Medal: Pershing's Prediction. Hell, Heaven or Hoboken by Christmas. Nov. 11, 1918.
Entry/Object ID
2008.001.0015
Description
Medal: Chateau Thierry. Pershing's Prediction. Hell Heaven or Hoboken by Christmas. Nov. 11, 1918. Bronze, 1-1/2" diameter x 1/16" thick; ribbon slot 3/32" high x 1/2" wide.
Back has manufacturer's mark: Western Stamp & S. Co. Makers Omaha, Nebr[aska.] No serial or stock number.
Text from top to bottom: June 6th July 15th, 1918. Chateau Thierry. Pershing's Prediction. Hell Heaven or Hoboken by Christmas. Nov. 11 1918. (The phrase attributed to General John J. Pershing commonly is seen with "Heaven" before "Hell" thus "Heaven, Hell or Hoboken.") A privately minted commemorative medal, probably issued shortly after the Armistice and likely before 1925.
There was no official U.S. Army battle clasp for this battle or the dates when it took place. There was a U.S. Navy award, a "Defensive Sector" battle clasp, for service in Chateau-Thierry (Ile de France) between June 6 and July 16, 1918.
