Private Andrew Purnell's United States Military Dog Tag, December 1917

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Artifact Overview

Andrew Purnell Jr. (1898-1975) was born in Selma, Alabama. He joined the all-Black 303rd Stevedore Regiment (with later unit designations) in December 1917. Private Purnell was stationed in Bordeaux, France. He returned to the U.S. in 1919, married, and worked as a railroad freight handler. Like many service members, Purnell kept his dog tags, a tangible reminder of his service to his country.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Dog tag (Military tag)

Date Made

December 1917

Subject Date

1917-1919

Collection Title

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

2025.149.0.2.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Metal
Cloth

Technique

Engraving (Action)

Color

Gray (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 13 in (shoestring attached to tag)
Diameter: 1.325 in (tag)

Private Andrew Purnell's United States Military Dog Tag, December 1917