Images(2)

Patch, Military

Object number2012.33.2

Mediumcotton

Credit LineGift of Jane Howe Moravec

DescriptionCotton rainbow-shaped patch. Brown background. Rainbow colors: red, yellow, blue.Dimensions2.5 x 4.25 in. (6.4 x 10.8 cm)
Historical NotesU.S. Army Rainbow Division military patch belonging to Paul Howe. Howe was born in Bradford, Pennsylvania on July 2, 1893, to John and Luella Howe. Several years later the family moved to Freedom, Pennsylvania, where Paul attended Freedom High School. Upon graduation, Howe attended University of Pittsburgh before joining the military. In 1915 and 1916, Howe fought with the British Army as a 1st Lieutenant before becoming attached to the U.S. Army's Rainbow Division, Fighting 59th after the U.S. entered the First World War in 1917. Upon returning home in 1920, Howe began a career selling housewares for a New York based firm Beh & Co. He married Emily Mohr, a local preacher's daughter in 1923. Between the wars, Howe remained in the Army Reserves and rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He reentered active service in 1942 and served as a battalion commander with Second Army Corps in North Africa from 1943-1944, before receiving a medical discharge. In 1952, Howe resigned as Vice President of Beh & Co to start his own firm, Howe and Co. After retiring he was very active in charitable pursuits including the American Legion and NAACP. Howe died of cancer June 21, 1975, and is buried in Beaver Cemetery.

Previous owner Paul Howe (1893 - 1975)

Related institution Rainbow Division, Fighting 59th

Related institution United States Army

Related institution Freedom High School

Related institution University of Pittsburgh

Related institution Beh and Company

Related person Emily Mohr

Related institution United States Army Reserve

Related institution United States Army II Corps

Related institution Howe and Company

Related institution American Legion (founded 1919)

Subjects