Aberdeen Medals

United States: Presidential Unit Citation

An attractive and early Korean War era issue of the 'PUC' insignia

Blue silk 'moire' riband contained within gilt frame. The citation complete with hinged pin & clasp fittings as issued

The insignia is worn on the right breast by recipients of units (United States & Allies) that were collectively decorated with the award of the Presidential Unit Commendation

The Presidential Unit Citation (PUC), originally called the Distinguished Unit Citation, is awarded to units of the uniformed services of the United States, and those of allied countries, for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy on or after 7 December 1941 (the date of the Attack on Pearl Harbor and the start of American involvement in World War II). The unit must display such gallantry, determination, and esprit de corps in accomplishing its mission under extremely difficult and hazardous conditions so as to set it apart from and above other units participating in the same campaign

The collective degree of valor (combat heroism) against an armed enemy by the unit nominated for the PUC is the same as that which would warrant award of the individual award of the Distinguished Service Cross, Air Force Cross or Navy Cross. In some cases, one or more individuals within the unit may have also been awarded individual awards for their contribution to the actions for which their entire unit was awarded a Presidential Unit Citation

The most famous British unit to receive permission to accept and wear - with pride - the United States Presidential Unit Citation was the 1st Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment, a.k.a. 'The Glorious Glosters' for their outstanding service at the Battle of the Imjin (23-25 April, 1951) during the Korean War. The official citation of the award to the Glosters, is quoted in full below:

Quote,

The 1ST BATTALION GLOUCESTERSHIRE REGIMENT, BRITISH ARMY and TROOP C, 170TH INDEPENDENT MORTAR BATTERY, ROYAL ARTILLERY, attached, are cited for exceptionally outstanding performance of duty and extraordinary heroism in action against the armed enemy near Solma-ri, Korea on the 23rd, 24th and 25 April 1951. The 1st BATTALION and TROOP C were defending a very critical sector of the battle front during a determined attack by the enemy. The defending units were overwhelmingly outnumbered. The 83rd Chinese Communist Army drove the full force of its savage assault at the positions held by the 1st BATTALION, GLOUCESTERSHIRE REGIMENT and attached unit. The route of supply ran Southeast from the battalion between two hills. The hills dominated the surrounding terrain northwest to the Imjin River. Enemy pressure built up on the battalion front during the day 23 April. On 24 April the weight of the attack had driven the right flank of the battalion back. The pressure grew heavier and heavier and the battalion and attached unit were forced into a perimeter defence on Hill 235. During the night, heavy enemy forces had by-passed the staunch defenders and closed all avenues of escape. The courageous soldiers of the battalion and attached unit were holding the critical route selected by the enemy for one column of the general offensive designed to encircle and destroy 1st Corps. These gallant soldiers would not retreat. As they were compressed tighter and tighter in their perimeter defence, they called for close-in air strikes to assist in holding firm. Completely surrounded by tremendous numbers, these indomitable, resolute, and tenacious soldiers fought back with unsurpassed fortitude and courage. As ammunition ran low and the advancing hordes moved closer and closer, these splendid soldiers fought back viciously to prevent the enemy from overrunning the position and moving rapidly to the south. Their heroic stand provided the critically needed time to regroup other 1st Corps units and block the southern advance of the enemy. Time and again efforts were made to reach the battalion, but the enemy strength blocked each effort. Without thought of defeat or surrender, this heroic force demonstrated superb battlefield courage and discipline. Every yard of ground they surrendered was covered with enemy dead until the last gallant soldier of the fighting battalion was over-powered by the final surge of the enemy masses. The 1st BATTALION, GLOUCESTERSHIRE REGIMENT and TROOP C, 170th INDEPENDENT MORTAR BATTERY displayed such gallantry, determination, and esprit de corps in accomplishing their mission under extremely difficult and hazardous conditions as to set them apart and above other units participating in the same battle. Their sustained brilliance in battle, their resoluteness, and extraordinary heroism are in keeping with the finest traditions of the renowned military forces of the British Commonwealth, and reflect unsurpassed credit on these courageous soldiers and their homeland

Unquote.

