A Bronze Star group of five awarded to Staff Sergeant Henry R. Garcia, Heavy Weapons Advisor to the 5th Infantry Division, Republic of South Vietnam, killed in an ambush in Vietnam, 10 December 1967

Bronze Star, ‘V’ emblem on ribbon, reverse machine engraved, ‘H. R. Garcia’; Purple Heart, enamelled, reverse machine engraved, ‘Henry R. Garcia’; National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal, unofficial, uniface; South Vietnam, Service Medal, 1 clasp, 60-, crude production, enamelled, nearly very fine and better (lot) £300-350

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

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Bronze Star citation: ‘For heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force: Staff Sergeant Garcia distinguished himself by heroic action on 10 December 1967 while serving as Heavy Weapons Advisor to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Regiment, 5th Infantry Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, on Highway 13 in Binh Duong Province, Sergeant Garcia's vehicle was ambushed by a Viet Cong force utilising intense automatic weapons fire. Sergeant Garcia and his passenger, a Vietnamese soldier, were both seriously wounded. Realising that because of the nature of his wounds he could not move, Sergeant Garcia unhesitatingly ordered his comrade to leave the vehicle and escape, while he provided covering fire. Remaining in the vehicle, Sergeant Garcia valiantly continued to place accurate and devastating fire on the enemy until overcome by his wounds. As a result of Sergeant Garcia's selfless act of great courage and his indomitable fighting spirit, a fellow soldier was saved from certain destruction. Staff Sergeant Garcia's heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflected the utmost credit upon himself and the military service.’

With original award documents for the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, contained in folder; Honorable Discharge Certificates (2), dated 25 May 1961 and 2 June 1964; Honorable Service Certificate, dated 10 December 1967; Certificate of Training, M60A1 Tank Commander Course, 5 March 1966; Certificate of Course Completion, 1 May 1964; Certificate of Appointment to Sergeant E5, 1 November 1964; and an ‘In Memoriam’ folder containing letters of condolence, photographs, citations relating to Sergeant Garcia’s death, funeral and memorial service. Photograph of the recipient and a newspaper sheet listing the names of servicemen of South Texas who had given their lives in Vietnam in the defence of freedom - which includes Garcia. At the time of his death, his wife was living in Rockport, Texas. Also with a damaged photograph album with photographs and with a number of newspaper cuttings re his death

With two enamelled ‘Gold Star’ lapel badges - one to each of Garcia’s sons - Henry and Pete - these established by Congress ‘to provide recognition to certain next of kin members of the armed forces, who lost their lives during a period of hostilities.’ - the badges in card boxes of issue. Also with riband bars, seven cloth and five metal badges 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.