Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria to coincide with the OMRS Convention

A fine Second War and Korean War group of ten awarded to Captain V. F. De Villiers, South African Air Force, an F-51 Mustang Pilot with No. 2 (Cheetah) Squadron in Korea, awarded the United States D.F.C. and Air Medal

Korea 1950-53, South African issue (Lt. V. F. De Villiers); South African Good Conduct Medal, edge officially numbered ‘129’; 1939-45 Star; Italy Star; War Medal; Africa Service Medal, these four all officially impressed (328382 V. F. De Villiers); U.N. Korea (Lt.); U.S.A., Distinguished Flying Cross, named on reverse in correct style; U.S.A., Air Medal, named on reverse in correct style; South Korea, Korea Medal, the group mounted as worn in the order listed, generally good very fine and scarce to a Pilot (10) £1500-2000

American D.F.C., 5th Air Force General Order No. 135, 22 February 1953: ‘Temporary Captain Victor F. De Villiers distinguished himself by meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot in 2 Squadron, South African Air Force, 18th Fighter Bomber Wing, from 1 August 1952 to 28 November 1952. On 27 October 1952 Temporary Captain De Villiers, leading four-ship flight, was pre-briefed to attack bunkers and enemy. No. 3 and 4 of this flight aborted but Temporary Captain Villiers and his wing man proceeded to the target area. The weather was adverse and the artillery smoke markers on the target were ineffective due to heavy smoke and haze in the area. Temporary Captain Villiers recognised the target from the controlling Mosquitos description and although visibility was poor with strong winds, he confidently attacked, scoring two direct hits on the bunker. He was followed by his wing man who brought the total to three bunkers destroyed, one bunker damaged and 10 enemy troops probably killed. Through his skill, courage, and devotion to duty, Temporary Captain Villiers has brought great credit on himself, the South African Air Force and the United States Air Force.’

American Air Medal: citation states ‘Lieutenant Victor F. De Villiers distinguished himself by meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot of an F-51 type aircraft, 2 Squadron, South African Air Force, from 1 August 1952 to 29 August 1952. By successfully completing numerous combat missions, Lieutenant De Villiers greatly aided the effort of the United Nations’ forces and seriously restricted the military potential of the enemy. Flying at dangerously low altitudes in adverse weather over enemy-held territory, Lieutenant De Villiers rocketed, strafed, and bombed enemy supplies, troops, equipment, and transportation facilities. Through his aggressive leadership, courage and superior flying skill, Lieutenant De Villiers reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the South African Air Force.’

Victor Falk De Villiers was born at Beaufort West, South Africa, on 14 March 1923, and was educated at Rondebosch Boys High School, Cape Town. He qualified as a Pilot on 12 June 1943; appointed S.A.A.F. (Permanent Force with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant in the General Duties Branch (Flying) on 15 December 1947. He was seconded for duty with the Royal Air Force during the Berlin Air Lift in March 1949, and was promoted to Lieutenant on 15 December 1949. He was posted to No. 2 Squadron, S.A.A.F., on 14 January 1952, and served in Kore from 19 June 1952 until 7 December 1952. Promoted to Captain in December 1952, to Major in December 1962, and to Commandant in November 1970, Victor De Villiers was killed in a motor car accident on the 20th of the same month.