Condition: GVF

Code: 20811

SOLD

United States Army: Marksman Badge with 'Rifle' qualification clasp (circa 1945-1965)

A Second World War era 'Sterling' silver badge

The insignia complete with hinged pin and intricate drop lock clasp fittings to reverse

The reverse of the badge, and qualification clasp both marked 'Sterling'. The badge additionally marked with makers marks

In the United States Army the 'Marksman Badge' is worn in uniform on the left breast immediately below any medal ribands

Note: Only the United States Navy and United States Coast Guard issue 'medals' for best shots / shooting proficiency - by contrast the United States Army issues 'Badges'. All however are worn on the left breast by the recipient

A good older issue from the era of the Second World War, Korean War and early Vietnam War

Condition: VF

Code: 20791

SOLD

An un-attributed United States Navy medal group to a veteran of the 'Global War on Terrorism'

The medals mounted in the United States Navy style mounted on 2 x overlapping two rows, comprising:

- United States Navy: Achievement Medal. With 3 x 'Gold Stars' emblems
- United States Navy: Long Service Medal with 4 x 'Bronze Star' emblems
- United States: National Defence Medal. With 'Bronze Star'
- United States: War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal & 'Bronze Star'
- USA: War on Terrorism Service Medal (32mm) & 'Bronze Star'
- USA: Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (32mm)
- United States Navy: Expert Pistol Shot Medal

Note: The War on Terrorism & Oustanding Volunteer Service Medals are 'Continental' strikes - and scarce seen

The reverse of the mounted group, complete with pins and clutch back fittings for wear

An attractive contemporary grouping to the United States Navy

Condition: EF

Code: 20773

105.00 GBP

United States: Navy Cross (circa 1991 to present day issue)

With a dark satin finish to medal planchet

Medal with government contractors marks 'P-3O' (for 'Pieces of History', Cave Creek, AZ ) on reverse of 9mm 'crimp' style mounting brooch, in use 'from' circa 1980's tp present day

Medal riband fitted with crimp brooch, which latter has long hinged pin & intricate drop lock clasp fittings on reverse, as issued

Sold together with the hinged case of issue, that contains a companion riband bar and miniature enamelled lapel pin with fittings as issued

A fine example of the type of decoration issued to recipients for acts of gallantry during the Gulf War, Somalia, Iraq War, Afghanistan War and Global War against Terrorism

Important: This is - after the Medal of Honor - the second highest gallantry award in the 'Order of Precedence' of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps & United States Coast Guard. The decoration may be additionally awarded to any USA uniformed personnel from other branches of service, or to foreign allied personnel, who may be serving on attachment with the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps or United States Coast Guard at the time of performing their deed of gallantry

Note: Since it's inception in 1919 (retrospective to include actions from 1917 during the Great War) and through to October 2017, it is estimated that there have been more than 6,300 x awards of the Navy Cross, covering all wars and expeditions fought by the United States including the Great War War and all wars and expeditions since 1917

Condition: About EF

Code: 20752

105.00 GBP

United States of America: Legion of Merit. Grand Commander (or 1st grade) Breast Star. Gilt & enamel

The reverse of the Grand Commander breast star retains the original long hinged pin and clasp fittings as issued

The Legion of Merit (LOM) is a military award of the United States Armed Forces that is given for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements. The decoration is issued to members of the eight uniformed services of the United States as well as to military and political figures of foreign governments

The Legion of Merit can be awarded in five grades or degrees

The Legion of Merit is seventh in the order of precedence of all U.S. military awards and is worn after the Defense Superior Service Medal and before the Distinguished Flying Cross

Amongst the list of British recipients of the Legion of Merit 'Grand Commander' grade are:

- His Majesty King George VI
- Field Marshal Sir William Slim
- Field Marshal Sir Bernard Montgomery
- Air Marshal Sir Arthur Harris
- Admiral of the Fleet Andrew Cunningham

A most impressive item of United States insignia

Condition: About EF

Code: 20751

245.00 GBP

United States: Navy Distinguished Service Medal. Gilt and enamel (Post 1990 issue)

Type of decoration issued to United States Navy & United States Marine Corps personnel who have been recommended for deeds performed in campaigns and conflicts since 1990, including Gulf War, Somalia, Iraq War, Afghanistan War and the Global War Against Terrorism

This is the fourth highest ranking decoration awarded to the USN and USMC, it is ranked immediately before the 'Silver Star'

The medal riband is fitted with a 9mm crimp-brooch, this with Federal Contractors hallmark 'LIGI' on reverse of brooch. Complete with long hinged pin & intricate drop lock clasp fittings on reverse, as issued

The Navy Distinguished Service Medal was first created in 1919 and is presented to sailors and marines to recognize distinguished and exceptionally meritorious service to the United States while serving in a duty or position of great responsibility

The Navy Distinguished Service Medal is bestowed upon members of the Navy or Marine Corps who distinguish themselves by exceptionally meritorious service to the United States government in a duty of great responsibility. To justify this decoration, exceptional performance of duty must be clearly above that normally expected, and contributes to the success of a major command or project. Generally, the Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to officers in principal commands at sea, or in the field, whose service is of a manner to justify the award. However, this does not preclude the award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to any individual who meets the service requirements. The term "great responsibility" implies senior military responsibility, and the decoration is normally only bestowed to senior Navy flag officers and Marine Corps general officers, or extremely senior enlisted positions such as the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy or the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps. In rare instances, it has also been awarded to Navy captains and Marine Corps colonels, typically those in positions of significant responsibility in direct support of senior flag and general officers, and then only by exception (usually at retirement)

