LEGION of MERIT--Showcase

[FlyNavy02]

Hi Mike,

 

Thanks for your observations, very informative and just what I was looking for.

 

Regards,

Jay

[S1991]

Hi all,

 

Does anyone know if Legion of Merit numbered #8162 is traceable? Any information would be welcome.

Supposedly it is attributed to Lieutenant Colonel Raymond L. Bryan whom served with the 88th Infantry Division in WWII.

 

However so far I haven't been able to find anything that proofs he served with that unit. Let alone this man existing. So any and all information is welcome!

 

Thank you!

[skylog6]

On 5/1/2010 at 11:54 AM, 12A54 said:

I really like the way you have these mounted.

 

[skylog6]

This is the only LOM in my collection. It is numbered 14505. I’ve seen references to manufacturers in this thread. Is there a listing by number somewhere? I have seen the list posted by medalmulisha on his website, but it does not help me with this medal. Appreciate any assistance.

 

Thanks,

 

Bill

[Dave]

6 hours ago, skylog6 said:

This is the only LOM in my collection. It is numbered 14505. I’ve seen references to manufacturers in this thread. Is there a listing by number somewhere? I have seen the list posted by medalmulisha on his website, but it does not help me with this medal. Appreciate any assistance.

 

Thanks,

 

Bill

 

Unfortunately, no. There's no listing of numbers and/or corresponding manufacturers or recipients. 

[Spartan19]

I no longer own this group however Here's a rare Legion of merit Awarded to a Enlisted men.

 

By direction of the president Sgt John P Delaney of New Bedford Mass has been awarded the Legion of merit by headquarters Mediterranean theater of operations for exceptionally meritorious conduct in performance of outstanding service in italy with the 88th blue devil division division of the 5th army. Presentation of of the nation's fourth highest award was made by brigadier general Paul W Kendall of Palo Alto Cal commanding general of the 88th division who pinned the medal on Sgt Delaney at a formal ceremony at the division forward command post 

The official citation accompanying the medal signed by lieutenant general Joseph T McNarney theater commander and read by Colonel R J McBride of New London Conn 88th chief of staff stated the award was given for exceptionally meritorious conduct in performance of outstanding service in Italy from March 1st to Sept 9 1944 as a non commissioned officer in charge of the division public relations section of the 88th infantry division Sgt Delaney played a significant role in the maintenance of division morale at a high level by the splendid publicity which under his conscientious direction reached the home town press of the division troops in abundant quantities displaying a superior ability for organization Sgt Delaney trained and supervised a group of correspondents one with each major division unit in such manner that maximum coverage of all potential news stories was obtained. So great was the volume of material that passed through Delaney's section that during the first three months of its operation the section led all 5th army division unit public relations sections in output. In all by his outstanding initiative and resourcefulness in a position of unusual responsibility for a enlisted man Sgt Delaney played a important part in guaranteeing that the 88th infantry division received the publicity commensurate with its deeds in combat. Entering the army in June 1942 Sgt Delaney joined the 88th at camp Gruber Okla in july of that year and has been with the division since. He came overseas in November 1943 landing in north Africa and came to Italy in February 1944 he has served with the 88th during its smash up the Italian peninsula from garigliano river to the last peaks before the po valley.

[Spartan19]

Here's another Legion of merit group that I used to own

 

Ransom Kirby Davis was born in Humboldt, Nebraska, on August 27, 1897. He was attending University of Florida when appointed a mid- shipman from Florida, and entered the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland, in June, 1917. Graduated and commissioned Ensign in June, 1920, with the Class of 1921, he attained the rank of Captain to date from June 20, 1942. He was transferred to the Retired List of the Navy on June 30, 1950, and advanced to Rear Admiral on the basis of combat awards.

 

Upon detachment from the Naval Academy in 1920, he was assigned for one year to the USS IDAHO and served oonsecutively until July, 1925 in the destroyers WILLIAM JONES, KENNEDY, KENNISON, and CORRY. He returned to the Naval Academy in August, 1925, for instruction at the Postgraduate School for one year, and the next school year he attended Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, to continue instruction in Radio Engineering.

 

From October, 1927 to July, 1930 he had duty as Aide and Division Radio Officer consecutively on the staff of Commander (Light) Cruiser Division 3, Scouting Fleet, USS DETROIT, flagship, and Commander Cruiser Division 2, Scouting Fleet, UBS TRENTON, flagship. Returning to shore duty, he was assigned to the Navy Department, Washington, D.C Office of the Judge Advocate General, for duty, and attended post graduate courses in Law for the three years, July, 1930 to June, 1933 while in Washington.

