An extraordinary, museum-grade, and beautifully preserved multi-tiered World War I memorial archive dedicated to the ultimate sacrifice of Private Fred Vandyke of the historic 82nd Division ("All-American" Division), who died in the service of his country during the Great War.

Uncommon in the market, this archive represents a complete "Triple Crown" of post-war honoring bodies—comprising Federal, State, and Foreign tributes—all retained together with unbroken provenance and impeccably presented in two heavy, custom-matted display frames.

The Archive Consists of Three Primary Historical Artifacts: The U.S. Federal Columbia Accolade & Original War Department Mailing Envelope:

Features the iconic 1919 lithograph designed by Edwin Howland Blashfield, titled "Columbia Gives to Her Son the Accolade of the New Chivalry of Humanity," bearing the pre-printed signature of President Woodrow Wilson. Crucially, the bottom aperture reveals the original, highly scarce War Department mailing envelope. Postmarked December 27, 1919, from Washington, D.C., it is addressed directly to the soldier's next of kin, Mrs. Veda Vandyke of Upton, California, providing absolute verification of provenance.

The Republic of France Memorial Diploma (Hommage de la France):A large-format, beautifully allegorical French commemorative certificate formally awarded to American servicemen who fell on French soil (Mort pour la Liberté). It features striking classical imagery honoring the transatlantic alliance and the sacrifice of American doughboys.

The State of California Official Memorial Certificate:

An incredibly scarce state-level tribute hand-calligraphed in Sacramento and issued on November 11, 1919—the exact one-year anniversary of Armistice Day. The lower section features a poignant printing of Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address alongside a crisp, embossed Great Seal of California. This document features bold, original fountain pen signatures from wartime Governor William D. Stephens and California State Council of Defense Director Charles C. Moore.

Framing & Dimensions:

Main Frame: A massive, exhibition-sized 37.5" x 31" double-aperture custom frame houses the Federal Accolade, French Diploma, and original mailing envelope under a professional multi-window mat.

Secondary Frame: A tight, elegant 13.5" x 12.25" custom frame houses the California Governor's certificate, perfectly highlighting the original signatures and gold star.

Inherent Value Note:

While individual WWI documents appear on the market regularly, intact "named groupings" that survive together for over a century are vanishingly rare. This collection represents an intact, poignant tribute to an All-American Division soldier, ready for immediate museum exhibition or premier private collection placement.