Collections record

Collection Record Detail

Object Name
Memory Box
Object Number
2022-36-1
Description
Memory box created for a World War II veteran. Light wood shadow box in two sections, with glass front. Lower section contains a folded American flag. The upper section contains various uniform and personal items belonging to Anthony J. Casey (1920-2003), a resident of Litchfield, Connecticut, at the time of his service. Contents include: 1) Left board, top to bottom: 13th Army Air Force shoulder sleeve insignia, staff sergeant rank insignia, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, WWII Victory Medal, and Army Good Conduct Medal; 2) Right board, top to bottom: 13th Army Air Force shoulder sleeve insignia, staff sergeant rank insignia, Honorable Discharge patch ("Ruptured Duck"), overseas service bars (6 months per bar, for a total of 2.5 years), and Girl Scouts of America membership pin (likely included by mistake); 3) Middle section: Veterans of Foreign Wars (V.F.W.) lapel pin and garrison cap, uniform button, U.S. Air Force car grille badge, Communications Specialist insignia (upside down), military issue missal book, a photograph of Casey in uniform, and various others pins and patches.
Provenance
Anthony J. Casey served as a Radar Mechanic during World War II, in the 75th Bombardment Squadron, 13th Army Air Force (a precursor to the United States Air Force). His discharge record indicates he was deployed in the Pacific. The Casey family lived on East Street in Litchfield, and Anthony worked as an electric motor repair technician. The memory box was created and donated by Casey's family.
Comment
The majority of the contents date to Casey's period of service (1942-1945), though some are related to his activities as a veteran (V.F.W. items). Given that a folded flag is included, the memory box likely dates to 2003 or later.
Date Made
1942-1945
Dimensions
Overall length 27.5", width 21.25", height 3.25"
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