A First Sergeant with Gold Bars: A Battlefield Promoted 143rd Infantry, 36th Division Vet

1st Lt Robert L N-I-E-S was born in 1919 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. He enlisted in the Army on June 12, 1942 and upon completion of basic training, was assigned to the 2nd Bn Hq-Co, 143rd Infantry, 36th Division. On 9 September 1943, he landed in Italy at Paestum in the Gulf of Salerno. The 36th was the first American combat division to land on the continent of Europe. The Division fought in the Italian Campaign as part of the 5th United States Army in such notable actions as Mt. Lungo, San Pietro and the Rapido River. In the Rapido River action, the Division lost the better part of two of its three regiments - 141st and 143d - in unsuccessful attempts to cross the river. The attempted crossing was made to divert German troops from the landing of allied troops at Anzio. On 25 May 1944, the Division landed at Anzio and led the breakout toward Rome. The Division captured Velletri on 1 June 1944, and opened the gates of Rome for the 5th Army. The Division was then pulled out of Italy and landed on the beaches of Southern France on 15 August. Driving up through Southern France, the 36th was attacking and breaking the Siegfried Line when the war in Europe ended. The 36th had spent 400 days in combat, accepted the surrender of Field Marshal Hermann Goering, won seven campaign streamers for its colors, taken part in two assault landings and 14 of its members had won the Medal of Honor. The Division had the ninth highest casualty rate of any Army Division in World War II.

On  May 20th 1944, First Sergeant N-I-E-S received a battlefield promotion upon the substantial loss of several officer's in his Company. He severed valorously and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Combat Infantryman's Badge. He wears a silver campaign star for the Naples-Foggia, Rome-Arno, Southern France, Rhineland, Central Europe campaigns. N-I-E-S returned to the US on October 2, 1945 and was discharged as a 1st Lieutenant on November 21, 1945

This uniform came right out of the veteran's estate and is 100% original. Interesting features are the 143d IR regimental crests and the rounded belt buckle (the jacket was made in 1945) He retains his Good Conduct Ribbon (which appears to outdate the other two ribbons) as a homage to his years rising through the ranks as an enlistedman.

This uniform will be up for grabs and I want it to go to a 36th Div collection that will cherish it for years to come.

Thanks for looking!