top of page
81st Infantry Division Archive
The Things of the Soldiers
If you are looking to sell or donate any item related to the 81st Infantry Division, please contact me.

SSGT John S. R. Mackay, 33579022
This custom engraved metal box belonged to SSGT Mackay who served in the Medical Detachment, 323rd Infantry Regiment. Born 23 May 1923. Enlisted 22 January 1943. He served on Ulithi Atoll & Peleliu Island. Discharged 19 February 1946. He died 17 April 1996.
My personal collection
My personal collection

WO Kenneth W. Walden, 36337959
WO Walden served in the 781st Ordnance Light Maintenance Battalion, 81st Signal Company, & 81st Quartermaster Company. Born 6 November 1913. Enlisted 12 May 1942. He served with the 781st OLM until June 1945 where he was discharged an an enlisted man T/4, and commissioned as a Warrant officer on 28 June 1945. From there he served in the 81st Quartermaster Company. He was discharged 22 March 1946. He died 4 June 1990.
My personal collection.
My personal collection.

My personal collection

PFC Richard A. Elkinton, 36059641
PFC Elkinton served in Company B, 322nd Infantry Regiment. Born 31 January 1920. Enlisted 12 June 1942. Served on Angaur Island. He died 8 January 2003.
He was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action on Angaur Island on 19 October 1944. As his platoon advanced over an exposed area surrounded by high ground held by the enemy, PFC Elkinton, an ammunition bearer, and his unit began to receive heavy rifle which checked its progress. Voluntarily PFC Elkinton with one companion, maneuvered to higher ground where they delivered heavy covering fire in the face of the enemy's fire thereby enabling the platoon to continue to advance. Later the same day an enemy sniper impeded the action of the unit by sporadic fire. PFC Elkinton, voluntarily and alone, unhesitatingly maneuvered to high ground and dispatched the sniper by dropping a satchel charge but was himself seriously wounded by its explosion. His initiative and courage on these occasions are an example of the highest standard of self-sacrifice and fidelity to duty.
My personal collection
He was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action on Angaur Island on 19 October 1944. As his platoon advanced over an exposed area surrounded by high ground held by the enemy, PFC Elkinton, an ammunition bearer, and his unit began to receive heavy rifle which checked its progress. Voluntarily PFC Elkinton with one companion, maneuvered to higher ground where they delivered heavy covering fire in the face of the enemy's fire thereby enabling the platoon to continue to advance. Later the same day an enemy sniper impeded the action of the unit by sporadic fire. PFC Elkinton, voluntarily and alone, unhesitatingly maneuvered to high ground and dispatched the sniper by dropping a satchel charge but was himself seriously wounded by its explosion. His initiative and courage on these occasions are an example of the highest standard of self-sacrifice and fidelity to duty.
My personal collection

My personal collection

My personal collection.

Original Operation Reports for Ulithi Atoll & Peleliu.
My personal collection

Meritorious Unit Award Plaque for the Special Troops of the 81st Infantry Division
My personal collection

81st Division DI Pins
My personal collection

Captured Japanese Flag
Belonged to PFC Joseph F. Abreu, 31184615, Company C, 322nd Infantry Regiment. Photograph provided by Chris Abreu.

Etched Belt Buckle
Very cool etched belt buckle. Photograph from eBay.

Major Goto's Sword
Captured by PFC Joseph F. Abreu, 31184616, Company C, 322nd Infantry Regiment. Photograph provided by Joseph Abreu Jr. (son).

321st Infantry Sign
Drawn By Captain Harold W. Quiram, 321st Infantry Regiment, Adjutant
Photograph provided by Kit Quiram Hickerson
Photograph provided by Kit Quiram Hickerson

321st Infantry Sign
Drawn By Captain Harold W. Quiram, 321st Infantry Regiment, Adjutant
Photograph provided by Kit Quiram Hickerson
Photograph provided by Kit Quiram Hickerson

81st Infantry Division Sign
Drawn By Captain Harold W. Quiram, 321st Infantry Regiment, Adjutant
Photograph provided by Kit Quiram Hickerson
Photograph provided by Kit Quiram Hickerson

88th Chemical Mortar Battalion Pin
Company D, 88th CM BN was attached to the 81st Infantry Division.
Photograph from eBay
Photograph from eBay

Shadow Box of 1st LT. Harry G. Singer, O-1302213, enlisted service number: 20221688
LT. Singer served in Company K, 321st Infantry Regiment. He enlisted in the NY National Guard on 16 September 1940. He was discharged 1 December 1942 and commissioned as an officer. He completed Wildcat Ranger Training in CA in 1944. He was WIA and received the Purple Heart. He was awarded the Bronze Star as a retroactive award in 1947 for earning the CIB. He fought on Angaur and Peleliu Islands.
He was discharged on 23 January 1946.
Photograph provided by Henry Singer (son)
He was discharged on 23 January 1946.
Photograph provided by Henry Singer (son)
bottom of page