The Second World War North-West Europe operations honorary D.C.M. awarded to Staff Sergeant R. F. Kommer, United States Army, who was also a recipient of the American D.S.C.

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.VI.R. (S. Sjt. R. F. Kommer, U.S. Army), extremely fine £2500-3000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Ron Penhall Collection.

View
Collection

One of 53 honorary D.C.Ms awarded to men of the United States Army in the 1939-45 War (Abbot and Tamplin refer).

Raymond F. Kommer entered military service in Ohio and was serving in the 121st Infantry Regiment, 8th Infantry Division, United States Army, when awarded the American D.S.C. for bravery in operations in Germany in December 1944 - which deeds most probably resulted in him being awarded his honorary D.C.M. The official citation for the former states:

‘On 25 December 1944, in Germany, Sergeant Kommer, a squad leader, moved ahead of his pinned-down squad in the face of artillery, mortar and machine-gun fire toward enemy positions. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, he moved to within an arm’s length of the enemy machine-gun position and when the enemy gunner momentarily halted his fire, Sergeant Kommer reached into the nest and pulled the gun from the gunner’s hands. This daringly courageous act so demoralised the enemy that they immediately retreated through their escape trenches. The extraordinary heroism and courageous actions of Sergeant Kommer reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service’ (General Orders, No. 61, H.Q. Ninth United States Army refer).