A Wisconsin Mexican Border Service Medal 1916-1917 To A Kia

Bronze gilt, 35 mm, original ribbon with brooch pinback, light contact and spotting, near extremely fine. Accompanied by its Original Sales Card and Envelope of Issue (maker marked "JEWELERS Louis Esser Co. 111 Wisconsin St. MILWAUKEE, WIS."); a Photograph of Albert Johnson (black and white, matte finish, illustrating Albert Johnson in his field uniform standing on the US/Mexico border marker and holding two pennants, one marked "United States", the other marked "Mexico", inscribed in pencil "Albert Johnson / Oconto Co. Wis. / Killed in Action / U.S. - Mexico Border" on the reverse, 57 mm x 80 mm); and a Postcard of Nine Men in the Field (black and white, matte finish, illustrating nine men dressed in field uniforms, with an "X" over top Johnson, the KIA soldier, inscribed in pencil "X Albert Johnson / Oconto Co., Wis. Killed in Action / Brother of Antone and Fred Johnson." on the reverse, 87 mm x 137 mm, with postcard backer).

Footnote: The medal was awarded to officers and enlisted men of the National Guard who served on the Mexican Border. Wisconsin provided three infantry regiments, two cavalry troops, one battery of field artillery and a field hospital for a total contribution of 6,200 men. The medal was manufactured by the Louis Essen Company of Milwaukee.