Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A World War 2 ‘N.W. Europe’ Silver Star group of fourteen named to Colonel Daniel B. Cullinane Jr., Armoured Infantry

Silver Star, reverse machine engraved, ‘Daniel B. Cullinane Jr.’, slot brooch; Legion of Merit, Legionnaire’s badge, enamelled, reverse machine engraved, ‘Daniel B. Cullinane Jr’, with oak leaf cluster, crimp brooch; Bronze Star, reverse machine engraved, ‘Daniel B. Cullinane Jr.’, slot brooch; Meritorious Service Medal, reverse machine engraved, ‘Daniel B. Cullinane Jr.’, crimp brooch; Army Commendation Medal, reverse machine engraved, ‘Daniel B. Cullinane Jr.’, crimp brooch; American Defense Medal; American Campaign Medal; European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, two bronze stars on ribbon; Victory Medal 1945; Army of Occupation Medal, 1 clasp, Japan; National Defense Service Medal, with oak leaf cluster; Vietnam Service Medal, with two bronze stars on ribbon; South Vietnam Service Medal, 1 clasp, 1960-, unnamed; France, Liberated France Medal, extremely fine (14) £400-500

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

View
Collection

Silver Star, First Lieutenant Daniel B. Cullinane, Jr, 026145, Infantry, Company A, Armored Infantry Battalion, United States Army. ‘For gallantry in action in France 18 November 1944. During an attack against the enemy in the town of Schwerdorff, France, Lieutenant Cullinane’s platoon was given the mission of spearheading the advance of an infantry company over an open stretch of ground for several hundred yards to seize a portion of the town. After advancing for approximately 150 yards, the platoon was pinned down by grazing fire from a well camouflaged enemy machine gun emplacement. Realising that the success of the entire operation depended on the speed with which the automatic weapons fire could be silenced, Lieutenant Cullinane ordered two of his men to cover him while he attempted to reach the enemy position. With complete disregard for his own safety, he fearlessly worked his way to the flank of the enemy machine gun nest and assaulted the position single-handedly, killing the machine gunner and capturing two others. The courageous actions of Lieutenant Cullinane, in full view of his platoon, inspired his men to tenaciously and relentlessly assault the remaining enemy positions, driving the enemy back by the sheer force of the attack. His accomplishment assisted the company in the success of its mission. The heroic determination of Lieutenant Cullinane, his utter fearlessness and courageous devotion to duty, exemplify the high traditions of the military forces of the United States.’

Daniel Bernard Cullinane was born in Fort Riley, Kansas on 12 January 1921. At the time of his entry into military service he was living at 37 Rhode Island Avenue, Newport, Rhode Island. He was commissioned on 1 June 1943. Awarded the Silver Star for bravery in action at Schwerdorff in the Moselle Department of France by the German border on 18 November 1944. Awarded the Legion of Merit as a Lieutenant-Colonel for his outstanding service during the Vietnam War and the oak leaf cluster to this decoration on his retirement. Awarded the Army Commendation Medal in 1967 as a Lieutenant-Colonel on the General Staff (Armor) for his meritorious service in various capacities during June 1963-January 1967, during which he participated in Operation Big Lift and Execise Desert Strike and in the work involved in forming Task Force Alpha. Awarded the meritorious Service Medal for his services during March 1968-September 1970. Cullinane attained the rank of Colonel in 1968 and retired from the service in June 1973.

With original citation for the Legion of Merit; official copy of his service record; other copied research; a photograph of the award of his oak leaf cluster to the Legion of Merit; two other photographs; together with Combat Infantryman Badge; Expert Marksmanship Badge for Rifle and Pistol and four other pieces of metal insignia and one cloth patch - 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.