMMENDATION MEDAL / Colonel STEPHEN L. GARAY, Armor, United States Army, distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious service as Chief, Special Support Schools Branch, and Chief, Operations Division, Directorate of Schools, Office, Deputy Chief of Staff for Individual Training, Headquarters, United States Continental Army Command, Fort Monroe, Virginia, from 1 November 1962 to 15 June 1965. Throughout this period, Colonel GARAY demonstrated outstanding professional skill, resourcefulness, and initiative in the resolution of problems related to operation of the Army School System. As Chief of the Special Support Schools Branch, he was responsible for directing the activities of school monitors who are the focal points for contact by Special Support Schools for guidance and direction. He has been the focal point and mainstay of the aviation training program during its expansion. Under his supervision the US Army Management Course curricula has been realigned, resulting in the development of the new Installation Management Course which will insure an effective response to Army needs. Colonel GARAY's commendable achievements, loyalty, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.", with a large embossed Official Headquarters United States Continental Arm Command gold foil seal, printed in four color inks, on an off-white paper stock, measuring 255 mm (w) x 306 mm (h)); his United States Continental Army Command Certificate of Achievement (inscribed "Headquarters United States Continental Army Command / Certificate of Achievement is awarded to Lieutenant Colonel Stephen L. Garay, 054416, Armor, United States Army / For meritorious service as Command and General Staff College Liaison Officer to the United States Army Combat Development Experimentation Center, Fort Ord, California, from 6 September 1957 to 20 January 1961. He accepted additional duties as Executive Officer of the Plans and Programs Division, displaying judgment and knowledge in the timely development of plans, procedures, and special staff studies for the organization and operations of the newly established Combat Development Experimentation Center. Lieutenant Colonel Garay's untiring efforts in the advancement of plans and programs, and outstanding performance of duty as liaison officer, reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.", signed by General Herbert B. Powell at Fort Monroe, Virginia, printed in red, blue and black, on an off-white paper stock, measuring 317 mm (w) x 214 mm (h)); his Army Certificate of Appreciation (inscribed "DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY / CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION TO Stephen L Garay 843 416 Colonel Armor / On the occasion of your retirement from active service, I wish to extend to you my personal thanks and the sincere appreciation of the United States Army for the many years of outstanding service which you have given to our country. You have helped to maintain the security of this nation during a most critical period in its history with a devotion to duty and a spirit of sacrifice in keeping with the proud traditions of the military service. I share your pride in the contributions you have made to the Army and its ability to accomplish its mission. I trust that you will maintain and active interest in the Army and its objectives during your retirement. You take with you my best wishes and those of your comrades for happiness and success in the years that lie ahead. 31 January 1966", signed by the Chief of Staff, General Harold K. Johnson, United States Army, printed in four color inks, on an off-white paper stock, measuring 279 mm (w) x 355 mm (h)); his Armed Forces Certificate of Retirement (inscribed "CERTIFICATE OF RETIREMENT FROM THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / TO ALL WHO SHALL SEE THESE PRESENTS, GREETING: / THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT Stephen L. Garay 045 416 Colonel Armor HAVING SERVED FAITHFULLY AND HONORABLY, WAS RETIRED FROM THE UNITED STATES ARMY ON THE first DAY OF February ONE THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED AND Sixty-six WASHINGTON, D.C.", signed by the Adjutant General, Major General Joe C. Lambert, with embossed War Office Seal, printed in four color and gold inks, on an off-white paper stock, measuring 279 mm (w) x 355 mm (h)); his United States Army Utility Field Shirt (fabricated from Army green cotton, two pockets on the front, one on each breast, each designed with a flap with a reinforced button hole and a dark brown plastic button, white cotton webbed name tag sewn in place above the right breast pocket, the name tag screen-printed in black ink "GARAY", a "U.S. ARMY" identification tag sewn in place above the left breast pocket, the tag fabricated from black cotton and screen-printed in yellow ink, a 92 mm (w) x 130 mm (h) 1st Cavalry Division patch in yellow, black and Army green embroidery sewn in place on the left shoulder, the front with a vertical row of six dark brown plastic buttons sewn in place to the right of the opening, facing an equal number of reinforced button holes on the left side, measuring 510 mm across the shoulders x 710 mm in length overall); along with copies of his Silver Star, Bronze Star Medal and First Bronze Oak Leaf to the Bronze Star Medal citations.

