Researching my Grandfather Sgt John Howard Duff

[Jon Smallwood]

« Thread Started on Aug 15, 2007, 4:55am »

I am here researching my grandfather Sergeant John Howard Duff. I know he was with the 34th Infantry Division, 2nd Batallion. But I am not sure if he was with the 134th, 135th, etc. I do know he was involved in the initial invasion of North Africa. If anyone knows how to look that up or tell my shoulder patches let me know. The only one I can't identify is a yellow star, with purple trim around it. Does that sound familiar to anyone? Thanks and God Bless.

[jbrown007]

I have a copy of the Insignias and Decorations of the military from the National Geographic Society dated December 1944. There is only one in the book that is a six-pointed star with purple trim for the 66th Calvary. I am checking a few other sources and will let you know if I find anything.

I also checked my Divison Association rosters that includes the units of the members of the association but found nothing. You should contact the Gold Star Museum at Camp Dodge in Iowa:

http://www.iowanationalguard.com/Museum/Museum.htm

Hope that helps

[Jon Smallwood]

Thanks for the help. I can tell you that he was originally from Bowing Green, KY and joined the National Guard. The fact that you mentioned the Calvary makes a lot of sense. I remember my grandmother telling me he had to fight beside the tanks, and he carried a bazooka mostly. I still have a few pictures of him sitting in fox holes in Africa, smoking, reading a paper.

Thanks again.

[Jon Smallwood]

Also, I have his dog tag still including serial number. I'm not sure if that would help out or if there is a place to search. It'd be nice to find his service jacket.

Dog Tag Information:

John H. Duff
353109792 T41 B
Blaine Duff
623 Cottage St.
Bowing Green, KY.P

Again, I know he obtained the final rank of sergeant 3 stripes up, 2 down. Isn't that staff sergeant? Anyways he was also awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, CIB, from the metals I recognize.

[Mayo]

That is a Technical Sergeant usually a Platoon Sergeant.