Collections record Beta

Collection Record Detail

Object Name

Badges

Object Number

2017-19-10 a,b

Description

USMC Expert Rifleman Qualification badges,World War II era. Metal badges attached to metal rectangular brooches. Brooches have raised lettering: "EXPERT RIFLEMAN". Badges consist of two rifles crossed over wreath tied at bottom. B has a heart shaped knot. A is attached to a square piece of cardboard. On back of brooch on both, engraving of an eagle with small lettering "IMPERIAL".

Provenance

Oswald W. Marrin Jr. (1919-2007) was born in New York City before moving to Litchfield. Graduating from Brown University in 1942, Marrin joined the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and attended Officer's Class in Quantico, VA. He served as platoon commander and eventually executive officer of K Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division. In his company was Charles R. Hickox, Jr., also of Litchfield. Marrin served in the battles of Guadalcanal, Gloucester, and Peleliu. Discharged as a major in 1946, he returned to Litchfield and ran the Marrin Real Estate Company.

Comment

In order to earn these badges, marines needed to a score between 305-350 at the annual qualification event.