This remarkable collection belonged to William J. Hock of Co. C, 1st 155mm Howitzer Battalion. The centerpiece is his exquisitely hand-painted seabag, adorned with his name and 1940s-stylized depictions of a firing howitzer, The Big Bad Wolf, and a shell targeting a Japanese vehicle. The collection also comprises his medals, featuring a good conduct medal bearing his name, alongside various other insignia, and his dress green jacket, complete with original patches and ribbons. It has now become nearly impossible to find nice and complete groupings that you can definitively say belonged to one man.
Hock enlisted in 1943, training in the states until he was placed in the 20th replacement battalion and then the 6th Marine Division. Hock saw combat at Okinawa and was discharged in 1946.
