WW II Army dress uniform jacket of Lancaster resident Elmer Kenneth Rill (27 August 1919 - 19 October 2006). Fitted, waist-length, olive-colored wool, with front flap breast pockets, buckles at sides of waist band with flap snap closure at front. Tag inside neck has size "38R".
At left breast are pinned medals. At top is a bar with raised rifle on blue field; below are 2 multicolored gros-grain ribbon bars. Pinned to left pocket flap is a metal badge w/ Maltese cross within a wreath with 2 hanging bars: "RIFLE" and "MACHINE GUN". The 2-ring bullseye on cross indicates "Expert" marksman. Upper left sleeve has round embroidered patch with red arrow and 2 cluster of stars on dark blue field (Western Pacific). A green triple chevron insignia (Sergeant) is on both upper sleeves and small service insignia on lower left sleeve is 2 gold bars on red field indicating service overseas. Rill served from 30 Nov 1944 to 12 April 1946.
Provenance
Donor inherited from father, Elmer Rill, who he states never saw active combat; he was slated to be sent off to Japan, but the 2 bombs caused a quick end to war. His obituary states he "served in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater as a Rifleman."
WW II Army Dress Shirt of Elmer Kenneth Rill (27 August 1919 - 19 October 2006); olive drab, long sleeve twill flannel of wool, size 42 1/2 - 33. Inside manufacturer's tag info includes: "June 1942". Plastic buttons; two breast pockets with flap.
At top of left sleeve is a round embroidered patch with red arrow & white stars on dark blue field (served in Western Pacific). A green triple chevron insignia (Sergeant) is on both upper sleeves.
Blue fabric tag stapled to back of shirt bottom, handwritten, "RILL / 39575 / x 22".
Provenance
Donor inherited from father, Elmer Rill, who, he states, never saw active combat; he was slated to be sent off to Japan, but the 2 bombs caused a quick end to war. His obituary states he "served in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater as a Rifleman."
Pair of WW II Army spats / gaiters / leggings. Tan canvas body with brown leather contoured vertical panel on one side, upper trim and foot straps. Each has one lacing cord used with brass hooks and eyelets. A large "3" is stencilled inside of each.
Provenance
Donor inherited from father, Elmer Rill, who, he states, never saw active combat; he was slated to be sent off to Japan, but the 2 bombs caused a quick end to war. His obituary states he "served in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater as a Rifleman."
Some stains on canvas, significant wear on foot straps and the leather panels have moderate wear/soil and creasing. Lace on one (B) is shortened and knotted. Inside area against shoe has significant soiling.
WW II Army hat of Elmer Kenneth Rill (27 August 1919 - 19 October 2006). Called a garrison cap, it has rectangular shape of khaki wool twill and is trimmed with blue-green piping.
Provenance
Donor inherited from father, Elmer Rill, who, he states, never saw active combat; he was slated to be sent off to Japan, but the 2 bombs caused a quick end to war. His obituary states he "served in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater as a Rifleman."
WW II Army Hat of Elmer Kenneth Rill (27 August 1919 - 19 October 2006). Called a garrison cap, it has rectangular shape of khaki wool and is trimmed with blue piping. Reinforced with a 5/8" wide additional band of khaki wool along bottom edge of interior.
Provenance
Donor inherited from father, Elmer Rill, who, he states, never saw active combat; he was slated to be sent off to Japan, but the 2 bombs caused a quick end to war. His obituary states he "served in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater as a Rifleman."
Photo of Elmer Rill is in the Photograph Collection.
The Military Records for Charles A. Meisenberger contain the military materials and paperwork, documenting the career Charles A. Meisenberger had in the Army, from 1898 to 1938, when he was last discharged. Meisenberger served in the Spanish American War, the China Insurrection, the Mexican War, and World War I. This collection contains, letters from the War Department, photographs of Meisenberger and his gravestone, Honorable Discharge certificates, obituaries, and other military information.
Admin/Biographical History
Charles A. Meisenberger was born on December 18, 1874. He served in the military for 40 years, and served during the Spanish American War, the China Insurrection, the Mexican War, and World War I. Meisenberger was married to Mary E. Buch before they eventually divorced. Together they had three children: Charles A. Jr., Vintage, Paul A. and Catherine Mary. He passed away on October 5, 1941 at the age of 66.
World War I Papers of Thomas, James, and Victor Kegel, MG-798
Charles E. Schuler Papers, MG-780
William Barlow Papers, MG-781
William Raymond Elbert Papers, MG-784
Diary Collection, 1836-1978, MG-247
William J. Buch Papers, 1917-1958, MG-658
Access Conditions / Restrictions
No restrictions.
Copyright
Collection may not be photocopied. Please direct questions to Research Center Staff at research@lancasterhistory.org. Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory.
Credit
Military Records of Charles A. Meisenberger (MG-782), Folder #, Insert #, LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pa.
Other Numbers
MG-782
Classification
MG0782
Description Level
Fonds
Custodial History
Processed and finding aid prepared by EM, February 2019.
Americans Recaputre Maknassy - Ten of a patrol of 19 United States soldiers, led by Lt. Mervin G. Sneath, Lancaster, Pa., advance cautiously into the town of Maknassy, Tunisia, as they recaptured it after the enemy had fled northward. The men are on the alert for snipers. Taken during World War II for Illustrated Current News, Inc., New Haven, Connecticut.
