Delmar Walser Wagner

Betty's dad, Delmar (Pete) Wagner, was visiting the other day and I showed him the article I had done on the military ribbons, brass and badges I had earned in the military. He expressed an interest in doing the same for the things he had earned.

Recently, we combed through his papers trying to glean what we could find. He found his DD214 or discharge papers. He wrote to the Department of the Army to find that his records had burned and no longer existed.

There is a Web site that sells the ribbons and badges for all the branches of the armed services. These are the ones that we found that were Pete's or that reminded him of service he had rendered:

The patch to the left is the patch of the 10th Army.


The patch to the right is the patch of the 5th army.






The patch to the left is the patch of the European Command.




The patch to the right is the patch of the First Cavalry.


The brass to the left is the brass that would be worn on the collars of the Army Uniform. The US is for the United States and the crossed rifles represent the infantry.

The rifle with the laurel behind it is for the combat infantry man's badge. (Thanks Terri for the replacement image.)

Pete was a First Sergeant. He was really proud of this rank. He told me of many of the experiences he had as the NCO over a platoon of enlisted men.

The light blue rope to the right was worn by members of the infantry. I, Kent, also earned an infantry rope as a member of the Fourth Infantry Division.

This gold airplane has very special meaning. It was awarded to those who were directly involved with the airlift into Berlin. Delmar was in Germany during this historic event and participated directly in the event. He told me that there was a great deal of paperwork that went with this little pin. There were not many who were eligible to receive this award.



Sergeant Wagner was an airborne ranger. I once made a sarcastic remark about jumping from a perfectly good airplane. I learned very quickly just how seriously he took his commitment to the rangers. I have since that day tried very hard to let Pete know that I have a very a deep respect for him and for any man who is willing to take the necessary training for becoming a skilled paratrooper.

The cloud of ribbons to the left represent the ribbons that were earned during his tours of duty. They include a purple heart, an Army Commendation Medal, a National Defense Ribbon, a Good Conduct Medal, A European Theater Ribbon, Pacific Theater ribbon.

We searched unsuccessfully for a Ranger badge for his unit. He was among the Special forces that scaled the cliffs at Normandy. I appreciated his willingness to talk to Betty and I about this experience.

The lapel pin to the right is affectionately called the ruptured duck. It is also known as the Honorable Service Lapel Pin and was awarded to those who were honorably discharged from the World War II. There was an aircraft from which the name was taken.

The afternoon I spent with my Father-in-law talking about his military experiences is one that I will always treasure. Oh, how I wish I had taken the time to do the same thing with my own Dad when he was alive.