Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A rare Korea War Bronze Star group of three awarded to Corporal Arthur John Lansdowne, 41st (Independent) Commando, Royal Marines

Korea 1950-53, 1st issue (RM.9043 A. J. Lansdowne, Mne., R.M.); U.N. Korea 1950-54, unnamed as issued; U.S.A., Bronze Star, with “V” (distinguished combat) device (A. J. Lansdowne); Presidential Unit Citation bar; together with a ‘Silver Commando dagger’ stick-pin, nearly extremely fine (5) £2800-3200

U.S.A. Bronze Star with Combat “V” London Gazette 13 August 1954. ‘... bestowed by the President of the United States of America for gallant and distinguished services during the operations in Korea.’

Arthur John Lansdowne was born in Bristol in 1931. As a Marine in the 41st (Independent) Commando, Royal Marines, he was awarded the U.S.A. Bronze Star with “V” (distinguished combat) device for services in Korea. Only 13 such awards have ever been made to British Forces - two to the Royal Navy; nine to the Royal Marines; one to the Royal Artillery and one to the 5th (Inniskilling) Dragoon Guards. The awards to the Royal Marines were all for ‘raiding’ actions on the North Korean coast launched from the submarine USS Perch and the assault personnel destroyers USS Bass and Wantuck. All these raids took place during October 1950. Lansdowne, as a member of the 41st (Independent) Commando R.M., was also awarded the Presidential Unit Citation bar, this award for the part the unit played in the ‘Chosin Reservoir’ campaign of November-December 1950 when attached to the U.S. 1st Marine Division. Lansdowne was eventually discharged in the rank of Corporal and returned to live in Bristol.

Sold with the Royal Marines Historical Society booklet, 41 Independent Commando R.M. Korea 1950-52, by Lieutenant-Colonel Peter Thomas R.M.; a roll of members and casualties of the 41st (Independent) Commando, Royal Marines; and a folder containing research on the 41st Commando R.M.