World War I Purple Heart Grouping — Pvt. Ted T. Osuchowski, 4th Infantry Division
This World War I grouping is identified to Private Ted T. Osuchowski, Company K, 47th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division (ASN 2060162). Documentation in the group confirms he was wounded in action on July 29, 1918, during the Aisne–Marne Offensive in France (July 18 – August 6, 1918). He was later awarded the Purple Heart on October 27, 1932, for that wound.
The central artifact in the group is Osuchowski’s cigarette case, which was struck by a German bullet. The impact pierced and damaged the case, deflecting the round and preventing a direct hit to his heart. A period family letter included in the grouping references the incident and describes the cigarette case as the item that stopped the bullet.
A period family letter included in the grouping describes the incident as follows:
“One of my friends read a sad story to me here’s what he read to me. Private Ted T. Osuchowski was wounded right above his heart and his girl’s cigarette case which saved his life which he had for xmas.”
Besides the cigarette case, the grouping includes:
● Named 1932-issue Purple Heart in original presentation box
● Award documentation referencing WIA July 29, 1918
● World War I Victory Medal
● Dog tags
● 4th Infantry Division patch
● Disabled American Veterans material
● Period letters discussing his wounding and recovery
● Photographs, including a training-era group image
● Additional supporting paperwork