Images(2)

Commemorative

Object number2016.100.3

Date1934-1936

MediumSilk/Fabric/Paper/Adhesive

Credit LineGift of Frederick W. Lenn, Jr.

DescriptionRectangular silk commemorative. Background is blue silk that has faded to an overall purple-gray with original color remaining around perimeter. Ornate embroidery and applied fabrics throughout front. Center features United States Marine Corps (USMC) symbol of an eagle atop at globe with an anchor behind; the eagle holds a red banner in its beak with white text that is the USMC motto; behind the symbol is the U.S. Marine Corps flag on the left and the American flag on the right; thirteen white stars surround the eagle's banner. One dragon flanks the USMC symbol on each side. Below the symbol are two white and red life preservers with military branch name between and branches below tied with bow at center. White embroidered text at top and bottom commemorate Walter F. Lenkoski's USMC service, his name is misrepresented. Item is mounted on acidic paperboard with an unidentified adhesive.Dimensions27 x 24.063 in., 0.125 in. (68.6 x 61.1 cm, 0.3 cm)
InscriptionsCenter United States Marine Corps (USMC) symbol has a banner held in the eagle's beak with white embroidered text "SEMPER FIDELIS"; behind the symbol is the U.S. Marine Corps flag on the left with embroidered white text "U.S. MARINE CORPS".

"SEMPER FIDELIS" means "always faithful" or "always loyal"; this is the motto of the United States Marine Corps (USMC).

Below the USMC symbol is red embroidered text on a blue thread background "U. S. M. C."

White embroidered text at top "IN REMEMBRANSE [sic] OF MY CRUISE IN THE ASIATICS" and bottom "WALTER F. LENKOSKI"; note that the owner's name is misrepresented.

Historical NotesThis commemorative textile piece was obtained by Freddie Lenn before he left China in commemoration of his time spent there. Part 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 Fredrick Walter Lenn Sr. (born 1914)

Related institution United States Marine Corps

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