Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

An interesting Second World War and Korean War pilot’s group of eight awarded to Captain P. Maxwell, South African Air Force

South African Korea 1950-53 (Lt. P. Maxwell) officially impressed; 1939-45 Star; Italy Star; War Medal; Africa Service Medal, these four all officially impressed (206941 P. Maxwell); U.S.A. Air Medal (Pieter Maxwell); U.N. Korea (Lt. P. Maxwell) officially impressed; South Korean Korea Medal, unnamed as issued, good very fine (8) £1400-1800

U.S.A. Air Medal - By direction of the President of the United States under provisions of AFR 30-14 and Section VII, General Orders Number 63, Department of the Air Force, 19 September 1950:

‘Lieutenant Pieter Maxwell, South African Air Force. While participating in aerial flights against forces of the enemy in the Korean Campaign, Lieutenant Pieter Maxwell distinguished himself by meritorious achievement. By successfully completing numerous combat missions in F-51 type aircraft from 20 July 1952 to 2 September 1952, he greatly aided the effort of the United Nations Forces and seriously damaged the military potential of the enemy. Lieutenant Maxwell, flying at dangerously low altitudes in adverse weather over enemy-held territory, rocketed, strafed, and bombed enemy supplies, troops, equipment and transportation facilities. By his agressive leadership and courage and by his superior judgement and flying skill, Lieutenant Maxwell has brought great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force. His actions are in keeping with the high traditions of the South African Air Force.’

Peter Maxwell was born in Pretoria, South Africa, on 16 March 1923. He was educated at Pretoria Boys High School and the Pretoria Technical College, metriculating in November 1940. He joined the S.A.A.F. in July 1941 and began training as a pupil pilot. He left for the Middle East in June 1943, was promoted T/Lieut. and W/S/Lieut. in November 1943, and saw service in Italy with Nos. 7 and 41 Squadrons.

Lieutenant Peter Maxwell volunteered for service with the S.A.A.F. during the Korean War, leaving South Africa on 19 June 1952. Joining up with No. 2 (Cheetah) Squadron in Korea, he flew many combat missions, often providing cover to the U.S.A.F. 18th Fighter Bomber Wing. The following incident is recorded in South Africans Flying Cheetahs in Korea by Moore and Bagshaw:

‘The Cheetahs also took a hand in the large-scale outpost battles during October and November. The battle for “White Horse Hill” and “Arrowhead” raged between 6 and 15 October and cost the communists 10,000 men... 61 night bombing missions were flown by 2 Squadron (S.A.A.F.)... It was during one of these missions that Peter Maxwell made a forced landing behind the U.N. front lines. He took off in the afternoon of 14 October with three U.S.A.F. pilots from 67 Squadron to support the defenders of “White Horse Hill.” On reaching the target he found that his radio was unserviceable. The leader indicated that he should circle to the south and stand by. Peter watched the rest of the flight make three passes at a concentration of enemy troops and then decided to follow his American comrades into the next attack. He wanted to join in the action. It was only when committed to the dive that he noticed the gun sight and all other instruments were not working and then the engine cut out. He pulled out of the dive and, after an unsuccessful attempt to restart the engine, he lined up for a landing on a short emergency strip just behind the U.N. front lines. He overshot the strip and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair, but he himself was unhurt.’

After the Korean War, Maxwell decided to remain in the S.A.A.F. (Permanent Force) and received various postings, including the Central Flying School at Dunottar. He was killed in a flying accident in a Harvard at the flying school at Potchefstroom, while attempting a low altitude roll, on 29 June 1965. Sold with comprehensive research and an original photograph of Maxwell receiving his Air Medal on 9 December 1952.