Brigadier General James H. Reeves WWI Awards and Appointment Collection.

[REEVES, James H.]; Ferdinand Foch.

$2,000.00

Item Number: 146776

Rare collection of WWI memorabilia with regard to Commander of the 353rd United States infantry regiment (89th division), Brigadier General James H. Reeves. The collection includes: From the Government of the French Republic, a large photographic print of General Reeves, inscribed to him by General Ferdinand Foch, “Together with their valor it is this discipline which made the strength of our Armies. F. Foch,” framed to a size of 21.5 inches by 17.5 inches and dated 1917-1918; From the Government of the French Republic, a Citation A L’Order Du 32 eme Corps d’Armee to Colonel Reeves and the 353rd Regiment de Infantry Americaine [extrait De l order General No 823, May 1, 1919], inscribed by General Passaga to the Regiment, “A regiment of the first order entered the battle in August 1918 under the command of Colonel James H. Reeves and demonstrated the beginnings of a bite and tenacity which allowed it to repel numerous enemy attacks and to execute with patrols of capital importance follow the attack on St. Mihiel in which he was a lively part, signed General Passaga Commander of the 329 corps of Arince,” blind embossed with a seal of the 329th French corps for Le General depicting a large rooster tying the Generals Signature to the document, framed to a size of 21.75 inches by 16.625 inches; a silver plated personal award given to then Major J.H. Reeves and three others who received the General Frank Parker cup, engraved “April 1917 won by 3rd Cavalry,” the cup measures 7 inches by 5.5 inches by 5.25 inches; and a large black and white photograph of Reeves on his horse, jumping a fence in the early military long stirrup style of never leaving the saddle on the jump, technique taught at Fort Riley prior to WWI, framed to a size of 20.5 inches by 24.5 inches. In near fine to fine condition with light toning to the margins of the Foch photograph. Accompanied by a modern printed record of Reeves’ service.

The First World War, also referred to as The Great War, was one of the deadliest conflicts in history resulting in an estimated 9 million military dead and 23 million wounded, plus up to 8 million civilian deaths from causes including genocide. Colonel James H. Reeves commanded the 353rd Infantry in all of its campaigns, on the march into Germany, and remained with it throughout the entire period of service in the Army of Occupation. "[Colonel Reeves] was constantly exposed to artillery, machine-gun and rifle fire, and, by his total disregard for personal danger, furnished an inspiring example to his men" (The Hall of Valor Project).