United States. A Vast DSC, DSM, & Foreign Order Group to Famed General “Iron Mike” Michaelis, Commanding General of the 8th Army, Commanding General, United States Forces Korea, Commanding General, United Nations Command, 1969-1972. . Distinguished Service Cross, bronze, 45mm (w) x 51.5mm (h - inclusive of horizontally pierced integral suspension), reverse engraved “JOHN H. MICHAELIS”, edge of 6 o’clock arm officially impressed “18779”, on replacement ribbon, dark patina, extremely fine condition; Distinguished Service Medal with two bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, bronze with navy blue enamels, 38.2mm, reverse engraved “JOHN H. MICHAELIS”, on replacement ribbon, enamel slightly chipped above the R in “FOR” on obverse, extremely fine condition; Silver Star with one bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, bronze, 37mm, unmarked, on replacement ribbon, extremely fine condition; Legion of Merit with three bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, bronze with white, blue, red and green enamels, 47.5mm, unmarked, on replacement ribbon, blue enamel in obverse chipped and worn, slight discolouration of white enamel in each arm, near extremely fine condition; Bronze star with V device and two bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, bronze, 37mm, unmarked, on replacement ribbon, extremely fine condition; Purple Heart with one Oak Leaf Cluster, bronze gilt with purple, red, white and green enamel, 34mm (w) x 46mm (h - inclusive of horizontally pierced integral suspension), unmarked, on replacement ribbon, slight wear, extremely fine condition; Air Medal, bronze, 42mm (w) x 49mm (h- inclusive of integral suspension), reverse engraved “JOHN H. MICHAELIS”, on replacement ribbon, tarnishing and wear on obverse, very fine condition; Army Commendation Medal with one bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, 34.5mm, reverse engraved “JOHN H. MICHAELIS”, on replacement ribbon, obverse scratched and worn, very fine condition; American Defense Medal with FOREIGN SERVICE clasp, 32mm, unmarked, on replacement ribbon, dark patina, obverse slightly worn, very fine condition; American Campaign Medal, bronze, 32mm, unmarked, on replacement ribbon, slight wear on obverse, very fine condition; European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three bronze Stars, one silver Star, and one Arrowhead device, bronze, 32mm, unmarked, on replacement ribbon, contact wear on obverse and reverse, very fine condition; WWII Victory Medal, bronze, 36mm, unmarked, on replacement ribbon, dark patina, minute contact on obverse, extremely fine condition; Army of Occupation Medal with JAPAN clasp, bronze, 31mm, unmarked, on replacement ribbon, dark patina, obverse worn, very fine condition; National Defense Medal with one bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, bronze, 32mm, unmarked, on replacement ribbon, slight wear, very fine condition, accompanied by original packaging box; Korean Service Medal with five bronze stars, bronze, 31mm, unmarked, on replacement ribbon, very worn on obverse and reverse, near very fine condition; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, bronze, 31mm, unmarked, on replacement ribbon, tarnished, worn obverse, slight edge bruising, very fine condition; UN Medal with KOREA clasp, bronze, 36mm, unmarked, on replacement ribbon, wear on obverse, very fine condition; France. 1939 Croix de Guerre with bronze palm, bronze gilt, 38mm, reverse embossed 1939, on replacement ribbon, dark patina, extremely fine condition; Netherlands. Medal of the Bronze Lion, bronze, 35mm, reverse engraved “JOHN H. MICHAELIS”, on replacement ribbon, extremely fine condition; Belgium. Croix de Guerre with crown suspension and bronze palm on ribbon, bronze, 39mm (w) x 63mm (h- inclusive of its crown suspension), reverse centerpiece bears cypher of King Leopold III (1934-1951), on replacement ribbon, extremely fine condition; Korea. Order of Military Merit II Class (Eulji)with silver star, gilt with red white and green enamels, 43mm, reverse impressed “MICHAELIS” and “425”, enamels fully intact, edges tarnished and wear on obverse evident, very fine condition, all court mounted with a horizontal swing pin on reverse; Korea.
