1st Marine Division Korea Mementos.

[CtahhR]

Here is a group of four items brought back by an old leatherneck from Korea, which lay in his footlocker until about 7 years ago.

 

As a fairly avid collector of DPRK awards I was very happy to snap up these "spoils" for about $2 a piece.

 

These were most likely captured during the push north after the DPRK's thrust was checked around Pusan, as they are nice early pieces (1948-1950).

 

It is unlikely that all of the awards came from a single recipient.

 

Firstly Military Merit Medal #1.

[CtahhR]

Military Merit Medal #16383 (which no doubt didn't spend much time on its recipient's chest)

[CtahhR]

Industrial Exemplary Worker Badge #1205.

 

[CtahhR]

Exemplary Transportation Worker Badge #87.

 

Not a bad collection of mementos of the swift advance northwards, before the less advantageous war of attrition.

 

These earlier DPRK pieces are rarely seen in the "west" as there isn't the open market. The constant presence of Korea in the news certainly increases interest in their awards and a general curiosity of the regime.

[Bob Hudson]

Out of the ordinary, to say the least.

[huntssurplus]

Very cool. Thanks for sharing.

 

Hunt

[Fritz]

Very nice! Ya don't see Korean stuff that often

 

Fritz

[katieony]

Interesting group of bring-backs!

[Simon Lerenfort]

Would be interesting to attempt to find out more about who they were awarded to. Perhaps not an easy proposition given the current state of things out in the Far Far East.

[Captainofthe7th]

Beautiful pieces and great connection. You could likely at least determine the KPA unit the soldier was with. I'm sure reference the Marine's unit to war diaries will give you an idea.

 

Rob

[panzer 1]

Interesting group, thanks for sharing it!