WWI Victory Medal, “A/AM/SM/MA/DS” (Ralph S. Keyser) Later Maj Gen, USMC

World War I Victory Medal, with clasps “Aisne”, “Aisne-Marne”, “St. Mihiel”, “Meuse-Argonne” and “Defensive Sector”, edge-engraved “Ralph S. Keyser O510”.

Born in 1883 in Thoroughfare, Virginia, Keyser enlisted in the Army in 1902, serving in the Philippines. He was commissioned into the Marine Corps in 1905. He interspersed assignments in the Marine Corps marksmanship program with assignments in Cuba, France and Nicaragua. During World War I, he commanded a battalion of the 5th Marines and served as G-2 of the 2nd Division. He retired in 1938 as a colonel, but was advanced on the retired list to brigadier general due to his combat awards. He was recalled to active duty in April 1941, serving as Director, Division of Reserve. In 1942, he was appointed Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps. He retired again in 1942 due to poor health, but was again advanced on the retired list to major general. General Keyser died in 1955 and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. He held the Navy Cross, Army Distinguished Service Medal, two Silver Stars, the Purple Heart, the French Legion of Honor and the Belgian Order of the Crown. He was also a Distinguished Rifleman.