Soldier's Medal (in bronze, measuring 35.3 mm (w) x 35.3 mm (h), original ribbon with brooch pinback); Army Good Conduct Medal (in bronze, engraved "RICHARD L DUFFIN" on the reverse, measuring 31.5 mm in diameter, original ribbon with brooch pinback); and European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal (bronze, measuring 31.8 mm in diameter, original ribbon with brooch pinback). Better than very fine. Accompanied by his Conjoined Soldier's Medal and the Army Good Conduct Medal Ribbon Bar (measuring 67.2 mm (w) x 10.5 mm (h), with pinback and clear laminate covering); his European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal Ribbon Bar with Five Bronze Stars (measuring 35.5 mm (w) x 10 mm (h), pinback); his Soldier's Medal Enameled Ribbon Bar (measuring 17.2 mm (w) x 3.7 mm (h), button hole attachment); his Driver/Mechanic Qualification Badge with Mechanic and Driver-W Bars (in sterling silver, marked "L.I.G.I." on the reverse of the badge and "1/20 SF - GI" and "1/20 SILVER FILLED KREW G-I" on the reverse of the bars, measuring 26 mm (w) x 53.8 mm (h) inclusive of its two bars); his Army Marksmanship Sharpshooter Qualification Badge with Rifle Bar (in sterling silver, marked "STERLING" on the reverse of both the badge and bar, measuring 26 mm (w) x 39.2 mm (h) inclusive of its bar); his "U.S." and Coast Artillery Collar Disks (in bronze gilt, measuring 25.5 mm each, screwback); a Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Lapel Badge (in bronze, measuring 11.3 mm (w) x 11.3 mm (h), screwback); a Department of the Army Ten Years' Service Lapel Badge in bronze with white enamels, measuring 12.5 mm (w) x 14.7 mm (h), screwback); a 5th Infantry Division Sleeve Insignia (red embroidery, measuring 41 mm (w) x 73 mm (h)); a Technician Fifth Grade Rank Sleeve Insignia (olive green and navy blue embroidery, white cotton mesh backer, measuring 79 mm (w) x 99 mm (h)); a Folder Entitled "My Honorable Discharge" with the Honorable Service Lapel Button insignia on the Front Panel (containing his Discharge Certificate (dated September 4, 1945 at the Separation Center at Fort Sheridan, Illinois, printed in black ink with typeset inscriptions, measuring 204 mm (w) x 265 mm (h)); his Army Separation Qualification Record (dated September 4, 1945 at the Separation Center at Fort Sheridan, Illinois, printed in black ink with typeset inscriptions, measuring 204 mm (w) x 265 mm (h)); and a "My War Service Record" Folder (four pages printed in blue ink, on a white card stock, without inscriptions, measuring 90 mm (w) x 196 mm (h)), the folder consisting of three panels, with a brown leatherette exterior, the right panel with two inset windows of the American flag under plastic); a Headquarters 5th Infantry Division Citation: Recommending Duffin for the Soldier's Medal (dated April 17, 1945, typeset in black text, on a white paper stock, signed "General of the U.S. Army" with the name below faded, embossed stamp of the 5th Infantry Division at the lower left, measuring 202 mm (w) x 265 mm (h)); a Certificates, Affidavits and Customs Declaration Paper (dated July 4, 1945, typeset in black text with handwritten entries in black ink, on an off-white paper stock, measuring 202 mm (w) x 328 mm (h)); a Certificate for a Captured German Pistol (dated June 18, 1945, typeset in blue ink with handwritten entries in black ink, on a white paper stock, measuring 202 mm (w) x 130 mm (h)); a Notice to Registrant to Appear for Physical Examination Mailer Card (dated November 12, 1941 at Paxton, Illinois, postmarked, printed in black ink on a thin white card stock, measuring 125 mm (w) x 75 mm (h)); a Notice of Classification Mailer Card (dated December 11, 1941 at Paxton, Illinois, postmarked, printed in black ink on a thin white card stock, measuring 125 mm (w) x 75 mm (h)); five Field Artillery Replacement Training Center at Fort Sill, Oklahoma Qualification Certificates (each dated September 10, 1942, issued to 36064779 Richard L. Duffin, C-32-8 organization, for five areas (Individual Training Basic, .30 Caliber Rifle M1903, Service of the Piece 155mm Howitzer, Motor Vehicle Operation and Maintenance, Defense Against Chemical Attack), printed in black ink, on a white paper stock, measuring 208 mm (w) x 239 mm (h) each); along with copies of his Service Records and assorted research papers.
