Identified WWII Combat Engineer Bronze Star, Documents and Pistol Belt Group

The group is comprised of the cased Bronze Star, documents, insignia and pistol belt of technician Fifth Grade (Technical Corporal) Webb V. Mason, who served in the European Theater with the 343rd Engineer Regiment, a unit that earned 8 campaign stars and an arrowhead device for the invasion of southern France. Corporal Mason was with the unit throughout all of their campaigns in the European Theater. The group includes Mason’s Bronze Star, with slot brooch suspension, unnamed as awarded in the theater of operations. The medal is contained within its titled black leather case, together with the enamel lapel badge and ribbon bar. The case shows age and a few scuffs. The medal is accompanied by the original typed citation for the award of the medal. The group includes as well a document dated 20 July, 1945, stating that Mason was entitled to wear the European Campaign Medal with 8 campaign stars. Also in the group is an Italian Theater souvenir bracelet; a copy of the congratulatory “Letter of Farewell” to the regiment from Lieutenant General Alexander Patch, commander of the Seventh Army; a khaki and a wool overseas cap, both piped for the Corps of engineers; and with the khaki cap bearing a pin back, sterling, distinctive unit insignia, maker marked by Dondero, of the 379th Engineer Battalion, with both caps showing wear and use. Also present in the group is a second black leather titled case for the Bronze Star, in excellent condition, containing, containing an honorable discharge lapel badge; a clutch back “U.S.” collar disk; two Bronze Star ribbons and an enamel lapel badge; two Good Conduct Medal ribbons and an enamel lapel badge; and a European Campaign Medal ribbon. The group also includes five Technical Corporal chevrons; a Seventh Army shoulder patch; six overseas service chevrons; and a unit commendation sleeve patch. Finally, the group includes Mason’s web pistol belt, which has an interior unit stencil for the 22nd Construction Company and a 1943 dated holster for the Model 1911 Colt service pistol, complete with the holster tie down cord.