Navy Cross & PH KIA

[manayunkman]

Here is a medal grouping that I got at a yard sale in the early 90's. I had to ask several times in several different ways before someone went into the house and brought these out. They would not let go of the documents nor would they show me. The N.C. and P.H. were posthumously to US Marine Corps Staff Sargent Thomas J. Allen. Killed May 23, 1945 on Okinawa. The family told me that he jumped on a grenade to save his buddies. Can anyone shed some light on this story. I've been wondering about these medals for years. :think:

[tom2001]

*ALLEN, THOMAS JOSEPH

Citation:

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Thomas Joseph Allen (350828), Staff Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Company C, First Battalion, Fourth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 23 May 1945. Volunteering to act as an ammunition carrier for a machine-gun squad in his company, Staff Sergeant Allen and three of his comrades sustained wounds when the unit was pinned down by heavy hostile mortar and automatic weapons fire. Deliberately exposing himself to the shattering Japanese concentrations to bring down more effective fire upon the enemy, he staunchly remained in his vulnerable position and, although receiving mortal wounds, continued to deliver covering fire upon the hostile positions until the three casualties had been safely evacuated. By his indomitable fighting spirit and courageous devotion to duty, Staff Sergeant Allen undoubtedly saved the lives of his three comrades and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Commander in Chief, Pacific Forces: Serial 36935-46 (November 14, 1946)

Born: at Pennsylvania Home Town: Catasauqua, Pennsylvania

[manayunkman]

Here is the reverse image.

[manayunkman]

*ALLEN, THOMAS JOSEPH

Citation:

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Thomas Joseph Allen (350828), Staff Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Company C, First Battalion, Fourth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 23 May 1945. Volunteering to act as an ammunition carrier for a machine-gun squad in his company, Staff Sergeant Allen and three of his comrades sustained wounds when the unit was pinned down by heavy hostile mortar and automatic weapons fire. Deliberately exposing himself to the shattering Japanese concentrations to bring down more effective fire upon the enemy, he staunchly remained in his vulnerable position and, although receiving mortal wounds, continued to deliver covering fire upon the hostile positions until the three casualties had been safely evacuated. By his indomitable fighting spirit and courageous devotion to duty, Staff Sergeant Allen undoubtedly saved the lives of his three comrades and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Commander in Chief, Pacific Forces: Serial 36935-46 (November 14, 1946)

Born: at Pennsylvania Home Town: Catasauqua, Pennsylvania

 

Boy that was quick. Thanks a million. Years of wondering are now over.

[JBFloyd]

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Thomas Joseph Allen (MCSN: 350828), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Company C, First Battalion, Fourth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 23 May 1945. Volunteering to act as an ammunition carrier for a machine-gun squad in his company, Staff Sergeant Allen and three of his comrades sustained wounds when the unit was pinned down by heavy hostile mortar and automatic weapons fire. Deliberately exposing himself to the shattering Japanese concentrations to bring down more effective fire upon the enemy, he staunchly remained in his vulnerable position and, although receiving mortal wounds, continued to deliver covering fire upon the hostile positions until the three casualties had been safely evacuated. By his indomitable fighting spirit and courageous devotion to duty, Staff Sergeant Allen undoubtedly saved the lives of his three comrades and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

General Orders: Commander in Chief Pacific Forces: Serial 36935-46 (November 14, 1946)

Action Date: 23-May-45

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Staff Sergeant

Company: Company C

Battalion: 1st Battalion

Regiment: 4th Marines

Division: 6th Marine Division

[manayunkman]

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Thomas Joseph Allen (MCSN: 350828), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Company C, First Battalion, Fourth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 23 May 1945. Volunteering to act as an ammunition carrier for a machine-gun squad in his company, Staff Sergeant Allen and three of his comrades sustained wounds when the unit was pinned down by heavy hostile mortar and automatic weapons fire. Deliberately exposing himself to the shattering Japanese concentrations to bring down more effective fire upon the enemy, he staunchly remained in his vulnerable position and, although receiving mortal wounds, continued to deliver covering fire upon the hostile positions until the three casualties had been safely evacuated. By his indomitable fighting spirit and courageous devotion to duty, Staff Sergeant Allen undoubtedly saved the lives of his three comrades and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

General Orders: Commander in Chief Pacific Forces: Serial 36935-46 (November 14, 1946)

Action Date: 23-May-45

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Staff Sergeant

Company: Company C

Battalion: 1st Battalion

Regiment: 4th Marines

Division: 6th Marine Division

 

Thanks Jeff. You guys are on this.

[manayunkman]

Does anyone know who these medals are made by ? Thanks

 

M.

[Teamski]

Beautiful group. It is a royal shame it got split up.

 

-Ski

[tom2001]

Boy that was quick. Thanks a million. Years of wondering are now over.

 

Google is your friend.

 

Try typing in:

 

thomas j allen marine raider

 

for a little surprise!!

[mes]

Amazing group to a gallant and heroic Marine.You should send to st. louis for his records.

[manayunkman]

Google is your friend.

 

Try typing in:

 

thomas j allen marine raider

 

for a little surprise!!

 

I have had this group for years and never imagined that it belonged to a Marine Raider. I am blown away. Happy as.....

 

Thanks Tom for doing what I should have done.

 

M.

[tarbridge]

Now that is a group to find.Robert

[scottplen]

wow a yard sale find!!! :thumbsup:

[Jack's Son]

Great Work TOM!! :thumbsup:

[dhcoleterracina]

These medals were made under contract by the US Mint, nice pair.

[DakotaDave]

Incredible, an outstanding pair. What an honor it must be to have them.

 

DakotaDave

[Jack's Son]

I realize this is trivial, but does anyone else recognize anything "unusual" about the planchet of the NC ?? :think:

[KASTAUFFER]

I realize this is trivial, but does anyone else recognize anything "unusual" about the planchet of the NC ?? :think:

 

Other than someone flipped it backwards?

 

Kurt

[Jack's Son]

Other than someone flipped it backwards?

Kurt

That's it Kurt!

[Mach]

Wow, and I will say that again. WOW!

Great group :thumbsup:

[Corpsmancollector]

Wow, this is fantastic. What a grouping to a very courageous Marine!

 

Will

[BigJohn#3RD]

One Hard Core Marine who gave all for our freedom. :salute:

John

[ww1collector]

A group to be treasured! Dave

[dg0223]

What I don't understand is why the family would not want to sell the paperwork/citations that went along with the medals. I know trying to understand someone's motives behind doing something is like trying to understand quantum physics, but if someone is going to part with the medals, why wouldn't they part with the paperwork? If there is some sort of sentimental attachment to the stuff, why sell the medals in the first place?

 

Again, I guess I'm just banging my head as to why someone would deny someone else the opportunity to preserve a grouping in tact instead of letting the medals go without anything else.

 

Really nice medals, by the way.

[MWalsh]

Here is the reverse image.

 

I have never owned a USMC KIA Purple Heart named to a Staff Sergeant before, nor do I recall having seen one.

 

I was surprised to see how Staff Sergeant was abbreviated. I guess I maybe would have expected S Sgt or maybe SSGT I guess?

 

Can anyone else weigh on on if this was the standard way / typically seen way normally used to engrave that rank on USMC named Purple Hearts?

 

Glad that you were able to give this set a good home.

 

MW