A Marine Corps Expert Rifleman Marksmanship Badge Named To Private Wilfred H. Knoll

Badge with a two-piece construction, silvered silver, name engraved "WILFRED H. KNOLL" on the reverse, 30.2 mm x 35.5 mm, suspended from a 5.8 mm x 50.5 mm, hanger inscribed "EXPERT RIFLEMAN" with pinback, hanger date engraved "MAY 19 - 1908" on the reverse, scattered silvering wear, near extremely fine. Accompanied by his Expert Rifleman's Award Certificate (numbered "144", dated September 29, 1908 at Washington, D.C., stating that Knoll qualified for the award on May 19, 1908, stamped "Office of Auditor for Navy Dept. / TREASURY DEPARTMENT / MAR 8 1909", signed by G.F. Ellian, Major General, Commandant, and Lieutenant-Colonel H.C. Harris, Assistant Adjutant and Inspector, Inspector of Target Practice, 202 mm x 266 mm, fold marks); an Office of Auditor for Navy Department Treasury Department Letter (dated March 25, 1909, addressed to Knoll, confirming that his claim for pay as an expert rifleman from May 19 to December 15, 1908 had been settled and that $41.23 was found due to him, signed by B.J. Price, Acting Auditor, 204 mm x 266 mm, fold marks, one small tear); his United States Marine Corps Honorable Discharge and Service Certificate (on moisture-resistant parchment, dated June 6, 1909, documenting his four years in the Marine Corps, with Paymaster and Quartermaster's Office stamps, 228 mm x 297 mm, fold marks); an Invitation from H.M.S. Drake, Flagship, Second Cruiser Squadron (dated September 22, 1906, 95 mm x 150 mm); an Invitation from U.S.F.S. West Virginia, U.S. Asiatic Fleet to the Crew of H.M.S. "King Alfred", Flagship, British China Squadron (dated November 26-30, 1906, 100 mm x 127 mm); three Assorted Papers and three Business Cards; a New York Institute for the Education of the Blind Card (with "Bill Knoll" in braille grade one raised dots, 76 mm x 140 mm); and a Postcard of King Edward's Statue in Bombay India (black and white, 91 mm x 140 mm).

Footnote: Wilfred H. Knoll was born on October 12, 1883 in Niagara Falls, New York. He enlisted with the United States Marine Corps on June 7, 1905, at the age of 21, stating his trade as that of Plumber. He was dispatched for sea service with the U.S.S. West Virginia from July 22, 1905 to August 15, 1907 and is documented as having been in the Philippines from August 15, 1907 to November 14, 1908, having not seen any battle action. Knoll was awarded the Marine Corps Expert Rifleman Marksmanship Badge on May 19, 1908 and was honorably discharged on June 6, 1909.(C:45)