Named WWI U.S. Marine Corps / U.S. Navy Corpsman Uniform Group

The group is comprised of multiple uniforms and headgear of U.S. Navy Corpsman “W.J. Dieffenderfer”, a U.S. Navy Corpsman who served with the 5th Marine Brigade in France in World War I. The group is comprised of the U.S. Marine Corps green winter uniform, consisting of the tunic, trousers, helmet and overseas cap. The tunic is quite clean, with very some subtle tracking but without exterior holes, damage or repairs. The collar carries matching Marine Corps collar disks. The uppermost of the two hook collar closures is missing. On the left shoulder is a multi piece wool and bullion patch for the 5th Marine Brigade. Below the patch is a multi piece, theater made Navy Corpsman’s rate, constructed from an embroidered eagle, a separate red cross, and an inverted Marine Corps Corporal chevron to reflect the rank of a Navy rate. On the lower left sleeve are two gold bullion overseas chevrons. The interior lining of the tunic shows some separations. The green wool trousers have a few small holes, but overall they are in good condition. The interior bears U.S. Marine Corps Quartermaster Depot stamps. The tunic is missing one front button and another button was replaced with a Nebraska State button. The uniform includes a wool overseas cap which bears a large Marine Corps eagle, globe and anchor screw back cap insignia. On the opposite side of the cap is a small brass letter “F”, with there apparently having been another letter or number that is no longer present. The cap has a  few small holes and interior soiling from wear. The group further includes Dieffenderfer’s combat helmet, which is in fact a British “Brodie” style helmet, also with an affixed large Marine Corps eagle, globe and anchor screw back insignia.Thee interior liner is present, as is the chin strap, with the chin strap showing substantial wear and age but being intact at the present.

The group further includes Dieffenderfer’s named blue Navy jumper with the red cross insignia on the left sleeve. Also present in the group is Dieffenderfer’s white Navy jumper and trousers, showing spots, soiling and age toning, together with the white “Dixie Cup” cap. . Additionally, the group includes the khaki Marine Corps summer tunic, which lacks the removable buttons, excepting one upper pocket closure button. Also in the group is a World War I web belt and a pair of named green canvas gaiters. Finally, the group includes a “U.S. Navy” cap tally; a “U.S. Naval Reserve Forces” cap tally; and a single Marine Corps Sergeant’s rank chevron.

Overall the items in the group are in very good condition.