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Shanghai Cup Returned
A rather interesting story unfolded recently and we want to share it with all the members of the 31st US Infantry Association.
Mr. David Bates from Raleigh, NC contacted Karl Lowe with the following information:
I recently found at a thrift store here in Raleigh, NC a silver cup with dragon handle, engraved 'MAJ. JOHN F. TROLL EX. O. 31ST INFANTRY' which looks exactly
like the cups in the photos on the 31st's website. I found no reference to lost or missing cups on the website, nor to Major Troll, although it was mentioned that some
new ones with gold lining (this cup is not gold lined) that McArthur had made in 1942 were stolen. Perhaps some officers in Shanghai bought cups of their own, or had
extras made for presentation? Since you are listed as the 31st's historian, I am hoping you may be able to tell me more about this cup and Major Troll.
I am a vet (Army 1981-85, enlisted) and am thinking about giving this to the 31st if it proves to be an original or lost article and they would like to include it in their set.
Regards,
David Bates
Karl's response
David,
After the Korean War, officers of the regiment and its successor battle group and battalions regenerated the tradition of having a replica cup made on the Korean economy to pass to their successors. Silver work was still fairly cheap in Korea during that period but as it became more expensive, the tradition died out. Because the act was voluntary, not all officers bought cups, but some purchased during that era bear the names of the officer who purchased the cup, followed by the name of the successor he passed it to, and so on. In MAJ Troll’s case, he may have taken “his” cup with him when he departed and when his survivors no longer knew its significance, they disposed of it through sale or gift.
While we have an accurate record of all who purchased the original cups in Shanghai and know the names of most officers who served with the regiment right up to its surrender at Bataan, we have no rosters of officers who served with the regiment after 1942. Given the inscription you describe, MAJ Troll was likely the executive officer of one of the regiment’s 3 battalions between the tradition’s rebirth in 1954 and 1957, when regiments were replaced by battle groups. Between 1957 and 1964, the battle group XO would have been a lieutenant colonel. After battle groups were replaced by battalions in 1964, a major could have been the XO of either the 1st or 2nd Battalion until 1971. We have not seen cups purchased after 1971, so the tradition likely died during the time both battalions were temporarily off the active rolls.
Although we cannot ascertain MAJ Troll’s era of service with the 31st Infantry, we would be grateful for the cup’s return to the mixed array in the regiment’s custody. If you are willing to donate it, COL (Ret) Vin Zike is currently our association commander and would see to it that the cup is officially transferred to the 4th Battalion 31st Infantry at Ft Drum, NY, the custodian organization for all of the regiment’s memorabilia. The cup would then be picked up on the unit’s property book as historical property belonging to the regiment for all time.
Did you serve with the 31st Infantry? If so, we’d be delighted to have you as a member. Karl Lowe, Regimental Historian
Vin's Comments
Mr. Bates has, very generously offered to return the cup he purchased to the Army. He will be shipping it to me. We will then present it to the 4/31 senior officer or enlisted, to return it to Ft Drum to be part of the Shanghai Bowl set.
I will send a letter of appreciation to Mr. Bates, on behalf of the membership.
When I talked to Mr. Bates, he explained that he found the cup in a thrift shop, then went on an internet quest to find out more about it. His journey brought him to Karl Lowe, via the web site. We are all most grateful to him for taking the time to find the rightful home of this artifact.
We echo the sentiments expressed by both Karl and Vin comments in our appreciation and thanks to David Bates for his pursuit of the origin of the cup and his generosity in returning the cup to the 31st.
Thank you David!
