likely made by the owner, Russell E. Keich, who was a tinsmith and sheet metal worker, who had service in the MPs and later in the US Naval Security Division.
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Description
759th Military Police Silver Shield – Berlin 1946 – 1950.
This stamped out shield of silver, or badge is 2 5/8 inches high with an enameled US Army Europe shoulder sleeve insignia applied at the center. Above and below the engraving reads, ” RUSSELL E. KEICH / 13223852 – 759th MILITARY POLICE / BERLIN / 1946- 1950.”
I am assuming this was carried in a wallet, or pocket case as it has never had any pin, etc. for wearing on uniform. In what brief records I can find on Keich, his profession is listed as a “Tinsmith, Coppersmith, and Sheet Metal Worker. Keich enlisted on May 4, 1946, in Philadelphia, and trained as an MP, entering service as a private in the Regular Army. I am assuming his first assignment was Berlin Brigade. At some point further down the road, he got out of the army and entered the Navy, and was listed in another site as being a Naval Intelligence Security Guard; his name listed in a 1963 News Letter for Navy Security Division, Office of Naval Intelligence. He was born May 23, 1929 and died at the age of 44, buried at Fort Bliss, Texas, National Cemetery.
The 759th Military Police, have a great WWII history, but concerning Keich, the unit arrived in Berlin in early October, 1945. Keich would have been there during the Berlin Airlift Days during the Soviet Blockade of the Western Zone of the city.
I wish there was more to share on Russell Keich, his short career in the military must have been interesting.
Fine condition.
I have some copied research material to enclose.
This photo was taken from the internet, and is dated 1948, while Keich was with the Berlin Brigade and the 759th.
Additional information
| Weight | .5 lbs |
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