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Badge, Military

Object number2015.42.16

Date1939-1945

MediumMetal/Silver

Credit LineGift of Susan Muir

DescriptionSterling silver metal marksmanship qualification badge. Top of badge has a patee cross with a bulls-eye target at center; the cross is surrounded by laurel branches with a bow at bottom; back has pinback. Rectangular clasp (bar) is suspended from bottom by rings.Dimensions1.813 x 1.125 x 0.25 in. (4.6 x 2.9 x 0.6 cm)
InscriptionsSuspended clasp has raised text: "T.S.M.G." [Thompson Submachine Gun].
MarksBack of top section has raised text at bottom center "STERLING".
Historical NotesExpert marksmanship qualification badge with "T.S.M.G." (Thompson Submachine Gun) Army weapon qualification clasp. Part of a collection of WWII-related artifacts from the military service of Gabe Torisky of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, who served with the 99th “Checkerboard” Infantry Division during the Ardennes campaign in Belgium. Martin Gabriel "Gabe" Torisky was of Slovak ancestry and was born on November 11, 1911, in Uniontown, PA. He moved to Pittsburgh in the 1920s and was drafted and sent to 99th Division during World War II. The 99th Division is especially important in relation to Pittsburgh, as the Division was originally headquartered in the city in 1942, and the unit insignia, a black shield with a checkerboard band of nine alternating white and blue squares (for “99”) was derived from the coat of arms for William Pitt and thus, also the city seal of Pittsburgh, on which the checkerboard also appears. Donor Susan Muir is Gabe Torisky's daughter.

Previous owner Martin Gabriel Torisky (born 1911)

Related institution United States Army

Related institution 99th Infantry Division

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