Fall 2022 Militaria & Collectibles Auction
Lot 114:
Description
Original WWII era uniform jacket belonging to Governor of Pennsylvania and later US Senator Edward Martin. The jacket features a wool 28th Division Patch, bullion wound and overseas chevrons for WWI, screw back single Major General stars on the epaulettes, sewn on ribbons (some fraying) and a handwritten attributed tailor tag dating it to 1940. He continued to use this jacket as it bears a WWII Victory ribbon. This came out of a flea market in Texas some time back and is untouched. The two frayed ribbons are consistent with the type of the era, which were of inferior quality and known to lose their integrity over time. A successful candidate in each of his fifteen campaigns for public office, EDWARD MARTIN was born in Washington Township, Greene County, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Waynesburg College in 1901 and was admitted to the Bar four years later, after which he began the practice of law in Waynesburg. Martin served in the military for more than four decades, beginning with service during the Spanish-American War with the 10th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. After seeing action in the Philippines, he joined the Pennsylvania National Guard as a Sergeant, earning a commission as First Lieutenant in 1901 and winning promotion to Captain and then Major. During World War I he began as a Major but rose in rank to Lieutenant Colonel, serving in France. Following the war he won promotion to full Colonel and went on to become a Brigadier General in 1922. In June 1939, with Americas participation in World War II looming, he became Major General of the Pennsylvania National Guard, which was federalized in 1941. Martin was more than sixty years old when he was released from the military in 1942. In addition to his distinguished military service, he was involved in public service for many years, beginning as secretary of his county Democratic committee, then County Chairman, and finally County Solicitor. After World War I, he switched to the Republican Party, going on to serve as Auditor General of Pennsylvania from 1925 to 1929. He was also State Treasurer from 1930 to 1934 and Adjutant General from 1939 to 1943 except for the period during which he served with the federalized Pennsylvania National Guard in World War II. As governor from 1943 to 1947, he urged greater funding for unemployment compensation and liberalized insurance benefits for occupational diseases. He also demanded safety inspections of mines and factories and supported new affordable housing and an end to discrimination. Martin resigned the governorship after winning election to the U.S. Senate, where he served for two terms. A social activist as well, he was the recipient of many honorary degrees and awards. His military awards include the Distinguished Service Cross with oak leaf cluster and a Purple Heart with oak leaf cluster.
Condition: See Description for Condition.
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