I was sent this information many years ago, and while plowing through old files, I came across this one. Enjoy!
RJMarsh2.jpg (725.31 KiB) Viewed 1589 times
Attached is a picture of my Great-Uncle, Robert Jesse Marsh. This picture was taken following the Spanish-American war while he was serving with the 7th U.S. Cavalry during the occupation of Cuba. The following information is taken from his obituary:
Mr. Marsh, who served in the U.S. Army for six years, won the Distinguished Service Cross, high military honor when he crossed through enemy lines with a supply of ammunition at the battle of San Juan Hill at Santiago, Cuba, on July 1, 1898. Enemy shrapnel passed through the crown of his hat, grazed his head and a sliver pierced the left side of his jaw.
His army service began in 1895 when he signed up with the 2nd regiment, 2nd brigade, 2nd division of the 5th army corps under General Shafter. He was a trombone player in the infantry band.
In the Spanish-American war, Sgt. Marsh was in five battles in two weeks. It was in one of them - San Juan Hill - that he won the Distinguished
Service Cross. He was honorably discharged on September 11, 1898, but reenlisted as a member of the 7th U.S. Cavalry and served with the army of occupation in Cuba for three years.
A cavalry horse fell on his leg and broke it in 1901, making him partially permanently disabled. He was honorably discharged from service the second time on April 8, 1902. Mr. Marsh was also awarded the Campaign medal and a medal of the army of occupation.
Note Mr. Marsh is using the 1885 sabre attachment to carry his sabre on horseback, although he has opted to keep it attached to his belt.
He might unhook it and then hook it into a pommel ring if serving dismounted.
Trooper wrote: ↑Tue Jan 30, 2018 3:42 pm
Note Mr. Marsh is using the 1885 sabre attachment to carry his sabre on horseback, although he has opted to keep it attached to his belt.
He might unhook it and then hook it into a pommel ring if serving dismounted.
That's what makes these posed photos so different. You're not seeing someone ready to go somewhere and do something. It's rare you even see saddlebags in these shots.