 
Footnote: Stephen Louis Garay was born on November 1, 1916 in Cleveland, Ohio and was raised in Cleveland. Garay received a Bachelor of Arts (BA) from San Jose State College, a Master of Science (MS) from George Washington University, and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from the University of Illinois in Chicago. Garay was an officer of the line, first in the Infantry, and eventually in the Cavalry and Armor, during the Second World War, serving in the Southwest Pacific Theatre with the 37th Infantry Division. 845 416 First Lieutenant Stephen L. Garay, Cavalry, United States Army was awarded the Purple Heart, for military merit and for wounds received in action on New Georgia Island, Solomon Islands, on July 22, 1943. Garay later achieved the rank of Major, when he entered action at the Battle of Manila in February 1945. The Battle of Manila, fought between February 3 and March 3, 1945, was a major battle of the Philippine campaign of 1944-1945. It was fought by American and Filipino forces against Japanese troops in Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. The month-long battle, which resulted in the death of over 100,000 civilians and the complete devastation of the city, was the scene of the worst urban fighting in the Pacific theater. Japanese forces committed mass murder against Filipino civilians during the battle. Along with massive loss of life, the battle also destroyed architectural and cultural heritage dating back to the city's foundation. The battle ended the almost three years of Japanese military occupation in the Philippines, from 1942-1945. On February 23, 1945, the Battle for Manila would reach its climax, with the assault on the ancient Spanish walled city, officially known as "Intramuros". For several days, almost all fire support of the 37th Infantry Division and other units was directed at blasting the walls and inside of the fortress. The pinnacle of this bombardment would come on the morning of February 23rd. A post-war report entitled "The Breach of Intermuros", written by Major Garay, he states on page 10 that: "Promptly at 0730 the next morning all support weapons opened fire in what was beyond a doubt the most highly coordinated and devastating preparation of the entire Luzon campaign. Artillery, tanks, tank destroyers, M-7's, mortars, and machine guns fired according to the prearranged division support plan, each laid on specific target areas in order to cover the entire fortress with a thundering crescendo of steel and destruction". Following the bombardment, units of the 129th and 145th Infantry Regiments assaulted different areas of Intramuros. At 0835, 'F' Company of the 145th busted through the Quezon Gate, becoming the first unit in history to successfully breach Intramuros. Staff Sergeant Wallace McNeil would be the first man to enter the fortress. Once inside, the combat was a literal fight to the death. As with the rest of Manila, the Japanese had to be rooted out using various different types of weapons. Everything from flamethrowers to hand grenades was used to destroy the enemy. Intramuros would be secured and in American hands by the end of the day on February 24th. Virtually all of the Japanese defenders were killed. Although this action did not signify the end of Manila, it did result in the destruction of the last organized resistance in the city. Major Garay was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for actions taken at Luzon, two months after he was at Manila, as per Headquarters, 37th Infantry Division, dated June 26, 1945, his citation stating: "Major Stephen L. Garay, 0410470, Infantry, United States Army. For meritorious achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, from 15 April to 17 May 1945." He had previously been awarded a Bronze Star Medal for heroism in ground combat at Manila on February 5th. Major Garay would go on to be a recipient of the Silver Star, as per Headquarters, 37th Infantry Division, dated October 2, 1945, his citation stating: "Major Stephen L. Garay, 0-460470, Infantry, United States Army. When a company commander was seriously wounded in the neck near Orioung Pass on 10 June 1945, Major Garay, a Regimental Operations Officer, immediately went to the rescue. The entire area was being raked by enemy fire, but Major Garay courageously knelt by the casualty's side. Realizing that the bleeding had to be stopped, he applied a Carlisle Bandage which halted the hemorrhage. Then, when aid men arrived, he personally helped carry the wounded officer to the rear over a road which for 125 yards was under direct observation and constant fire of the Japanese. Major Garay's Prompt and courageous action saved the life of his fellow officer. Later on the same day Major Garay assisted in making a reconnaissance of a bridge site which was being subjected to intense enemy mortar fire. His actions were an outstanding example of heroism and untiring devotion to duty." The award of the Silver Star was soon followed by the award of the First Bronze Oak Leaf to the Bronze Star Medal (later determined to be a "V" Device), as per Headquarters, 37th Infantry Division, dated June 26, 1945, his citation stating: "Major (Then Captain) Stephen L. Garay, 0410470, Infantry, United States Army. For heroic achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands on 5 February 1945.
 
