Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
Cape |
Catalog Number |
1998.1.8 |
Maker |
Wolfgang/Fischer |
Date |
ca. 1955 |
Material(s) |
Wool/Satin |
Dimensions |
H-44 W-98 inches |
Description |
This United States Army Dress Blue officer's cape is made of a dark blue wool material with sky blue satin lining and a velvet collar. Two hooks and eyes at the collar, along with a snap and a 1" wool covered button close the front at the top. Across the breast to further close the cape is corded frogging with knots, acorns and woven cord covered oblong buttons, which are 2" long. |
Notes |
This cape belonged to Carl Henry Dodd (1925-1996). Dodd received the Medal of Honor, the U.S. military's highest decoration, for his actions during the Korea War. Born in Cotes, Harlan County, Dodd's parents described him as a "lone wolf." Active in Boy Scouts and the family's Baptist Church, Dodd dropped out of high school after registering for the draft, going to work at the Black Mountain Coal Company. Dodd enlisted in the Army in 1943, developing a foot issue while training other soldiers. Discharged in March 1946 at the rank of sergeant, Dodd enlisted six months later. Upon the outbreak of the Korean War, Dodd left for Korea in 1950 with Company E of the 2nd Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. Dodd, then a master sergeant, earned a Silver Star for his actions during the Battle of Masan on August 7, 1950. With their platoon overrun, Dodd took over for their missing leader. Leading the twelve remaining soldiers to reestablish their position, Dodd provided covering fire while the platoon pulled back. He then returned to rescue two men. He later received a battlefield commission, assuming the rank of second lieutenant. On January 30, 1951, Dodd led his platoon against a strongly defended position near Subuk, Korea, as part of Operation Thunderbolt. He singlehandedly destroyed a machine gun nest and enemy mortar while encouraging his men. The next day, the platoon captured the hill. Subsequently promoted to the rank of first lieutenant, Dodd received the Medal of Honor for his actions later that year from President Truman. After twenty-one years of service, Dodd retired from the Army in 1965 at the rank of major. He married Libbie Rose Anderson in 1947, and their had three children: Carl Jr., David, and Lorana. Libbie described Dodd as a humble, soft-spoken man who didn't talk much about his service. Donated by Carl's wife, Libbie. |
Collection |
Libbie Dodd Collection |
Event |
Korean War |
People |
Dodd, Carl H. Wolfgang/Fischer |
Subjects |
Military personnel Military service Military uniforms Uniforms Insignia Military decorations |
Search Terms |
Army Harlan County (Ky.) Korean War Korean War, 1950-1953 Medal of Honor Recipients Medals Military Uniforms U.S. Army United States Army US Army |
Physical Holder |
Kentucky Historical Society - KHS |