 

In July, 1933 he joined the USS NEW ORLEANS and served aboard until June, 1937. He then returned to the Navy Department, Office of the Judge Advocate General, for a tour of two years. In June, 1939, he assumed command of the USS WORDEN, two years later transferring to the USS BOREAS in command until May, 1942. The last six months of 1942 he was under instruction at the Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island, and in December, 1942 he was assigned as Commanding Of- fioer of the Naval Training School for Women Reserves at Iowa State College, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

 

When detached in April, 1943, he joined the staff of Commander Amphibious Forces, Atlantic Fleet, and served in that duty until Feb- ruary, 1944, in the European War area. He was awarded the Legion of Merit with combat distinguishing device V, the citation stating in part: "For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff to a Naval Task Force Commander during the invasion of the Island of Sicily, August 8 and 11, 1943. . (He) skillfully assisted in the planning and subsequent execution of the vital landing opera- tions behind enemy lines at Terranova, Sardinia, and lator at Brolo, Sicily, thereby contributing materially to the rapid and successful advance of the SEVENTH Army toward Messina,"

 

He then became Chief of Staff and Aide to Commander, Cruiser Div- ision 8, and served until November, 1944. He received the Gold Star in lieu of the second Legion of Merit, with combat V, tho oitation stating: "For exceptionally meritorious conduct phibious invasion of Southern France in August, 1944. during the am- Effectively coordinating the activities of the Staff administrative and planning " - agencies during the preparations for the assault and bombardment support operations... By his knowledge of amphibious warfare, he aided in placing the assault and support units in a high state of combat readiness and in affecting the initial establishment of the beachhead and attack on the coastal defenses commanding the approaches to the ports of Toulon and Marseilles. . .

 

Returning to the Navy Department in November, 1944, he reported to the Bureau of Naval Personnel, and was assigned duty in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations until January, 1945. He then had orders to duty as Senior U.S. Naval Liaison Officer, India-Burma Theatre, with headquarters in New Delhi, India. He received a Letter of Commendation from the Secretary of the Navy "For exceptionally meritorious services," and also stating that during his incumbency of that office, he performed his duties with devotion and loyalty, and with rare administrative efficiency and ability..."

 

In October, 1945 he had orders returning him to the Navy Departnent, and thereafter was assigned to the Office of Naval Intelligence antil July, 1948. The following month he was ordered to duty as Professor of Naval Science, Stanford University, California, and con- tinued to serve until June 30, 1950 when his retirement became offective.

 

In addition to the Legion of Merit and Gold Star in lieu of a second Logion of Merit, both with Combat V, and the Commendation Ribbon, Rear Admiral Davis has the Victory Medal; the American Defense Service Medal, Fleet Clasp; American Campaign Medal; European-African- Middle Eastern Campaign Medal; Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal; and World War II Victory Medal.

 

His wife is the former Miss Marjorie Kohlman of Vancouver, B.C. Their usual residence is Gainesville, Florida. His current home is at 1140 San Mateo Drive, Menlo Park, California.

 

THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY WASHINGTON

 

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the LEGION OF MERIT to

 

CAPTAIN RANSOM KERBY DAVIS UNITED STATES NAVY

 

For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff to a Naval Task Force Commander during the invasion of the Island of Sicily, August 8 and 11, 1943.. (He) skillfully assisted in the planning and subsequent execution of the vital landing operations behind enemy lines at Terranova, Sardinia, and lator at Brolo, Sicily, thereby contributing materially to the rapid and successful advance of the SEVENTH Army toward Messina,"

 

Captain Davis is authorized to wear the Combat "V"

 

THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY

 

WASHINGTON

 

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the GOLD STAR in lieu of the Second LEGION OF MERIT to

 

CAPTAIN RANSOM KERBY DAVIS UNITED STATES NAVY

 

CITATION:

 

"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff of a Naval Task Force Command, prior to and during the amphibious invasion of Southern France in August 1944. Effectively coordinating the activities of the staff administrative and planning agencies during the prepar- ations for the assault and bombardment support operations, Captain Davie displayed ability in solving problems arising from the large-scale nature of these operations. By his knowledge of amphibious warfare, he aided in placing the assault and support units in a high states of combat readiness and in affecting the initial establishment of the beachhead and attack on the coastal defenses commanding the approaches to the ports of Toulon end Marseilles. His leadership and devotion to duty throughout reflect the highest credit upon Captain Davis and the United States Naval Service."

