One rupee note issued under the British Raj as an emergency wartime measure in 1940 acquired by James (Jim) Kirkebo. The 1 rupee note had been discontinued in 1934, but paper currency in small denominations was needed as people hoarded metal coins. Kirkebo served in the US Army from 1940-1945, including combat duty in Europe from December 1944-May 1945. Kirkebo, 19, enlisted in 1940 and, in August 1942, 2nd Lt. Kirkebo became commanding officer, C Company, 21st Armored Infantry Battalion, 11th Armored Division. In December 1944, Kirkebo's unit landed in Normandy, defended Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge, and spearheaded the Allied advance into Germany. Kirkebo received a battlefield promotion to captain on February 1, 1945. On May 5 and 6, soldiers from the 11th Armored liberated Gusen and Mauthausen concentration camps. At Mauthausen, the unit was tasked with caring for 19,000 starving inmates. On May 7, 1945, Germany surrendered. Kirkebo was awarded a Silver Star and 3 Bronze Stars for his leadership and heroism in action.
One rupee note issued under the British Raj as an emergency wartime measure in 1940 acquired by James (Jim) Kirkebo. The 1 rupee note had been discontinued in 1934, but paper currency in small denominations was needed as people hoarded metal coins. Kirkebo served in the US Army from 1940-1945, including combat duty in Europe from December 1944-May 1945. Kirkebo, 19, enlisted in 1940 and, in August 1942, 2nd Lt. Kirkebo became commanding officer, C Company, 21st Armored Infantry Battalion, 11th Armored Division. In December 1944, Kirkebo's unit landed in Normandy, defended Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge, and spearheaded the Allied advance into Germany. Kirkebo received a battlefield promotion to captain on February 1, 1945. On May 5 and 6, soldiers from the 11th Armored liberated Gusen and Mauthausen concentration camps. At Mauthausen, the unit was tasked with caring for 19,000 starving inmates. On May 7, 1945, Germany surrendered. Kirkebo was awarded a Silver Star and 3 Bronze Stars for his leadership and heroism in action.
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