Order of National Security Merit, Grand Cross Set of Insignia, Badge - silver gilt with red enamel centerpiece bearing gilded torch and five white enamel arms between smooth silver rays, 52.7mm (w) x 78.5mm (h-inclusive of its dragon head suspension), reverse centerpiece impressed "270" amidst embossed Korean and blue enamel circles, intact enamels, extremely fine condition; and Breast Star - silver gilt with red enamel centerpiece bearing gilded torch and five white enamel arms between smooth silver rays, 69mm, reverse centerpiece impressed "270" amidst embossed Korean surrounded by blue enamel circles, vertical pin with slot catch, intact enamels, silver slightly tarnished, extremely fine condition, accompanied by original sash, 87mm (w) x 921mm (l), ends stitched together, slight fraying at middle of bow, clasp intact, extremely fine condition, and in case of issue, 180mm (w) x 265mm (l) x 47mm (d), unmarked, minimal swear at corners, metal clasp from lid detached otherwise extremely fine condition; Thailand. Order of the White Elephant, Knight Grand Cross set of insignia, Badge - fourteen point silver star with red, green and white enamels and silver gilt crown suspension, 59.5mm (w) x 103mm (h- inclusive of its gilt crown suspension), unmarked, enamel on obverse elephant insignia heavily chipped, enamel on reverse fully intact, silver tarnished, near very fine condition; and Breast Star- silver gilt with red, white and green enamel, measuring 77mm, mounted to the centre of a sixteen-pointed star base, a gilt crown mounted to the top star point, reverse bears single vertical pin, stamped in Thai on interior of pin near hinge, enamel of elephant insignia heavily chipped and missing, silver slightly tarnished, near very fine condition, accompanied by original sash, 99mm (w) x 1170mm (l- inclusive of clip and fringe of sash ends), slightly worn, near extremely fine condition, accompanied by lapel pin with enamel insignia device depicting white elephant, 29mm (w) x 17mm (h), pin clasp on reverse, extremely fine condition, and original case of issue composed of wood with velvet exterior, 190mm (w) x 167mm (l) x 75mm (d), exterior lid bears Thailand’s coat of arms, interior lid stamped in Thai, clasp does not catch lid, wear to interior decoration base, corners of case pulling apart, better than fine condition; Korean National Security Medal, Type I, First Class (Tong-Il), bronze gilt with white, red, blue, green and purple enamels, 51mm (w) x 61mm (h -inclusive of suspension ring), on full length original neck ribbon with button clasp at each end, reverse centerpiece bears Korean script with engraved “No. 37”, enamels fully intact, extremely fine condition, accompanied by lapel pin, two-piece construction of bronze gilt and enamels, 21.5mm (w) x 15mm (h), single vertical pin with plastic cap on reverse, obverse centerpiece appears to be glued to backing with residue along all edges, obverse centerpiece not entirely aligns with backing, fine condition, and original case of issue, 100mm (w) x 171mm (l) x 22mm (d), unmarked, exterior scuffed at corners, slight damage along edges, very fine condition; Greece. Order of George I, Commander’s Set of Insignia, Badge - silver gilt with white and red enamels, 46mm (w) x 79mm (h - inclusive of crown suspension topped by cross), on replacement ribbon, reverse bears embossed dates 1863 1915 1913 horizontally across arms of cross and “MICHAELIS” engraved vertically along 6 o’clock arm, on partial length replacement neck ribbon, silver tarnished, enamels fully intact, extremely fine condition; Breast Star - silver, with silver gilt and red and white enamel insignia, 73.5mm (w) x 74mm (h), reverse engraved “JOHN H. MICHAELIS”, vertical pinback with one stay on