Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A U.S.A. Legion of Merit group of fourteen attributed to Technical Sergeant Lloyd H. Van Antwerp, U.S. Marine Corps

United States of America, Legion of Merit, Legionnaire’s Badge, enamelled, slot brooch; Bronze Star, with ‘V’ emblem on ribbon, crimp brooch; Purple Heart, reverse machine re-engraved, ‘Lloyd H. Van Antwerp U.S.M.C.’, slot brooch; Navy Commendation Medal, with ‘V’ emblem on ribbon, crimp brooch; Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, complete with ‘U.S. Marine Corps’ brooch bar; American Campaign Medal; Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, two bronze stars on ribbon; Victory Medal 1945; U.S. Marine Corps Occupation Service Medal; National Defense Service Medal, bronze star on ribbon; Korea Service Medal, two bronze stars on ribbon; U.N. Korea Medal; Vietnam Service Medal, three bronze stars on ribbon; South Vietnam, Service Medal, 1 clasp, 1960-; together with the recipient’s riband bar and seven metal pieces of uniform insignia for display purposes, generally extremely fine (14) £240-£280

Bronze Star citation: ‘For heroic achievement in connection with operations against the enemy while serving with a Marine tank battalion in Korea on 27 March 1953. Serving as a platoon leader of the armored utility vehicle platoon in the absence of a regularly assigned officer, Technical Sergeant van Antwerp displayed exceptional courage, initiative and professional skill in the performance of his duties. During the bitter fighting to regain a vital combat outpost position his men were assigned the hazardous task of evacuating wounded Marines. He fearlessly led the platoon in the execution of the mission. Expressing complete disregard for his personal safety and although twice painfully wounded, he stubbornly continued to lead the unit on trip after trip into the devastated area in order to remove the injured men to the safety of rear area medical facilities. His dauntless actions and indomitable spirit were instrumental in saving the lives of many of his stricken comrades. Technical Sergeant van Antwerp’s determined efforts and outstanding attention to duty served as an inspiration to all who served him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. Technical Sergeant van Antwerp is authorized to wear the Combat "V".

Commendation citation: ‘For excellent service in the line of his profession while serving with a Marine tank battalion during operations against the enemy in Korea from 5 November 1952 to 27 July 1953. Serving as platoon commander of an armoured utility vehicle platoon, Technical Sergeant van Antwerp displayed outstanding ability and professional skill. Operating under many adversities, his platoon supported infantry units along the entire division sector, evacuating casualties and transporting supplies. On numerous occasions his vehicles were the only means of resupplying forward combat outposts and through his skilful training and maintenance he sustained his platoon in a state of combat readiness. Through his expert knowledge and guidance, he was able to keep his vehicles in repair despite being handicapped by a lack of replacement parts. Disregarding his personal safety, he often directed the operations during missions to insure a continuous flow of supplies and evacuation of casualties. Technical Sergeant van Antwerp’s highly competent leadership and outstanding attention to duty served as an inspiration to all who observed him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. Commendation Metal Pendant with Combat "V" Authorized.’

Lloyd H. van Antwerp first enlisted into the United States Marine Corps in 1943. He served as a tank driver in the Saipan and Tinian campaigns; also served on Iwo Jima. Serving in Korea as a tank commander, he was wounded on 27 March 1953 and awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. Awarded a Letter of Commendation for excellent service with a Marine tank battalion during operations against the enemy, 5 November 1952-27 July 1953. In Vietnam he served with Marine Force Logistic Command, headquartered at Camp Books, north of Danang and was a Captain in charge of war dogs.

Sold with the recipient’s original Certificate of Award for the Bronze Star with combat “V”, awarded to Technical Sergeant Lloyd H. van Antwerp, United States Marine Corps, for services on Korea on 27 March 1953, together with an accompanying letter, and citation and accompanying letter; letter regarding the award of the Purple Heart; two letters regarding the award of a Letter of Commendation; portrait photograph of the recipient; a number of other military photographs (Second World War, Korea, and Vietnam); and newspaper cuttings and 1st Marine Division booklet containing the unit’s Presidential Unit Citation citation for Vietnam.