Footnote: Richard L. Duffin was born on May 29, 1914 and was originally from Buckley, Illinois. He attended Paxton High School in Paxton, Illinois, where his primary study was in Agriculture. He completed one year of high school education, Grade 9 in 1930, then left school to enter the work world. In his civilian life, he worked for eight years with E.I. Dupont of Wilmington, Illinois, where he was employed as a Trailer Truck Driver, driving a two and a half ton tractor with a twenty-two foot semi trailer, hauling general freight on trips averaging 1,000 miles, and driving day and night in all types of weather conditions. He also drove a stringing truck and fire engine, and made the necessary minor roadside repairs required while on the road. Duffin was a resident of Paxton, Illnois when he enlisted as a Private (36064779) with the United States Army, on July 30, 1942 at Peoria, Illinois, at the age of 28, with "enlistment for the duration of the War or other emergency, plus six months" and stating that he was Single. He entered active service at Scott Field, Illinois on August 13, 1942. Private Duffin was assigned as a Technician Fifth Grade to Battery C, 50th Artillery Battalion, 5th Infantry Division, XX Corps of the 3rd Army, commanded by Lieutenant General George S. Patton, Jr., serving in the European theater and later achieved the rank of Sergeant. While in the European theater, he served as a Motor Transportation NCO, where he supervised the duties of eighteen men in a Field Battery motor pool, inspected vehicles for needed repair and maintenance, supervised the duties of mechanics repairing and replacing worn parts, handled dispatching of sixteen tricks and routeing of drivers, along with keeping necessary shop maintenance and mileage records. Sergeant Duffin was awarded the Soldier's Medal for his heroic and selfless action, that took place on February 10, 1945, when he succeeded in extinguishing a fire that had enveloped an ammunition vehicle and threatened to spread to the entire gun section, his citation stating: "Under the provisions of AR 600-85, 22 September 1943, as amended, and pursuant to authority contained in Section I, Circular No. 32, Hq ETOUSA, 20 March 1944, as amended by Section I, Circular No. 56, Hq ETOUSA, 27 May 1944, the Soldier's Medal is awarded to: Technician Fifth Grade Richard L. Duffin, 36064779, Field Artillery, 50th Field Artillery Battalion, United States Army. For heroism on 10 February 1945 near Kalkesbach, Luxembourg. When an ammunition vehicle caught fire and threatened to spread to the entire gun section, Technician Duffin, a vehicle driver, at the risk of his own life and without thought of personal safety, accompanied by three other men, undertook the hazardous mission of extinguishing the conflagration. Braving the exploding shells and with their clothing partially ablaze, Technician Duffin and the group, succeeded in extinguishing the fire thereby saving valuable government property from certain destruction. His heroic actions, clear thinking in an emergency and zealous devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered military service from Illinois." Technician Fifth Grade, Sergeant Richard L. Duffin, Field Artillery, 50th Field Artillery Battalion, 5th Infantry Division, United States Army returned to the United States and was Honorably Discharged by reason of demobilization at the Separation Center at Fort Sheridan, Illinois, on September 4, 1945. He is credited with having served in Normandy, Northern France, the Ardennes, the Rhineland and Central Europe, and awarded the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with one Silver and Battle Star, four overseas service bars and one service stripe, along with the Army Good Conduct Medal.
