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ORIGINAL CIRCA 1918 WWI-ERA MILITARY PHOTOGRAPH — IDENTIFIED KENTUCKY MARINE — DIRECT FAMILY PROVENANCE
This is an original circa 1918 military photograph measuring approximately 3½" x 5¼". The photograph is printed on a very thick, rigid, postcard-like photographic board, substantially heavier and thicker than a standard paper photograph.
It shows a single serviceman posed in uniform, with an American flag. The man is identified as Graham B. Cowherd of Hopkinsville, Kentucky.
Graham B. Cowherd — WWI Marine Veteran & Kentucky National Guard Officer
Graham Brown Cowherd (April 12, 1901 – September 29, 1952) has an extraordinarily well-documented military history spanning both World Wars. A recipient of the Purple Heart for combat wounds sustained overseas, Cowherd enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on May 6, 1918, at just 17 years old (Pvt., Service No. 4604884). Official Marine Corps Muster Rolls track his service from initial training at Parris Island, SC, to his transfer in July 1918 to the Overseas Depot at Marine Barracks in Quantico, Virginia, for advanced staging and marksmanship drills. Sent to France with the famed 96th Company, 6th Regiment, USMC (2nd Division), he saw heavy action in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. War Department casualty records specifically state he was "wounded in action on the Argonne Front" on November 2, 1918 (noted as Nov 10 in AG files) — just days before the Armistice.
After recovering, Cowherd returned to the U.S. aboard the troop transport K.I. Luckenbach in July 1919 and received an Honorable Discharge. Returning home to Hopkinsville, Kentucky, he joined the Kentucky National Guard in 1922 and rose through the ranks to become Captain and Company Commander of Company C, 113th Quartermaster Regiment, by 1937. His military career and photograph are prominently published in the official book 1938 National Guard of the State of Kentucky. He later registered for the WWII draft while employed at the local Post Office, and his WWI combat service is formally recorded on his Commonwealth of Kentucky death certificate.
Provenance: This photograph comes directly through the family of Graham B. Cowherd. I am a direct descendant of Cowherd, and this photograph has remained in our family collection for generations — this is the first time it is being offered outside the family. Please note: Official military records, muster rolls, book pages, and draft cards shown in the listing images are provided solely as digital reference/provenance to verify his identity and service, and are not included as physical items with the sale. Additional identified original photographs from this family collection are available in my other listings.
Condition: This is an original vintage photograph, not a modern reproduction. Very good antique condition for a 108-year-old photograph. The image is clear and crisp with strong contrast. There is typical light edge wear and minor surface wear/toning consistent with age. Please review all photos carefully for exact condition and appearance as they are part of the description. I’m happy to answer any questions or send additional photos upon request.
Shipping: Fast handling — ships same or next business day with calculated shipping and tracking. Delivery estimates are determined by carrier based on the service selected. Once accepted by carrier, transit time is outside of seller control.
Note on shipping cost: Calculated shipping reflects actual carrier rates based on this item’s real packed weight and dimensions. I do not inflate shipping costs and want to get your item to you as cost-effectively as possible while ensuring it arrives safely. If actual shipping comes in under the calculated amount, I will refund the difference.
