Tag, Identification
Object number2018.55.1 a,b
Datec. 1922
MediumAluminum
Credit LineGift of John C. McMichael
DescriptionTwo flat rounded rectangular aluminum casket identification straps. Inscriptions(a)Raised text on front "HAYS, WILLIAM V. 1826457 PVT. 1/C CO. E 319TH INF GR. 108 SEC 83 PT. 2 CEM. 1232".
(b)
Raised text on front "BOX NO. 38662".
Historical NotesWilliam Vance Hays was killed during World War I at the Battle of the Argonne Forest in September 1918. Immediately after his death Hays was buried in a small cemetery in France called Les-Islettes. Then, the French, wanting their land returned to agricultural and industrial use, decided that the smaller cemeteries dotting its countryside needed to be consolidated into larger memorial cemeteries. In April 1919, Hays was moved to the larger Meuse-Argonne Cemetery. In September 1922, at the request of his family, Hays was shipped home, and buried in the Valley Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Imperial, Pennsylvania. These straps are from the casket that was used to ship him home.
Related person
William Vance Hays
(died 1918)
Related institution
319th Infantry Regiment
Subjects
On View
Not on view
Mine Safety Appliances Company
1941-1953
1932-2017
