This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/10/2015
SL. DS - a wallet size colorful document certifying that Fred J. Schmidt was a member of Battery "D" 129th Field Artillery World War I signed by Truman.Fred J. Schmidt was born in Tipton, Missouri on March 11, 1896 and died in North Kansas City, Missouri on March 3, 1954. He served as a sergeant in Battery D of the 129th Field Artillery under the command of Captain Harry S. Truman during World War I.
Captain Harry S. Truman was 34 years old when he was put in charge of Battery D, 129th Field Infantry, a rowdy band of undisciplined young soldiers. Truman's mission was to transform the group into a combat-ready unit capable of taking on the German army. The odds were not in Harry's favor. Battery D had a reputation for being tough on commanders, and up to that point Truman had experienced considerable failure in his life. But Truman, did make Battery "D" in to something to be proud of and came back form WW1 as a hero.