So... any of our members here have an interest in firearms?

Wryfox

So here is a very interesting tale as I followed the threads from an unusual item found here locally....

Below is the top slide of a Colt 1911, an early slide made likely in 1914/1915(last patent date is 1913). I know it must be those ~2 years as the inscription on the slide indicates it was an award in 1915, likely for a marksmanship competition, given to a Lt. Orville L Arnold of the Wisconsin National Guard. Being that the 1911 was quite new then and considered quite a fancy piece at the time, this would have been quite a prize. Yesterday I found it at a local pawn shop, a lonely Slide only without its frame...who knows the history it has followed over the last 107 years, eh?

Orville Arnold was born in 1875 in Leone, Wisconsin, he worked for the local Post Office and joined the National Guard (State Militia at the time) in 1899 rising through the ranks, ultimately serving in WWI as a Capt and Battalion Adjutant from 1917, promoted to Regimental Adjutant in July 1917 and served until his death by artillery shell on Oct 7 1918 during the battle of the Argonne(France), The largest and deadliest battle ever fought in US history. I find it interesting to note that he refused promotion 3 times to Major during his time in France. One can only imagine why. To stay with his men, perhaps? A romantic but not unlikely scenario. A news article notes..."Captain Arnold was beloved by his men, and his death was a sad blow"

The battle of the Argonne US Troops were commanded by General John "Black Jack" Pershing, The highest ranking general in US history, achieving the rank of General of the Armies, equivalent to a 6 star general (if that rank had existed).

Furthermore, Gen Pershing, frustrated at the logistical issues providing supplies to the war effort years earlier, was responsible for preparing and presenting to congress the first plan for a national highway system in 1922, most of which was eventually built in the 1920s and 30s.

The first official organized roads built locally here in this part of Florida were called the Pershing Highway and started in 1922, built by brick, and significant portions(many miles) still exist today near Deland and Daytona Beach. I have driven on several sections myself a couple years ago. It is still in amazingly good condition, surprisingly smooth 100 years later! The last pic below is of the Pershing Highway as it exists today.

Regrettably, I was hoping to find a relative of Capt Arnold, but all threads through his family tree result in a dead end. It appears there are no surviving relatives, so here his memory is honored by presenting his story to read by our global family here on Omega Forum.

Those who are remembered never truly die.....

As for the Colt 1911 Slide honoring his award, one can only imagine if this was worn by this brave officer in battle. Something so important could very possibly have been carried while in WWI France, don't you think? Sadly, we'll never know....

cvalue13

More like googling “what is a Lithuania”

SkunkPrince

Or not. I don't know what you think our country is like but we honestly don't need nor use machine guns in everyday life.