When the route of communication from the battalion command post to the assault companies was cut off by enemy action preventing evacuation of casualties and supply of ammunition, Captain Garay organized and led a group of rifleman and litter bearers forward to reestablish contact. During the 800 yard move, he was constantly in the lead and repeatedly exposed himself to enemy observation and small arms fire, destroyed two machine gun positions and reestablished the route." Major Gamay would later see action during the Korean War, rising to the rank of Lieutenant, then to Colonel, and would see many postings in the continental United States. He attended many Army service schools, as well as having served on the faculty of two of them. In the rank of Lieutenant, Garay assumed the position of Command and General Staff College Liaison Officer to the United States Army Combat Development Experimentation Center at Fort Ord, California, from September 6, 1957 to January 20, 1961. Now in the rank of Colonel, Garay was Chief of the Special Support Schools Branch at Fort Monroe, Virginia, from November 1, 1962 to June 15, 1965, responsible for directing the activities of school monitors who were the focal points for contact by Special Support Schools for guidance and direction, along with being the focal point and mainstay of the aviation training program during its expansion. Under his supervision, the United States Army Management Course curricula was realigned, resulting in the development of the new Installation Management Course, which insured an effective response to Army needs. It was throughout this period that he "demonstrated outstanding professional skill, resourcefulness, and initiative in the resolution of problems related to operation of the Army School System." Colonel Stephen L. Garay, 845 416, Armor, United States Army was awarded the Legion of Merit, for meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services, from September 1961 to January 1966. During the course of his career, not only was he awarded the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit, two Bronze Star Medals (one with a Valor device) and the Purple Heart, he was also a recipient of the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Reserve Medal, the American Defense Service Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with two bronze stars, the World War II Victory Medal, the Army of Occupation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Combat Infantryman Badge, along with the Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon Bar, the Philippine Liberation Medal Ribbon Bar with bronze star and the Philippine Independence Medal Ribbon Bar. Colonel Garay retired from the United States Army on February 1, 1966.
 
After retiring from the Army, he worked for twelve years as Manager, Training and Education, for R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company at their corporate headquarters in Chicago. He married Elinor Boyce Garay in Cleveland after the Second World War, his wife later dying of cancer in 1967, the couple having no children. Colonel Stephen Louis Garay was a resident of Fairfax County, Virginia for the last twenty years of his life. He died on April 9, 2003, after a brief illness, at the age of 86. His viewing was held at the Money & King Vienna Funeral Home in Vienna, Virginia on the 12th. Colonel Garay was buried on April 14th in Hampton National Cemetery, Hampton, Hampton City, Virginia, with full military honors, his grave marker inscribed "STEPHEN L GARAY / COL / US ARMY / WORLD WAR II / KOREA / VIETNAM / NOV 1 1916 / APR 9 2003".

 

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