A Memorabilia and Photos Group Relating to Sam Dreben, “The Fighting Jew” and WWI DSC Recipient

Sam Dreben was a colorful and remarkable soldier and American mercenary, who was praised by General John J. Pershing as “the finest soldier and one of the bravest men I ever knew”. Dreben fought with the United States Army in the Philippines; in Peking during the Boxer Rebellion; as a mercenary in aid of the Mexican Revolution; and in World War I, in which he was decorated with the Distinguished Service Cross, the Croix de Guerre, and the Medaille Militaire. In 1921, Dreben was selected by General Pershing, together with Alvin York, to serve as members of the Honor Guard of the Unknown Soldier. The group includes a large Mexican belt buckle, approximately 2-3/4 inches by 3 inches. There is an early 20th century tobacco felt with Mexican flags. There is a postcard sized photograph of a Mexican Revolution artillery crew and several photographs of varying sizes of Dreben in uniform and in civilian clothes, with one of the photos depicting Dreben in his world War I uniform with his medals. Finally, the group includes an undated letter which attests to the sale of a rifle that was used by Dreben in the Mexican Revolution. Overall the items are in good to very good condition.