each side, pin stamped in Greek across middle, hallmark near pin hinge, intact enamels, silver slightly tarnished, extremely fine condition; Chile. Army Military Medal, I Class Neck Badge, gold with white red and blue enamels, 53mm (w- tips of star) x 81.5mm (h - inclusive of Andean condor suspension and integral ring), (wings of Andean condor suspension measure 59mm), on full length original neck ribbon, reverse engraved “JOHN H. MICHAELIS” and impressed “18” on 6 o’clock point of star and near bottom of Andean condor suspension, enamels on obverse fully intact, slight tarnishing around edges, numerous scratches on reverse, near extremely fine condition; Italy. Order of Merit, Commander’s Set of Insignia, Civil Division, Badge - silver gilt with red, green, black and white enamel on crown suspension, 56mm (w) x 77mm (h- inclusive of crown suspension), unmarked, on full-length original neck ribbon, red enamel missing on reverse of crown suspension, evident traces of lacquer on obverse white enamel, slightly tarnished, near extremely fine condition; Korea. Order of Military Merit, Type II, Commander Set of Insignia, Badge - silver gilt eight point star of filed rays with a red enamel point cross and blue enamel centerpiece bearing gilt helmet insignia, on star and wreath suspension, 54mm (w) x 78mm (h - inclusive of star and wreath suspension, on full-length original neck ribbon with slotted clasp, reverse centerpiece impressed "3369" amidst embossed Korean surrounded by blue enamel circles, slight edge bruising along top half of obverse centerpiece, two small chips to blue enamel, near extremely fine condition; and Breast Star - silver gilt eight point star of filed rays with a red enamel point cross and blue enamel centerpiece bearing gilt helmet insignia, 59mm, reverse centerpiece impressed "3369" amidst embossed Korean surrounded by blue enamel circles, vertical pin with slot catch, intact enamels, extremely fine condition, accompanied by lapel pin, ribbon and bronze helmet device, 7mm (w) x 9mm (h), screwback pin on reverse, extremely fine condition and original case of issue, 181mm (w) x 248mm (l) x 40mm (d), coming apart at seams, several edges split away from box, near very fine condition; Philippines. Legion of Honour, Commander’s Insignia, silver gilt with white, red and green enamels, 56mm (w) x 65mm (h- inclusive of wreath suspension ring), obverse centerpiece bears sea-lion applique, reverse embossed “REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES” on outer ring and “FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICE” in circular fashion on reverse centerpiece, marked “ “EL ORO” MILITARY JEWELLER MANILA” on reverse of suspension piece and STERLING engraved near edge of reverse centerpiece, maker marked “JOSE TUPAZ OR.” on reverse of 6 o’clock arm, on full length original neck ribbon with silk interior and button clasp at each end, button stamped “PQT SNAPPERS”, suspension ring for neck ribbon missing, worn and tarnished around edges and arms of obverse, enamels fully intact, slight wear on reverse center, very fine condition, accompanied by original wooden presentation box, 257mm (w) x 221mm (l) x 50mm (d), lid bears Seal of the President of the Philippines and brass plate engraved “PHILIPPINE LEGION OF HONOR / Commander”, interior lid silk stamped “EL ORO” and interior base bears metal plate in bottom right corner embossed “MADE IN THE PHILIPPINES BY “EL ORO” Engraver”, severely broken, silk interior detached from lid, wood in separate pieces, poor condition; Eight Tiered Ribbon Rack, Distinguished Service Cross, Distinguished Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Silver Star with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Legion of Merit