A ‘D-Day’ Silver Star group of four named to Private First Class Eugenio S. Riojas, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division

Silver Star, reverse obliquely hand engraved, ‘Eugenio S. Riojas’, slot brooch; American Campaign Medal; European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, bronze arrowhead and three bronze stars on ribbon; Victory Medal 1945, nearly extremely fine (4) £800-1000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Named and Attributable American Medal Groups.

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Awarded the Silver Star by General Orders No. 79 of 9 September 1944. ‘Eugenio S. Riojas, 18155171, Private First Class, Company G, 16th Infantry. For gallantry in action in the vicinity of Colleville-sur-Mer, Normandy, France, 6 June 1944. Ignoring intense enemy machine-gun, mortar, and artillery fire directed from strongly fortified positions, Private Riojas, at great personal risk, proceeded across exposed beach and, with accurately directed rifle grenades, destroyed a hostile installation. Private Riojas’ gallantry and unselfish devotion to duty exemplify the indomitable fighting spirit of our invasion forces. Residence at enlistment: San Antonio, Texas.’

Riojas enlisted in August 1942 and died in July 1987, being buried in Fort Sam Houston Cemetery, San Antonio.

With General Orders paper and citation; some copied research. The Silver Star was previously sold as a single item. With riband bars; Combat Infantryman Badge; cloth (2) and metal (1) insignia for display purposes.

This lot is sold as seen and is not subject to return. Please see saleroom notice on lot 280 for fuller details.