USMC Mameluke to a Maj with 5 DFCs,14AM, and Korean POW

[stucky151]

I recently picked up a freat little grouping, this is just his sword as of now.

Named to Byron B.E.S.W.I.C.K. He recoeved two DFCs in WW2 and his last three from Korea. He was an F4U pilot with the death rattlers. There is a ton of info on the web about him.

[stucky151]

The blade is hallmarked H&H and is made by the Lilley-Ames Co.

[stucky151]

Great shot of the engraving on the scabbard and his name on the blade.

[stucky151]

This is the only photo I have found of him, but the search continues!

[stucky151]

 

Distinguished Flying Cross

See more recipients of this award

 

Awarded for actions during the World War II

 

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Byron H. Beswick (MCSN: 0-29003), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Marshall Islands Area from 14 to 25 August 1944. First Lieutenant Beswick completed twenty flights in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.

 

General Orders: Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 8490 (September 23, 1947)

 

Action Date: August 14 - 25, 1944

 

Service: Marine Corps

 

Rank: First Lieutenant

 

 

Distinguished Flying Cross

See more recipients of this award

 

Awarded for actions during the World War II

 

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Byron H. Beswick (MCSN: 0-29003), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Marshall Islands Area from 16 to 26 November 1944. First Lieutenant Beswick completed his fortieth flight in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.

 

General Orders: Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 8490 (September 23, 1947)

 

Action Date: November 16 - 26, 1944

 

Service: Marine Corps

 

Rank: First Lieutenant

 

 

Distinguished Flying Cross

See more recipients of this award

 

Awarded for actions during the Korean War

 

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Byron H. Beswick (MCSN: 0-29003), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against the North Korean forces on 3 September 1950, during the defense of the perimeter along the Naktong River. Captain Beswick led his section on repeated rocket and strafing runs on enemy troops along levees, in buildings, and in rice paddies, which were holding up the advance of friendly troops west of Yongsan. Captain Beswick's section was required to make extremely low strafing runs in the face of intense small arms and anti-aircraft fire in order to observe their targets. He obtained four direct hits with five inch rockets on a large warehouse serving as a fuel storage dump, completely destroying it together with a number of adjacent buildings. As a result of the attacks, at least one hundred fifty enemy troops were killed and the survivors were forced to retreat from the area in a disorganized manner. His outstanding airmanship and aggressive actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

 

General Orders: Commander Naval Forces Far East: Serial 1311 (February 15, 1951)

 

Action Date: September 3, 1950

 

Service: Marine Corps

 

Rank: Captain

 

Company: Marine Fighting Squadron 323 (VMF-323)

 

 

Distinguished Flying Cross

See more recipients of this award

 

Awarded for actions during the Korean War

 

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Byron H. Beswick (MCSN: 0-29003), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a pilot attached to Marine Fighting Squadron THREE HUNDED TWENTY-THREE (VMF-323), based aboard the U.S.S. BADOENG STRAIT (CVE-116), from 3 September 1950 to 9 November 1950. During this period of time Captain Beswick completed his first through thirty-fifth missions in close support of ground forces, destroying and inflicting great damage to concentrations of North Korean vehicles, material, and personnel, thereby contributing effectively to the defense of South Korea. By his airmanship and devotion to duty in the face of enemy anti-aircraft fire he contributed materially to the success of his squadron. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

 

Action Date: September 3 - November 9, 1950

 

Service: Marine Corps

 

Rank: Captain

 

Company: Marine Fighting Squadron 323 (VMF-323)

 

Division: U.S.S. Badoeng Strait (CVE-116)

 

Distinguished Flying Cross

See more recipients of this award

 

Awarded for actions during the Korean War

 

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth Gold Star in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Byron H. Beswick (MCSN: 0-29003), United States Marine Corps, for heroism while participating in aerial flight against the enemy during the attack on enemy vehicles and supplies at the town of Hoeyang, Korea, on 20 April 1951. Captain Beswick organized, planned, and led his strike under extremely adverse weather conditions which included letting down through an overcast to the target over hazardous mountain terrain, and exposing himself to possible enemy anti-aircraft fire under the low ceiling. Captain Beswick, without regard for his own safety, led extremely low level strafing and level bombing attacks, necessitated by the low ceiling. Concussion from their bomb drops jarred their planes as they made their runs. An estimated fifteen trucks were destroyed and ten damaged. Several trucks loaded with inflammables were seen to explode. Before retiring from the target, when he had expended all of his ammunition, Captain Beswick called the succeeding flight, and directed them into the target area, where they found and destroyed nineteen more vehicles. His aggressive leadership, efficient action and fearless devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

 

Action Date: April 20, 1951

 

Service: Marine Corps

 

Rank: Captain

 

 

Prisoner of War Medal

See more recipients of this award

 

Awarded for actions during the Korean War

 

Captain Byron H. Beswick (MCSN: 0-29003), United States Marine Corps, was held as a Prisoner of War after he was shot down and captured during the Korean War on 2 May 1951 and was held until his release on 6 September 1953.

 

General Orders: NARA Database: Repatriated Korean Conflict Prisoners of War, 7/5/1950 - 10/6/1954

 

Action Date: May 2, 1951 - September 6, 1953

 

Service: Marine Corps

 

Rank: Captain

 

Battalion: Marine Fighting Squadron 323 (VFM-323)

 

Division: Prisoner of War (Korean War)

[stucky151]

Here is a write up when he was shot down and taken by the North Koreans.

[stucky151]

.

[stucky151]

.

[stucky151]

.

[stucky151]

And its new display place with the collection.

[Terry K.]

i ALWAYS LOVED THOSE SWORDS

[sundance]

That is some service record and a great sword.