with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Bronze Star with V Device and two Oak Leaf Clusters, Purple Heart with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, American Defense Medal with one bronze Star device, American Campaign, European African Middle Eastern Campaign with one bronze Arrowhead and four bronze Stars, WWII Victory Medal, Army of Occupation, National Defense with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Korean Service with five bronze Stars, Armed Force Expeditionary Service, French 1939 Croix de Guerre with bronze Palm, Belgian Croix de Guerre with bronze Palm, Army Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon, Meritorious Service Military Ribbon, China Service Ribbon, Korean Order of Military Merit (Eulji, Embroidered version), United Nations Military Ribbon, Republic of Korea War Service Military Ribbon, 110mm (w) x 82mm (h), reverse bears central reinforced backing plate, six vertical pins, top right pin slightly loose, all ribbons intact, extremely fine condition; Embroidered Presidential Unit Citation with three bullion Oak Leaf Clusters and Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation with bullion frame, 70mm (w)x 17.5mm (h), reverse has glue residue, thread slightly frayed at edges, very fine condition; Presidential Unit Citation with three bronze Oak Leaf Clusters and Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation with gilt frame, 75mm (w)x 16mm (h), reverse bears two vertical pins with pinch pin backs, extremely fine condition; Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon Bar with three bronze Oak Leaf Clusters in gilt frame, 35mm (w) x 15mm (h), horizontal brooch pinback on reverse, extremely fine condition; South European Task Force Badge, bronze gilt with red, white and blue enamels, 43.5mm (w) x 55mm (h), unmarked, enamels intact, obverse engraving slightly tarnished, reverse slightly scratched and bears edge bruising along the top, extremely fine condition, in case of issue inside lid stamped MEDAGLIE Granero, exterior of case worn, near very fine condition; Army General Identification Badge, bronze gilt with green, black, blue, and white enamels,48 mm (w) x 48.7 mm (h), unmarked, two vertical pins on reverse with pinch pin backs, one pin replaced, 7 o’clock arm of star point bent, slight enamel cracking, enamel in coat of arms chipping at edges, very fine condition; HQUNC Lapel Badge, white metal with red white and blue enamel, 23mm (w) x 31mm (h), unmarked, reverse bears two vertical pins with pinchpin clasps, minimal enamel wear, extremely fine condition; Master Parachute Wings with two Bronze Stars, silver,37.5mm (w) x 30mm (h), bronze stars twist-tied into interior crevice of wings, reverse embossed “N.S MEYER INC. / NEW YORK”, two vertical pins on reverse, extremely fine condition; Master Parachute Wings with two Bronze Stars, silver, 37.5mm (w) x 30mm (h), bronze stars welded to base of each wing, reverse impressed STERLING, horizontal brooch pinback on reverse, extremely fine condition; Combat Infantryman Badge, silver with blue enamel, 26mm (w) x 76mm (h), reverse impressed S-21 G1 with two vertical pins, enamels fully intact, extremely fine condition; Combat Infantryman Badge Second Award, silver with blue enamel, 26mm (w) x 76mm (h), reverse embossed N.S. MEYER, INC. / NEW YORK / STERLING and two Meyer Hallmarks, two vertical pins with pinch pin clasps, enamels fully intact, extremely fine condition; Presentation Combat Infantryman Badge Second Award, silver with blue enamel, 45mm (w) x 25mm (h), reverse embossed N.S. MEYER, INC. / NEW YORK and two Meyer Hallmarks, STERLING impressed on reverse, two vertical pins with pinch pin clasps, enamels fully intact, extremely fine condition.