Soldier's Medal (in bronze, measuring 35.3 mm (w) x 35.3 mm (h), original ribbon with brooch pinback); Army Good Conduct Medal (in bronze, engraved "RICHARD L DUFFIN" on the reverse, measuring 31.5 mm in diameter, original ribbon with brooch pinback); and European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal (bronze, measuring 31.8 mm in diameter, original ribbon with brooch pinback). Better than very fine. Accompanied by his Conjoined Soldier's Medal and the Army Good Conduct Medal Ribbon Bar (measuring 67.2 mm (w) x 10.5 mm (h), with pinback and clear laminate covering); his European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal Ribbon Bar with Five Bronze Stars (measuring 35.5 mm (w) x 10 mm (h), pinback); his Soldier's Medal Enameled Ribbon Bar (measuring 17.2 mm (w) x 3.7 mm (h), button hole attachment); his Driver/Mechanic Qualification Badge with Mechanic and Driver-W Bars (in sterling silver, marked "L.I.G.I." on the reverse of the badge and "1/20 SF - GI" and "1/20 SILVER FILLED KREW G-I" on the reverse of the bars, measuring 26 mm (w) x 53.8 mm (h) inclusive of its two bars); his Army Marksmanship Sharpshooter Qualification Badge with Rifle Bar (in sterling silver, marked "STERLING" on the reverse of both the badge and bar, measuring 26 mm (w) x 39.2 mm (h) inclusive of its bar); his "U.S." and Coast Artillery Collar Disks (in bronze gilt, measuring 25.5 mm each, screwback); a Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Lapel Badge (in bronze, measuring 11.3 mm (w) x 11.3 mm (h), screwback); a Department of the Army Ten Years' Service Lapel Badge in bronze with white enamels, measuring 12.5 mm (w) x 14.7 mm (h), screwback); a 5th Infantry Division Sleeve Insignia (red embroidery, measuring 41 mm (w) x 73 mm (h)); a Technician Fifth Grade Rank Sleeve Insignia (olive green and navy blue embroidery, white cotton mesh backer, measuring 79 mm (w) x 99 mm (h)); a Folder Entitled "My Honorable Discharge" with the Honorable Service Lapel Button insignia on the Front Panel (containing his Discharge Certificate (dated September 4, 1945 at the Separation Center at Fort Sheridan, Illinois, printed in black ink with typeset inscriptions, measuring 204 mm (w) x 265 mm (h)); his Army Separation Qualification Record (dated September 4, 1945 at the Separation Center at Fort Sheridan, Illinois, printed in black ink with typeset inscriptions, measuring 204 mm (w) x 265 mm (h)); and a "My War Service Record" Folder (four pages printed in blue ink, on a white card stock, without inscriptions, measuring 90 mm (w) x 196 mm (h)), the folder consisting of three panels, with a brown leatherette exterior, the right panel with two inset windows of the American flag under plastic); a Headquarters 5th Infantry Division Citation: Recommending Duffin for the Soldier's Medal (dated April 17, 1945, typeset in black text, on a white paper stock, signed "General of the U.S. Army" with the name below faded, embossed stamp of the 5th Infantry Division at the lower left, measuring 202 mm (w) x 265 mm (h)); a Certificates, Affidavits and Customs Declaration Paper (dated July 4, 1945, typeset in black text with handwritten entries in black ink, on an off-white paper stock, measuring 202 mm (w) x 328 mm (h)); a Certificate for a Captured German Pistol (dated June 18, 1945, typeset in blue ink with handwritten entries in black ink, on a white paper stock, measuring 202 mm (w) x 130 mm (h)); a Notice to Registrant to Appear for Physical Examination Mailer Card (dated November 12, 1941 at Paxton, Illinois, postmarked, printed in black ink on a thin white card stock, measuring 125 mm (w) x 75 mm (h)); a Notice of Classification Mailer Card (dated December 11, 1941 at Paxton, Illinois, postmarked, printed in black ink on a thin white card stock, measuring 125 mm (w) x 75 mm (h)); five Field Artillery Replacement Training Center at Fort Sill, Oklahoma Qualification Certificates (each dated September 10, 1942, issued to 36064779 Richard L. Duffin, C-32-8 organization, for five areas (Individual Training Basic, .30 Caliber Rifle M1903, Service of the Piece 155mm Howitzer, Motor Vehicle Operation and Maintenance, Defense Against Chemical Attack), printed in black ink, on a white paper stock, measuring 208 mm (w) x 239 mm (h) each); along with copies of his Service Records and assorted research papers.
