United States. A Silver Star to Corporal Rector, 19th Engineer Battalion for Actions at the Rapido River 1944

Item #W5253

$565

United States. A Silver Star to Corporal Rector, 19th Engineer Battalion for Actions at the Rapido River 1944

Silver Star (two-piece construction, silver star placed upon a bronze gilt star-shaped base, number impressed "79915" on the edge, engraved "MARVIN C. RECTOR" on the reverse, measuring 36 mm (w) x 34.5 mm (h), original ribbon with brooch pinback); Purple Heart (two-piece construction, in bronze gilt with purple, red, white and green enamels, engraved "MARVIN C. RECTOR" on the reverse, measuring 35 mm (w) x 43.5 mm (h), original ribbon with brooch pinback); Army Good Conduct Medal (in bronze, measuring 31.5 mm in diameter, original ribbon with brooch pinback; American Defense Service Medal (in bronze, measuring 32 mm in diameter, original ribbon with brooch pinback); American Campaign Medal (in bronze, measuring 31.8 mm in diameter, original ribbon with brooch pinback); European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal (in bronze, measuring 32 mm in diameter, four bronze stars on its original ribbon with brooch pinback); and World War II Victory Medal (in bronze, measuring 35.8 mm in diameter, original ribbon with brooch pinback). Extremely fine.


Footnote: The II Corps began attacks across the Rapido River toward Monte Cassino on January 20, 1944. This action resulted in heavy casualties, and is considered to be one of the toughest battles in the Italian Campaign. Technician 5th Grade Marvin C. Rector, 19th Engineer Battalion was awarded the Silver Star by General Orders #29, Headquarters 11 Corps, for action at the Rapido River, his citation dated April 24, 1944, stating: "For gallantry in action on ** and ** January, 1944, in the vicinity of ****, Italy. While his company was engaged in support of a forced crossing of the **** River, Corporal Rector voluntarily participated in an extremely hazardous mission of clearing a path through an antipersonnel minefield. During daylight, and under small arms and mortar fire, he aided in successfully clearing and marking a vitally necessary path to the river, in order that an attack could take place as planned. Again, on the evening of ** January, on the trail through the minefield, once more under fire, he found a soldier seriously wounded by a mine explosion. Voluntarily entering the minefield to obtain a stretcher lying there, he aided in evacuating the wounded man. The conduct of Corporal Rector during this action is deserving of the highest praise, and reflects credit upon himself, his unit, and the Armed Forces."