Accompanied by: Silver Star Medal Case of Issue, 87mm (w) x 164mm (l) x 26mm (d), exterior lid stamped SILVER STAR MEDAL, slight stain on lid, interior fully intact, extremely fine condition; Legion of Merit Case of Issue, 87mm (w) x 164mm (l) x 26mm (d), exterior lid stamped LEGION OF MERIT / LEGIONNAIRE, interior lid slightly stained, exterior worn, very fine condition; Distinguished Service Medal Case of Issue manufactured by ARROW, 109mm (w) x 179mm (l) x 22mm (d), exterior lid stamped DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL, interior fully intact, interior lid stained on right side, exterior worn, including ribbon bar with two oak leaf clusters, 35mm (w) x 10mm (h), with two pinch pin clasps on reverse, extremely fine condition and lapel pin, enamel, 12mm (w) x 3mm (h), one pinch pin clasp on reverse, extremely fine condition; Bronze Star Case of Issue, 87mm (w) x 164mm (l) x 26mm (d), exterior lid stamped BRONZE STAR / MEDAL, lid has several circular stains on exterior, worn along edges, interior lid and base intact, slightly stained, very fine condition, includes ribbon bar (missing star devices), 35mm (w) x 10mm (h), reverse impressed GI, with two pinch pin clasp, holes in obverse where stars would be present, near very fine condition and lapel pin, enamel, 12mm (w) x 3mm (h), secured to metal backing, enamel very faded, better than fine condition; Large Unmarked Case of Issue, 490mm (w) x 302mm (l) x 32mm (d), clasps do not latch, slightly worn on edges, interior lid and base well preserved, interior base does not included fitted medal bed, very fine condition; Distinguished Service Cross Original Ribbon, slightly tainted, brooch pinback on reverse, very fine condition; Distinguished Service Medal Original Ribbon with two Oak Leaf Clusters, ribbon loose from metal plate, brooch pinback on reverse, very fine condition; Silver Star Original Ribbon with one Oak Leaf Cluster, brooch pinback on reverse, ribbon slightly stained, fully severed under pin on reverse, fine condition; Legion of Merit Original Ribbon with three Oak Leaf Clusters, brooch pinback on reverse, extremely fine condition; Bronze Star Original Ribbon with two Oak Leaf Clusters and V Device, brooch pinback on reverse, ribbon not attached to metal bar on reverse, very fine condition; Purple Heart Original Ribbon with one Oak Leaf Cluster, small hole under oak leaf cluster, brooch pinback on reverse, very fine condition; Air Medal Original Ribbon, brooch pinback on reverse, extremely fine condition; Army Commendation Original Ribbon with one Oak Leaf Cluster, brooch pinback on reverse stamped GI under pin, extremely fine condition; American Defense Original Ribbon, small holes along stripes, missing FOREIGN SERVICE bar, brooch pinback on reverse, fine condition; American Campaign Original Ribbon, brooch pinback on reverse, extremely fine condition;European African Middle Eastern Campaign Original Ribbon with one bronze Arrowhead and four bronze Stars, brooch pinback on reverse, extremely fine condition; World War II Victory Original Ribbon, brooch pinback on reverse, extremely fine condition; Army of Occupation Original Ribbon, small marks on obverse center, missing JAPAN bar, brooch pinback on reverse, ribbon slightly discoloured, very fine condition; National Defense Original Ribbon with one Oak Leaf Cluster, brooch pinback on reverse, extremely fine condition; Korean Service Original Ribbon, brooch pinback on reverse, ribbon slightly discoloured, very fine condition; Armed Forces Expeditionary Service Original Ribbon, brooch pinback on reverse stamped LI-GI, extremely fine condition; United Nations Service Original Ribbon, missing KOREA bar, brooch pinback on reverse, obverse discoloured; French Croix de Guerre Original Ribbon, missing Palm, no pin or attachment, small holes in obverse, discoloured, fine condition; Unidentified Brown and Green Ribbon (possibly discoloured Belgian Croix de Guerre Ribbon), two off-center holes, missing Palm, no pin or attachment, ribbon fraying at ends, fine condition; Extensive research documents relating to Michaelis’ military career and army histories; Numerous images and photographs of Michaelis in action in various roles; Photocopied articles and book chapters pertaining to Michealis, the Wolfhounds, the 27th Infantry Regiment and the 502d Parachute Division; Detailed research on Michaelis’s genealogy dating back to great grandparents; Michaelis’s personal correspondence, 1969-72; Michaelis’s burial Flag, cotton bunting, 3060mm (w) x 1140mm (h), slightly tainted, very fine condition; Dutch Orange Lanyard, woven thread, 1075mm in length, (awarded to 502nd Parachute Infantry, 101st Airborne); Belgian ‘Forreguerre Lanyard’, 990mm in length, (awarded to members of the 101st Airborne for the defense of Bastogne); Seven full books relating to the Korean War, including the Battle of Pusan;Duplicate Certificate Honorary Citizen of Best, 471mm (w) x 795mm (h); Three TIME Magazines (dated September 18, 1950; September 4, 1950; March 5, 1951); Three LIFE Magazines selected articles (dated August 21, 1950; September 11, 1950; October 2, 1950); Collier Magazine (dated August 18, 1951); Post Magazine (dated September 9, 1950);Cardboard framed photograph from the Office of the Prime Minister of South Korea; 1952 “One Minute to Zero” Film Poster; CD containing scanned photographs and mini-biography.
