Distinguished Service Cross Grouping

Product Description: This Grouping of Medals to Corporal John Miles is an extraordinary and complete set that tells the story of an incredibly brave soldier who served with distinction during World War I. The grouping consists of three medals, each with its own significance:

1. War for Civilization Medal: This beautifully preserved Victory Medal features three original clasps for the Somme Offensive, Meuse-Argonne, and Defensive Sector, indicating Corporal Miles’ participation in key battles of the war. The medal and its ribbon remain in excellent condition, with minimal signs of age or wear.
2. Purple Heart: This medal is numbered 23302 and officially engraved to “John Miles.” The original ribbon is vibrant and complete, with slight fraying across the top. The medal itself retains its original enamel and finish, presenting in excellent condition.
3. Distinguished Service Cross: The centerpiece of this grouping, the Distinguished Service Cross, is named to “John Miles” and numbered 4125 on the side of the cross. It is accompanied by its original presentation case, which is in excellent condition with typical surface scuffs. The cross displays its intricate bronze design with crisp details and a lightly aged patina that emphasizes its authenticity.

This grouping provides an incredible window into the heroism and service of Corporal John Miles, a decorated member of the 33rd Division, American Expeditionary Forces. Each medal is in excellent condition, with their original ribbons and features intact, making this grouping a remarkable addition to any serious collection of U.S. military artifacts.

Historical Description: Corporal John Miles, born in Chicago, Illinois, served with distinction in Company E, 131st Infantry Regiment, 33rd Division, part of the American Expeditionary Forces (A.E.F.) during World War I. The 33rd Division, composed largely of National Guard units from Illinois, played a pivotal role in numerous operations on the Western Front, including the Somme Offensive and the Meuse-Argonne Campaign, two of the most significant battles of the war.

The Distinguished Service Cross (DSC), awarded to Corporal Miles, is the second-highest decoration for valor in combat. His citation highlights his extraordinary bravery near Wadonville, France, on November 9, 1918, where he volunteered to draw enemy machine-gun fire, enabling his unit to engage the enemy. Despite suffering from shell concussion, he completed this dangerous mission, returning to his lines in a state of physical exhaustion that required evacuation. His actions exemplified the courage and selflessness of the A.E.F. soldiers during the Great War.

The Purple Heart, retroactively awarded in 1932, recognized the wounds Corporal Miles suffered during the conflict. His War for Civilization Medal, featuring clasps for key engagements, further underscores his active participation in some of the most intense fighting of the war.

This grouping, with its named and numbered medals, tells a vivid story of service, sacrifice, and valor. Each piece reflects the personal history of Corporal John Miles and his contributions to the Allied victory in World War I. This historically significant set, in superb condition, is a tangible reminder of the bravery and sacrifices made by American soldiers during the First World War.

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