Footnote: Richard L. Duffin was born on May 29, 1914 and was originally from Buckley, Illinois. He attended Paxton High School in Paxton, Illinois, where his primary study was in Agriculture. He completed one year of high school education, Grade 9 in 1930, then left school to enter the work world. In his civilian life, he worked for eight years with E.I. Dupont of Wilmington, Illinois, where he was employed as a Trailer Truck Driver, driving a two and a half ton tractor with a twenty-two foot semi trailer, hauling general freight on trips averaging 1,000 miles, and driving day and night in all types of weather conditions. He also drove a stringing truck and fire engine, and made the necessary minor roadside repairs required while on the road. Duffin was a resident of Paxton, Illnois when he enlisted as a Private (36064779) with the United States Army, on July 30, 1942 at Peoria, Illinois, at the age of 28, with "enlistment for the duration of the War or other emergency, plus six months" and stating that he was Single. He entered active service at Scott Field, Illinois on August 13, 1942. Private Duffin was assigned as a Technician Fifth Grade to Battery C, 50th Artillery Battalion, 5th Infantry Division, XX Corps of the 3rd Army, commanded by Lieutenant General George S. Patton, Jr., serving in the European theater and later achieved the rank of Sergeant. While in the European theater, he served as a Motor Transportation NCO, where he supervised the duties of eighteen men in a Field Battery motor pool, inspected vehicles for needed repair and maintenance, supervised the duties of mechanics repairing and replacing worn parts, handled dispatching of sixteen tricks and routeing of drivers, along with keeping necessary shop maintenance and mileage records. Sergeant Duffin was awarded the Soldier's Medal for his heroic and selfless action, that took place on February 10, 1945, when he succeeded in extinguishing a fire that had enveloped an ammunition vehicle and threatened to spread to the entire gun section, his citation stating: "Under the provisions of AR 600-85, 22 September 1943, as amended, and pursuant to authority contained in Section I, Circular No. 32, Hq ETOUSA, 20 March 1944, as amended by Section I, Circular No. 56, Hq ETOUSA, 27 May 1944, the Soldier's Medal is awarded to: Technician Fifth Grade Richard L. Duffin, 36064779, Field Artillery, 50th Field Artillery Battalion, United States Army. For heroism on 10 February 1945 near Kalkesbach, Luxembourg. When an ammunition vehicle caught fire and threatened to spread to the entire gun section, Technician Duffin, a vehicle driver, at the risk of his own life and without thought of personal safety, accompanied by three other men, undertook the hazardous mission of extinguishing the conflagration. Braving the exploding shells and with their clothing partially ablaze, Technician Duffin and the group, succeeded in extinguishing the fire thereby saving valuable government property from certain destruction. His heroic actions, clear thinking in an emergency and zealous devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered military service from Illinois." Technician Fifth Grade, Sergeant Richard L. Duffin, Field Artillery, 50th Field Artillery Battalion, 5th Infantry Division, United States Army returned to the United States and was Honorably Discharged by reason of demobilization at the Separation Center at Fort Sheridan, Illinois, on September 4, 1945. He is credited with having served in Normandy, Northern France, the Ardennes, the Rhineland and Central Europe, and awarded the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with one Silver and Battle Star, four overseas service bars and one service stripe, along with the Army Good Conduct Medal.