Thank you for taking a look at my eBay auctions. Let me know if there are any World War One or World War Two medals you are looking for, or if you need an Original replacement set for lost family heirlooms, please contact me and I will list them on eBay for you! Make sure to read all of the information I have provided, I do my absolute best to identify and describe the item your bidding on. The photos are of the actual item you’re bidding on, consider them part of the description as well!

United States Marine Corps Private Herbert Albert Kraatz was born about 1896 in Cook County, Illinois.

Herbert enlisted in the U.S. Marines on September 25th 1913. The next month Pvt. Kraatz was training with Company E, at the Recruit Depot, Marine Barracks, Navy Yard, Norfolk, Virginia where he was stationed until he completed training in December 1913. Pvt. Kraatz qualified as a Sharpshooter as was issued this badge.

Pvt. Kraatz was transferred to the Marine Barracks, Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York at the end of December. He remained there the next 2 months until he was transferred to Marine Barracks, Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba in February 1914. He served as a station guard aboard the Cruiser U.S.S. Montana. Pvt. Kraatz served with the 24th Company Marines in Cuba until August 1915 when he sailed for Haiti aboard the Gunboat U.S.S. Castine.

Pvt. Kraatz and the 24th Co. Marines disembarked the U.S.S. Castine and made their way to Saint Marc, Haiti in September 1915. He remained with the 24th Co. Marines during the occupation of Haiti until December 1915 when he was transferred back to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba via the S.S. Seguranca.

Pvt. Kraatz remained serving in Cuba throughout the remainder of 1915 and through February 1916. He was transferred to 42nd Company Marines and sailed for Guam.

--ORIGINAL PRE WORLD WAR I UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS SHARPSHOOTER BADGE, PIN-BACK W/ OPEN LOCKING CATCH.

--ENGRAVED:

H. A. KRAATZ NOV. 10. 1913 (PERIOD REPAIR COVERED 1/2 THE “H” AS SHOWN IN PHOTOS)

All of the Medals, Badges, and Insignia in my eBay store are authentic to the time period listed, "I DO NOT" sell current issue items or reproductions "AS" Genuine items, that is a far to common problem on eBay.

As the buyer you are making a investment on an Authentic period Item that will accumulate value whether you display it or give as a gift. I guarantee your satisfaction or I will refund your money and pay return shipping! Please let me know if there's anything else I can do for you!

I am a collector myself and I understand the last thing you want to do after purchasing an expensive item is to then have to pay ridiculous shipping rates! That is why 99% of my auctions include FREE shipping to all 50 states. I also do my very best on international shipping, all items are shipped USPS International registered to protect myself and the items you have purchased! Thanks!