A great group of uniforms for a MGen. and career Army Officer, who’s late command was in Hawaii, months before the Japanese Attack on Pearl Harbor.
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Description
The grouping consists of two dress uniforms, and dress cap for Major General William Henry Wilson (New York, 1877-1960). General Wilson began is regular army career in 1901, as a 2nd Lieutenant of the Coast Artillery Corps, remaining in the CAC until the 1920s. In late 1930 he took command of the 128th Field Artillery. In 1936, Wilson was promoted to brigadier general, commanding the Coast Defenses of Long Island Sound, and simultaneously commanding the 11th Coast Artillery Regiment. In 1935 to 1938 he was Chief of Staff, 1st Corps Area (which was the Northeast region with HQ in Boston).
In 1938, promotion came again as major general with the command of the 1st Corps Area, followed by a long move to Hawaii, as the new Hawaiian Division Commander in 1938 to February of 1941, just 10 months from the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. He served in that capacity for two years, and went to his last posting, and command at Camp Stewart, Georgia until his retirement on December 31, 1941. He was 64 years of age at that time, having been in service since the Spanish American War as a private and corporal in the 22nd New York Volunteers.
He saw service in the Spanish War, possibly the Philippine Insurrection, WWI, and by the images I have found on line, was highly decorated by foreign governments during WWI. His highest American decoration was the Distinguished Service Medal.
The uniforms are his Mess Dress Uniform with his MG rank, consisting of both coat and trousers. The coat and trousers were purchased in 1910 when a captain from Mills & Averill, St. Louis. Obviously, the coat has been upgraded all through the years of several promotions, and slight hints of the cuff trim from those ranks still visible with close inspection. Each cuff has applied bullion rank stars, and general officer bullion cuff braid on velvet. All buttons are present as will as the bullion shoulder knots. Condition is fine, with only the gilt bullion on the knots showing the most age toning. The trousers have been upgraded to having the general officer stripes in bullion and velvet, with age toning on bullion; overall fine.
His summer white mess dress coat, unlike the last uniform, was purchase new during his assignment in Hawaii in the late 30s; made by M. Mito, Tailor, Wahiawa, Oahu, T.H. No identification I can see to Wilson, but the rank and size, and where it was made are enough to convince me. A wide band of cotton twill, and direct rank stars are applied to each cuff. Condition is fine-exc. Came with his tuxedo trousers which are included.
The most impressive piece in the group is the general officers cap, made by Bancroft Caps, and has Wilson’s calling card trimmed and placed in the provided slot. The bullion overall shows light toning, but would rate the hate as excellent. The workmanship of the bullion is superb. There are two small sections of bullion (leaf stem) lifting from a leaves on the front left visor, that can be repaired.
A great group with a good history.
USPS Priority $25.00
Additional information
| Weight | 30 lbs |
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