A Legion of Merit group of six representative of those awarded to Warrant Officer (Junior Grade) John R. Heming, 334th Harbour Craft Company, U.S. Army Transportation Corps - awarded the M.B.E. for services to the ‘Mulberry’ Harbour

Legion of Merit, Legionnaire’s breast badge, gilt and enamel, reverse inscribed, ‘John Heming’, slot brooch bar; Bronze Star, reverse inscribed, ‘John R. Heming’, slot brooch bar; American Campaign Medal; European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, bronze star on ribbon; Victory Medal 1945; G.B., The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Military) Member’s 2nd type breast badge, good very fine and better (6) £120-160

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

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Note: the above medals are representative of those awarded to Warrant Officer J. R. Heming.

M.B.E. approved 4 January 1945.

Recommendation: ‘This W.O. was in charge of six Motor Towing Launches during the construction of Mulberry Port. He has cheerfully and willingly turned out in all weathers, and at all times, day and night. His skill in handling his launch crews in all conditions - during air raids, in smoke screens, and at night - has been largely responsible for the successful construction of Mulberry Port. During the night of 20th June a heavy barge broke adrift and was driven by wind and tide against the East bridge. A heavy sea was causing the barge to be dashed repeatedly against the concrete floats which are of flimsy construction. W.O. Heming came alongside and jumped across from launch to barge, thus allowing a towing line to be attached. This was carried out in a heavy sea and in the dark and W.O. Heming showed complete disregard for his own safety and his enthusiasm to see the bridge saved. This W.O’s. work and conduct since the beginning of his attachment, has been an example both to his own men and to all British troops working with him, and the value of his work cannot be too highly praised.’

With copied M.B.E. recommendation and extracts from the book, A Harbour Goes to War, in which Heming is mentioned. With five associated metal badges/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.