This souvenir coin is a wonderful example of a high-end personal artifact documenting the service of an enlisted Marine who served during World War I.

This souvenir coin is a wonderful example of a high-end personal artifact documenting the service of an enlisted Marine who served during World War I.

Pvt Paul Mosbacher’s first of two enlistments in the Marine Corps began on 8 July 1918. He attended basic training at Parris Island, South Carolina, and reported for service with the 11th Regiment in September of that year, and shortly after, deployed overseas with the regiment’s Machine Gun Company. The 11th Regiment was activated during World War I and sent to France as part of the 5th Marine Brigade. 

While Mosbacher’s unit did not see combat, the unit’s Marines served as base guard troops on the coast of France. 

Mosbacher obtained this souvenir coin during this time. It is engraved on a French silver one Franc coin. The reverse of the coin features a hand engraved period eagle, globe and anchor (EGA) insignia and is best recognized by the double scrolls above the emblem and insignia. 

Mosbacher enlisted again in December 1920, serving with the Guard Company and Mounted Patrol at the Marine Barracks, Mare Island, California. He later served as a member of the Ships’ Detachment and as the commanding officer’s orderly on the USS Tennessee until he went AWOL in July 1922. For nearly two years, he remained unaccounted for until 29 December 1924, when he voluntarily surrendered at the Navy Yard, Puget Sound, Washington. The Marine Corps kept him in the brig and listed him as a “straggler and deserter” awaiting action from higher authority. 

Mosbacher was released from confinement without trial on 19 January 1925 since more than two years had passed since the date of his enlistment expiration. He was no longer subject to trial by naval court martial for his “alleged desertion” and the statute of limitations barred trial and punishment.