Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second World War Silver Star group of seven named to Sergeant Michael Orlic, 117th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron, U.S. Army - awarded the British Distinguished Conduct Medal

Silver Star, unnamed, slot brooch; Purple Heart, reverse hand engraved, ‘Michael Orlic’, slot brooch; Army Good Conduct Medal, reverse hand engraved, ‘Michael Orlic’; American Campaign Medal; European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, silver star on ribbon; Victory Medal 1945; G.B., Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.VI.R., unnamed, generally extremely fine (7) £600-800

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

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Silver Star awarded by General Order 606/45A7.

D.C.M. approved 7 April 1945.

Recommendation: ‘ORLIC, M.-D.C.M. Approved 7 Apr. 1945
13029600 Serjeant Michael Orlic, 117th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mechanized), U.S. Army.
‘Michael Orlic, 13029600, Serjeant (then Tee 5), Cavalry, Troop A, 117th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mecz), for gallantry in action 25 August 1944, at Cleone, France. When his platoon of five light tanks were left to hold the town of Cleone, France, Sergeant Orlic (then Tee 5) found himself alone in the turret of his tank in the face of an attacking enemy force of three Mark V tanks, two armored cars, and supporting infantry. The fast approaching tanks mounted 76mm guns which were more than a match for the light tanks' 37mm guns and singled out Sergeant Orlic's tank for a target. Loading, firing and observing the on-rushing tanks until at 300 yards he set one on fire. Two enemy shells hit the wall behind which his tank was standing, but Sergeant Orlic disregarded this and continued firing, scoring approximately 25 hits. At 200 yards the enemy tanks were turned back, the attack failed, and the town saved. Sergeant Orlic's intrepid actions, gallant fighting qualities, and tenacious determination to meet and destroy the foe, exhibit the best qualities of a fighting man, reflect favorably upon him and the allied military forces. Entered military service from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.’

Michael Orlic, of 819 Howard Street, Camden, New Jersey, enlisted on 30 October 1941. Serving as a Staff Sergeant with the 117th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mechanized) U.S. Army, he was awarded the British D.C.M. for gallantry in action at Cleone, France on 25 August 1944. He was wounded in action at Baccart, France on 7 November 1944 - wounded by machine gun bullets to his right hip and lacerations to his left ring finger. He was admitted to the 23rd General Hospital at Vittal, France. Orlic was discharged from the Army on 3 October 1945.

With copied D.C.M. recommendation and copied service papers. With cloth stripes and metal insignia (2) 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.