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The Home Fires: Montana in World War II


Shadow Boxes
 



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US Army Patch
Belonged to Charles H. Dickman, Jr.  The three chevrons and the "T" represent  a "third grade technician" designation.  This patch was worn on a uniform sleeve.
Military Service Bars
The long, striped bar medal belonged to Luther I. Hutton of Miles City, Montana, who served in the U.S. Army air Corps as a radio operator and gunner during WWII.  On the longest bar, the pins represent: European-African-Mid-Eastern Theatre (2 battles); Army Distinguished Unit (4 battles).
U.S. Army Good Conduct Medal
This medal was awarded to Luther I. Hutton of Miles City, Montana.  This medal is awarded on a selective basis to each soldier who distinguished him or herself from his/her fellow soldiers by exemplary conduct, efficiency, and fidelity throughout a specified period of continuous enlisted active Federal military service.
USA/Canada patch and Crossed Arrow pin
This patch and pin were created to signify membership in the 1st Special Service Force unit that was stationed at Fort Harrison in Helena.  The 1st Special Service Force was a joint USA/Canadian unit. The crossed arrows represent the Indian scouts who worked for the military during the Indian Wars. (Reproductions)
U.S. Armed Services pin
uniform lapel pin belonged to Charles H. Dickman, Jr.
WWII Victory Medal
U.S. Armed Services members who were in service at the time of the Victory received this pin.  Belonged to Charles H. Dickman, Jr.
U.S. Medical Corps pin
uniform lapel pin belonged to Charles H. Dickman, Jr.
1st Lieutenant Bar
Worn on the lapel of an officer commissioned as a 1st Lieutenant in the Army.  Belonged to Charles H. Dickman, Jr.
Dog Tag Envelope
This is the original envelope that contained the dog tags of Charles H. Dickman, Jr. of Harlowton, Montana.  Charles served in the U.S. Army medical corps.  He was drafted while a student at Stanford University.  The dog tags can been seen on the Objects page.
163rd Men's and Women's pin
These pins were designed to represent the 163rd Infantry made up of Montanans that served during WWII, although the origins of Montanans serving in the military go back in history as documented on the pin.  The cactus represents the Mexican-American War; the Fleur-de-lis symbolizes the WWII campaigns in France; the palm tree is a symbol of the Philippines in the Spanish-American War; the crossed arrow and tomahawk stands for the Indians Wars; and "Men Do Your Duty" is a motto for the Vigilante movement. (Reproductions)



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Peanut Butter lid Pall Mall Famous Cigarettes
Cigarettes have not been included in military rations since 1973.
Meal, Combat, Individual, Beefsteak and Potatoes with Gravy, B-2 unit
This meal ration kit is similar to one given to U.S. Armed Forces members in service during WWII.  The ration kit came in a cardboard box and contained several tins of food and a accessories packet.
Fruit Cake lid Can Opener
Issued with a ration kit so soldiers could open the tins.
Plastic Spoon
This is the only eating utensil issued with a ration kit.
Matchbook
These matchbooks were made especially for damp climates.
Sugar Packet Salt Packet
Beef with Spiced Sauce lid Wrigley's Chewing Gum Handy Pak
Contained two pieces of Wrigley's spearmint chewing  gum.
Toilet Paper
Ham with Water Added, Canned, Sliced, and Cooked lid Cream Substitute, Dry
For coffee or tea in place of real milk or cream
Accessories Packet
Included in the ration kit, it contained: cigarettes, matches, chewing gum, toilet paper, instant coffee, cream substitute, sugar, and salt.  Sometimes they contained an "interdental stimulator" or toothpick.
candy Chocolate Disk, Sweet Milk foil wrapper Coffee Instant Type II
Instant coffee to be mixed with water.  Made one cup.



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Family Member in Service Flag
This flag hung in the window of the Dickman house in Harlowton, Montana to proudly show that their son, Charles, H. Dickman, Jr. was serving in the U.S. Army.  Homes all across the country proudly displayed flags like this in their windows to show that  a family member was serving in the United States military.
Women Air Service pilots (WASP) Wings
These reproduction wings represent the wings that were given to women who served as a WASP.
United Service Organization (USO) Pin
The USO was formed in 1941 to provide entertainment and humanitarian services to the men and women of the armed forces.
"I own a Liberty Bond" Pin
This pin was worn by Americans who supported the war effort by buying Liberty Bonds.
U.S. Air Forces Mother" Handkerchief
A WWII era souvenir piece.  Donated by Ethel Dickman.



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Ration Book Cover
belonged to Charles Sr. and Bessie Dickman of Harlowton, Montana.  This heavy cardboard folder was issued with ration books as a container for holding them.
Sugar Ration Book and Stamps
Many types of food and everyday items were rationed, including sugar, coffee, shoe leather, gasoline, rubber, meat, and processed vegetables.
Ration Book
Belonged to Charles H. Dickman, Sr. of Harlowton, Montana.  Every man, woman and child in the United States was issued ration books by the United States government.  Each stamp could be exchanged for food and supply items at local stores during the war.  Rationing was in place to insure that the country and the military did not run out of precious food supplies and war-industry items like leather and rubber.
Ration Book
Belonged to Bessie Dickman of Harlowton, Montana

Additional ration stamps - coffee and "spare"


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