This is a lot of authentic WW2 memorabilia, including medals, badges, pins, and ribbons from Lt. These items are original and were created during the conflict in the United States. The lot falls under the theme of militaria and would make a great addition to any collection. The items are in excellent condition and are sure to impress any collectoThis lot belonged too Richard B varnum a WW2 American hero he died in France serving his country he was also a test pilot of the experimental C-124 Globemaster. This is a peice of history thanks and God bless America. Richard Blynn Varnum died at the American Hospital in Paris on March 6. He was a holder of one of the American Field Service Fellowships for French Universities, and was studying International Law at the University of Toulouse when he became ill with malarial fever, which he had first contracted in war service in the Balkans. Then, suffering from supposed bronchitis, he was sent, Dec. 5, to Biskra, in Algeria, where it was hoped the dry atmosphere would help him. But his condition became worse, and. Although late in February he was able to be moved to Paris, the disease could not be checked. He was born in Belding, Mich. His father, a retired Methodist Episcopal minister. Varnum, lives in Jerome, Idaho. Varnum had spent two years in Hillsdale College, Mich. Before entering Harvard with the Class of 1919, where he made a splendid record. The late Frederick Schenck called him “a brilliant pupil, ” and a letter from Barrett Wendell said, He has impressed me as a faithful worker and an honest man. He had already been earning his own living as a stenographer for some years before coming to Harvard, and he was working his way through college when, in 1917, he sailed to join the American Ambulance Field Service in France. He trained at Tours and Issoudun, and made an enviable record. Upon being commissioned a first lieutenant, in April 1918, he was retained, much against his wishes, as an instructor at one of the aerial centers until after the Armistice. Then, however, he was assigned to the 160th Aero Squadron and sent with it into Germany. He did not return to America until August 1910, for discharge, and immediately thereupon reentered Harvard. He was a factor in the flying activities of the University, took part in the intercollegiate aero meet in June 1920, and was granted an American Field Service Fellowship for his scholastic record, fine character, and dependability.
