Tag, Identification
Tag, Identification
Tag, Identification

Tag, Identification

Object number2016.100.5
Date1932-1968
MediumMetal/Adhesive/Adhesive tape
Credit LineGift of Frederick W. Lenn, Jr.
DescriptionTwo oblong metal dog tags with one hole on left edge. Each dog tag has a bead chain through the hole, one chain is short and one chain is long. Dog tags are adhered together loosely by what appears to be white double-sided adhesive tape. Inscribed text on both dog tags identifies person and military affiliation.Dimensions1.25 x 13.5 x 0.5 in. (3.2 x 34.3 x 1.3 cm)
InscriptionsInscribed text on both dog tags "LENN SR / FREDERICK / WALTER / 240086 USMC / B C".
MarksBall chain latch mechanism has inscribed text "BEAD / CHAIN".
Historical NotesPart of a collection that documents the military boxing career of donor Frederick W. Lenn, Jr.'s father, Freddie Lenn. Lenn was born Frederick Walter Lenkoski on December 29th, 1914, in Pittsburgh's South Side neighborhood. He learned to box at the boxing program set-up by Father Cox, the famous social activist priest from Pittsburgh. He began to amateur box in 1930, at the Frawley Athletic Club. At age 17, he won the lightweight championship in the Golden Gloves. A year later he enlisted in the Marines. He spent 1934 to 1936 in Shanghai where he continued to box for the military. He won the "Light Heavyweight Champion of the Orient" at the All Asiatic match. He returned to Pittsburgh and went pro after signing with promoter Art Rooney. His last pro fight was in 1940. After Pearl Harbor he was called from the reserves and went on active duty in the South Pacific where he began his coaching career in the Marine Corps. He was a boxing trainer for the 1959-1960 Pan Am games where Cassius Clay participated. He was the first military trainer to become a head Olympic boxing coach for the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo. He retired from the Marines in 1968.
Previous owner (born 1914)
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