 

Captain Davis is authorized to wear the Combat "V"

 

THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY WASHINGTON

 

The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in commending

 

CAPTAIN RANSOM K. DAVIS UNITED STATES NAVY

 

for service as set forth in the following

 

CITATION:

 

"For outstanding performance of duty as Senior United States Naval Liaison Officer, India-Burma Theater, from November 22, 1944, to September 29, 1945. Instrumental in establishing this new office at New Delhi, India, Captain Davis capably administered the affairs of Naval intelligence and, as Officer in Charge of the Naval Section of the Joint Intelligence Collection Agency, Burma, India, and Southeast Asia, was responsible for collecting extensive and accurate information of paramount interest and inestimable value to the United States Navy in the planning of operations. In addition, he represented the United States Navy in all official negotiations with other United States and foreign agencies in the India- Burma Theater, particularly in Lend Lease and Reciprocal Aid Negotiations with representatives of the Governments of Britain, India and Ceylon. His leadership, diplomacy and untiring devotion to the responsibilities of his position reflect great credit upon Captain Davis and the United States Naval Service."

 

A copy of this citation has been made a part of Captain Davis' official record and he is hereby authorized to wear the Commendation Ribbon.

 

Award of- Navy Unit Commendation.

 

The U.S.S. PHILADELPHIA has been awarded the Navy Unit Commendation for outstanding service during the period from Ene 9 July 1943 to 19 September 1943. By virtue of your service in this unit during the above period you are authorized to wear the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon transmitted herewith.

 

This authorization has been made a part of your official record in the Bureau of Naval Personnel.

 

CAPTAIN R. K. DAVIS

 

"Displayed outstanding military qualities during the landing operations of Provence in August 1944 and played a very conspicuous part in the notable success of these operations."

 

This citation carries the award of the Croix de Guerre with Silver Star.

[Spartan19]

This is one of my Favorite Ribbon Bars that I have ever owned and it's one of the items I wish I had never sold. This ribbon bar is Named to Colonel Frederick Richard Dowsett USMC and he has one of the coolest Legion of merit citations I have come across. 

 

In the name of the President of the United States, the Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, takes pleasure in awarding the LEGION OF MERIT to LIEUTENANT COLONEL. FREDERICK R. DOWSETT

 

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

 

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Colonel Frederick Richard Dowsett (MCSN: 0-5284), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service while serving initially in the dual capacity of Assistant Chief of Staff, G-5, and assistant to the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3), and later as the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3, with a Marine Division from January 1944 to December 1945. In each of his assignments during this twenty-three month period, Lieutenant Colonel Dowsett exhibited the highest degree of professional knowledge and leadership. Starting with raw recruits and a sprinkling of combat seasoned veterans, he instituted a training program which molded the Division into a highly efficient fighting unit. His keen analysis of the requirements for combating the enemy cave tactics led to the development of assault squads and for prescribing universal training within the Division in demolitions and flame throwing tactics. The detailed plans which he prepared for the assault on Iwo Jima, and the contemplated assault on Kyushu and the occupation of Kyushu, were masterpieces of thoroughness and skillful coordination. The manner in which he completed the training of the air, naval gunfire, and artillery specialists and molded them into an operating unit within his section contributed largely to the success of the Iwo Jima campaign. As an advisor to the Commanding General in all matters which pertained to preparing the Division for combat, its employment in combat, and in enforcing the terms of the surrender of Japan, he showed outstanding judgment, superior professional skill and rare foresight. Throughout this long period, his actions were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

[vfmr]

Hi mates, 

 

Here is my Legion of merit, chief commander.

 

Made in silver by BB&B and numbered 57.

 

I have seen some of them in coffin cases, and according to the book "Call of Duty", 200 first made were numbered, but maker mark was different (on top). Could you give me some information about the period of manufacture? and if possible, do you know if it's possible to research the award by the number?

 

Thanks for your time!

[bulldog06]

Thanks for posting this medal. I don't know of any list of awardees by number.

 

I believe you have one of the first 200 medals made by BB&B in 1943.

 

BB&B used different markings on these medals. I have a one piece prototype unnumbered medal and a picture of #73, both marked BB&B CO STERLING at the 6 o'clock position, just like yours.

 

COD shows #101 numbered and marked at the 12 o'clock position.

 

I have #82 and #209, and pictures of #161 and #166 all numbered at 12 o'clock and marked BAILEY BANKS & BIDDLE CO PHILADELPHIA STERLING.

 

very nice medal.

Mike

[vfmr]

Hi Mike,

 

Thank you! I very appreciate your comments, I have seeing different marks, that what make me little confused about.

 

If this is a 1943 piece, then is a very valuable medal and I will keep in my collection, I tried to find more on the internet, but nothing for sale with this marks and numbered.

 

Victor

 

[Dave]

7 hours ago, vfmr said:

Hi Mike,

 

Thank you! I very appreciate your comments, I have seeing different marks, that what make me little confused about.

 

If this is a 1943 piece, then is a very valuable medal and I will keep in my collection, I tried to find more on the internet, but nothing for sale with this marks and numbered.

 

Victor

 

 

Yours is a particularly nice example of the early LOM. I sold one a couple of years ago for $1100 US that was in lesser condition.