November 11, 2013

 

Artifact: WWI Army Mess Kit


Size:
9 x 6.75 x 1.5 inches (when closed)

Date: 1918

Significance: Happy Veteran’s Day! In honor of all of those who have served God and our country in the United States Armed Forces, today’s featured artifact is a US Army mess kit from World War I. It belonged to Frank Meier, who was a soldier in WWI from St. Louis County, Missouri. The CHI collection has a number of artifacts from this veteran, who died in November 1965. The items range from parts of his uniform such as caps, leggings and an overcoat to other necessary items including this mess kit, a duffle bag and an inflatable pillow (shown in the photograph underneath the mess kit). The mess kit is stamped with “U.S. W.S. Co. 1918” on the handle. The utensils fit inside the bowl when not in use.

May God richly bless all those who have served and are currently serving in the Armed Forces. Thank you for your service!

Below is a prayer from the Lutheran Hymnal and Prayer Book for the Boys under the Flag (Third Edition). The small book was compiled by the Lutheran Church Board for Army and Navy of the Missouri Synod and published by Concordia Publishing House in 1918.

For the Army

O Lord, God of Hosts, stretch forth, we beseech Thee, Thine almighty arm to protect the soldiers of our beloved country. Be with them in the hour of battle, and keep them safe from evil, and fill them with true courage and loyalty; and grant that they may serve Thee in all things; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.


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