With good gilt frosted finish with only minor wear to enamel on obverse lower legend band

Condition: Minor scuffs GVF

Code: 20750

65.00 GBP

United States: Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

A contemporary issue of the type awarded for Gulf War, Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan & the Global War Against Terrorism

This is the fourth highest ranking decoration awarded to the USAF and USSF, it is ranked immediately before the 'Silver Star'

The medal riband is fitted with a 9mm crimp-brooch, this with Federal Contractors hallmark 'Graco GI' on reverse of brooch. Complete with long hinged pin & intricate drop lock clasp fittings on reverse, as issued

The Air Force Distinguished Service Medal (AFDSM) is a military decoration of the United States Air Force and United States Space Force and is presented to airmen and guardians to recognize distinguished and exceptionally meritorious service to the United States while serving in a duty or position of great responsibility. The Air Force Distinguished Service Medal was created by an act of the United States Congress on July 6, 1960 and was first awarded in 1965. Prior to the creation of the Distinguished Service Medal in 1960, United States Air Force airmen were awarded the Army Distinguished Service Medal

The interpretation of the phrase "great responsibility" means that this medal is generally awarded only to officers who hold at least the rank of major general. However, as is customary for most military decorations, the requirements for the Distinguished Service Medal are interpreted more liberally when awarded upon retirement. As a result, it is the typical decoration for a retiring brigadier general, and in recent years it has also been awarded to the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force upon retirement. Cases of the award of this decoration to an individual who was not a general officer, or the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, are unusual. Two notable exceptions are astronauts Colonel Buzz Aldrin and Colonel David Scott (who flew on Gemini 8, Apollo 9, and Apollo 15) who was awarded the medal twice

Condition: About EF

Code: 20749

65.00 GBP

United States: Presidential Medal for Merit (Instituted 1945). Gilt & enamel

Important: The medal only awarded 1942-1952

The silk corded riband fitted with a 12mm unmarked crimp-brooch issued circa 1945-1952. The brooch retaining the original long-hinged pin with intricate drop-lock & clasp fittings

The Medal for Merit was created by Public Law 77-671 and its awarding codified by Executive Order 9286 - Medal for Merit on December 24, 1942, later amended and restated by Executive Order 9857A of May 27, 1947. Created during World War II, and awarded to "civilians of the nation's prosecuting the war under the joint declaration of the United Nations and of other friendly foreign nations", the medal has not been awarded since 1952

The Presidential Medal for Merit is one of the highest civilian decorations of the United States. Awarded by the President of the United States to civilians for exceptionally meritorious conduct. At the time, it was the highest award available to civilians. Created during World War II, and awarded to civilians who contributed exceptional services to that war. The medal has not been awarded since 1952. Eligible to receive the medal are civilians of any nation who have rendered exceptional service since the proclamation of an emergency by the President on September 8, 1939. Foreigners who have assisted in the war efforts of the United Nations (as existing on July 20, 1942, which is not the present UN). Proposals are considered by the Medal for Merit Board, numbering three members appointed by the President, of whom one is appointed by the President Chairman of the Board. The medal cannot be awarded for any acts relating to the prosecution of World War II, after the cessation of hostilities (as proclaimed by Proclamation No. 2714 of December 31, 1946), and no proposal for an award for such services could be submitted after June 30, 1947

Civilians of foreign nations could receive the award for the performance of an exceptionally meritorious or courageous act or acts in furtherance of the war efforts of the Allies against the Axis Powers. The first person to receive this medal who was not an American citizen was Edgar Sengier, the director of the Belgian Union Miniere du Haut Katanga during World War II. Sengier was awarded the Medal for Merit on April 9, 1946. The second foreign civilian to receive the medal was the Canadian spymaster William Stephenson in November 1946. Stephenson had the code name "Intrepid" during World War II. Another recipient was Sir Robert Watson-Watt, a British pioneer of radar, who created a chain of radar stations around the UK which enabled advance information to be available to the Royal Air Force of incoming German aircraft and was instrumental in the winning of the 1940 Battle of Britain. He was sent to the US in 1941 to advise on air defense, after Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor. He was awarded the US Medal for Merit in 1946

A very attractive, rare & desirable item of United States insignia - and scarce on the market

Condition: GVF

Code: 20747

175.00 GBP