U.S. Medical Dept. Tablespoon - Engraved ID Sgt. Broyles, 118th Regt. 30th Div.

Description

Identified U.S.  Medical Dept. Tablespoon.
The spoon is 7 3/4" long and is silver plate (not solid silver); maker-marked on neck "ONEIDA COMMUNITY - RELIANCE PLATE."  Oneida Community started production of silver-plated flatware and hollowware in 1899.
Front of handle stamped: "MED DEPT USA."  Back of handle nicely engraved: "Sgt R.D. Broyles Co. G / 118. Inf. 30 Div. A.E.F. / 1917-18' 19'."  Light tarnish, plus some tiny dings and scratches consistent with use; very nice overall.
Research on Ancestry confirms the accuracy of the information engraved on the spoon.  Robert Douglas Broyles (1886-1961) was from Anderson, South Carolina.  He enlisted on 18 Sept. 1917 in Co. G., 118th Infantry, 30th Infantry Division.  He served in France, and received an h
onorable discharge on 31 March 1919, holding the rank of Sergeant.
Interestingly, an Ancestry source lists his rank as "MESE" Sergeant.  This likely is a typo intended to read "MESS" Sergeant.  If so, this would explain the spoon's significance as a memento of his service in France.
Please inspect photos carefully.
All of my research from Ancestry is included.