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Upfor sale is the World War 1 collection of Sgt. Selmer N. Gaard, ofBoyceville, Wisconsin.
Born: Dec 6, 1897, Died: Jan 13,1974, Outfit: 32nd Infantry
The 32ndInfantry was the first to set foot on enemy soil, having replaced French troopsat the front line near Haute Alsace in May 1918. The division became known asthe Red Arrow Brigade for their ability to penetrate enemy lines where othershad failed; they were the first to break through the Hindenburg Line. Thefurther heroics of The Division are numerous and well documented.
Sgt.Gaard delivered ammo and supplies to the front line, dangerous duty in thoseearly days of gas engine trucks. Hisdiary details events day-by-day from early June 1918 through April 1919, although there are some lapses, including the total absence of entries between July 1918, and Oct. 1918. Thelast page, in April 1919, reads “going home at last.”
Thecollection includes several paper items, not highly valuable separately, but,together with the rest of Sgt. Gaard’s collection, they trace the timeline ofhis experience, from first deployment through the train ride back home.
Unfortunately, limits the sale to a total of 12 pictures, so please ask questions, orrequest pictures or descriptions of any items that are not satisfactorily described. Due to the fragile nature of these items, I cannot accept returns. Please be sure to ask questions, or request more pictures through mail.
It is mysincere hope that this collection will become ensconced in a historical settingbefitting the faithful, dedicated service of Sgt. Gaard and all Americansoldiers.
ITEMS ANDDESCRIPTION/CONDITION
Uniform: Includes coat,trousers, putee leggings (5total), wool overseas cap, EM wool cap. Coat has 2 small (1/8” dia.) moth holesin back, one small moth hole on left pocket flap, some staining on left upperarm near the red arrow. Coat has all buttons, and in great condition. Collar has 2 large buttons: right side “US”,left side “T”. Trousers are in greatshape, with leg strings and eyes intact; has split seam and small stain on butt. All buttons are intact and strongly attached.Belt loops are solid, no sign of wear.Pockets are good, no holes. Leggings are all usable, 3 very good, 2 havemoth holes. Caps are in very good condition. Overseas cap has one small mothhole.
Helmets: Please see photos.
Gasmask: Please see photos. Case is solid with notears, initials “SNG” hand written. Instruction card attached with envelope andin very good condition.
Paperitems: Includes Sgt. Gaard’s diary, New Testament pocketBible bearing the Pocket Testament League Membership Card, signed by Sgt. Gaard,2 telegrams (one dated Dec 24, 1918 informing Sgt. Gaard of the death of aloved one back home), Billet No. card in envelope, remnants of “Soldiers IndividualPay Record Book”, “Thirty Second Division Veteran Association” lifetime membership card bearing Sgt. Gaard’sname, YMCA card dated May 1919 bearing Sgt. Gaard’s name, with the legend “Issuedonly to men who have been mustered out of the service”, a Chicago and Northwestern Railroad ticketdated May 24, 1919, bearing the legend “Special Ticket- Ac’t Discharged Soldier”
Flags: Two American flags, both with 48 stars. One large, approx. 30” x 48”, with one raggededge, and some brownish (blood?) stains. The other is pocket sized, approx. 10” x 14”,in good condition.
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