Original U.S. WWII 80th Infantry Division Engraved Purple Heart with Date of Wound & Family Detail French Awards Medals Badges Insignia This indicates that the rifle

This indicates that the rifle was returned to the factory at some point

There also is a significant gouge on the front right forestock

Heuer (Bronze Star) following his service in New Guinea and the Philippines with the 31st Infantry Division during WWII

expected on an 80 year old leather item

began active operations the following year

Original U.S. WWII 80th Infantry Division Engraved Purple Heart with Date of Wound & Family Detail French Awards Medals Badges Insignia This indicates that the rifleOriginal Item. One of a Kind. The Purple Heart (PH) is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those wounded or killed while serving, on or after April 5, 1917, with the U. S. military. With its forerunner, the Badge of Military Merit, which took the form of a heart made of purple cloth, the Purple Heart is the oldest military award still given to U. S. military members the only earlier award being the obsolete