Wharfmaster Posted September 20, 2015 Share #1 Posted September 20, 2015 In 1942, the Navy decided to suspend the awarding of named Good Conduct Medals for the duration of the war. However, a number were issued prior to the suspension. Jim was serving aboard the Oiler Sepulga at sea when Pearl Harbor was attacked. Fortunately, the vessel did not arrive at Pearl until mid-month with her vital cargo. She would discharge her tanks of fuel oil to Carriers Lexington, Saratoga and Enterprise. What service they would see. After serving in Sepulga, Jim would return to the Pacific two more times aboard PC- 623 and then USS Grafton. He would finish the war with the Rate of CMM. Jim received his Hon. Discharge aboard Sepulga on 20 April 1942 and Reenlisted the next day for another 4 years. The GCM would have been engraved sometime after that date. Perhaps this was the last or one of the last engraved WW2 GCMs If you have a 1942 engraved GCM or engraved 1942 Award Bar in your collection, feel free to add it here. Thanks, Wharf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wharfmaster Posted September 20, 2015 Author Share #2 Posted September 20, 2015 * Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flytiger Posted September 20, 2015 Share #3 Posted September 20, 2015 Nice info. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hink441 Posted September 20, 2015 Share #4 Posted September 20, 2015 Great looking medal Wharf!! I have never seen one hand engraved that late. Thanks for sharing!! I have a 1939 USN GCM and it is stamped not held engraved. I guess mine could possibly be a replacement medal issued at a later date. Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wharfmaster Posted September 20, 2015 Author Share #5 Posted September 20, 2015 Great looking medal Wharf!! I have never seen one hand engraved that late. Thanks for sharing!! I have a 1939 USN GCM and it is stamped not held engraved. I guess mine could possibly be a replacement medal issued at a later date. Chris Thanks much Chris. I have a few pre-1942 impressed/stamped replacement GCMs in my collection, one to a P.O.W. Wharf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aerialbridge Posted September 21, 2015 Share #6 Posted September 21, 2015 Very nice and uncommon, Wharf. I think the latest engraved planchet I have is 1941. Thanks for sharing. Best to you, AB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wharfmaster Posted September 21, 2015 Author Share #7 Posted September 21, 2015 Thanks very much AB ! Regards, Wharf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce Linz Posted September 21, 2015 Share #8 Posted September 21, 2015 Here is a 1942 engraved Navy Good Conduct Medal named to Walter Lee Tholl. Tholl enlisted 26 January 1938 in Des Moines, Iowa. During his first enlistment he served aboard USS SARATOGA (CV-5) and USS AUGUSTA (CA-31) as a Storekeeper. While aboard AUGUSTA he extended his enlistment for a period of two years on 24 January 1942. In May 1942 he transferred to USS PONTICA (AF-20) and while there was appointed Acting Pay Clerk on 23 September 1943 and retained on board. He was commissioned on 13 July 1944 and retired from the Navy in April 1958. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce Linz Posted September 21, 2015 Share #9 Posted September 21, 2015 Close-up of engraving. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KASTAUFFER Posted September 21, 2015 Share #10 Posted September 21, 2015 Here is one of mine to a Pearl Harbor survivor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USMCR79 Posted September 25, 2015 Share #11 Posted September 25, 2015 Here are a few 1942 Medals and one with a 1942 Bar Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USMCR79 Posted September 25, 2015 Share #12 Posted September 25, 2015 One More Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wharfmaster Posted September 27, 2015 Author Share #13 Posted September 27, 2015 Thanks much guys for adding you 1942 GCMs. I discovered that I have a total of nine sailors with 1942 GCMs or bars. The latest 1942 issue I have is this bar, awarded to a sailor that completed his enlistment on 15 June. However, I don't have his medal. It would appear the issue of Navy GCMs stopped some time after mid-year. Hope we get a few more. Wharf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wharfmaster Posted September 27, 2015 Author Share #14 Posted September 27, 2015 Reverse. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wharfmaster Posted April 7, 2020 Author Share #15 Posted April 7, 2020 ^ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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