Footnote: John Hersey Michaelis was born on August 20, 1912 to Otho, an infantry officer killed in World War I, and Louise Michaelis in San Francisco. As a young boy, his family moved to Lancaster, Pennsylvania and following his graduation from McCaskey High School, Michaelis joined the U.S Army as a Private at the age of eighteen. One year later, he enlisted in the U.S.M Academy, West Point on July 1, 1932 and graduated four years later as a commissioned Second Lieutenant. He then served as an infantryman with the 10th Infantry at Fort Thomas, Kentucky. In 1937, Michaelis married Mary Wadsworth. By July 1938, he was transferred to the 57th Infantry (Philippine Scouts) at Fort McKinley on the Philippine Islands. The Philippine Department assigned scouts to the front lines of the Pacific with the goal of creating tranquility throughout the islands. In 1938, Michaelis returned to the United States, for assignment with the 7th Division in California. He was promoted to Captain in 1940 and after volunteering for parachute training, became the adjutant of the original Parachute Battalion (501st) in 1941. By April, he was commanding the B Company and was sent to Fort Kobbe, Panama Canal Zone. When the United States joined World War II, Michaelis was promoted to Captain and attended Staff College in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. In June, 1942, he was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel and gained command of the 1st Battalion, 502nd Parachute Infantry in Georgia. The following year he became the Regimental Executive Officer, departing for Europe in September.
On June 6, 1944, the 502nd (commanded by Colonel George Van Horn Moseley) parachuted into Normandy alongside the 101st Airborne Division, led by Major-General Maxwell D. Taylor, and the 82nd Airborne Division, commanded by General Ridgeway. These units were ordered to hold an island of defence from the UTAH beach to the far West of the Cherbourg Peninsula. Due to a poor landing Colonel Moseley broke his ankle and it was Michaelis that succeeded him to the post of regimental commander. He received a Silver Star on June 20, the citation states “During the period June 10 to 12, his regiment 502d Parachute Infantry, was engaged in a bitter struggle to secure the bridges across the Douve River north of Carentan. In the course of this action, two battalions became isolated on the South bank of the river. Lt. Colonel Michaelis exposed his life repeatedly under heavy fire to pass back and forth across the causeway to carry orders to his battalion commanders. His inspiring leadership led to the successful disengagement of his troops. His conduct was in accordance with the highest standards of military service.” In July, Michaelis received his battlefield promotion to full Colonel. In September, he led his division into Holland on operation “Market-Garden.” He was injured twice within the first six days of arrival. The first being a minor wound on September 19th. Three days later he was hit by a German shell in his arm, leg and stomach while at his Command Post. The shell killed one individual and injured seven others. The German occupation prevented Michaelis’s evacuation, forcing him to undergo battlefield surgery and to stay onsite for an eight-day period before being sent to a field hospital. For his valiant efforts in Holland, he was named a Freeman of Best, and a sports center was named after him shortly after.
In December 1944, he returned to active duty as the Chief of Staff of the 101st Airborne and was present at the famous stand of Bastogne. He was sent back to the United States in March of 1945 for surgery after his wounds reopened. For his exceptionally meritorious service, Michaelis was awarded the Legion of Merit decoration for his “performance of outstanding services, as Commanding Officer, 502d Parachute Infantry and Chief of Staff, 101st Airborne Division, from 6 June 1944 to 10 February 1945. Colonel Michaelis displayed outstanding professional skill in leading his regiment in the bitter struggle for the vital communications center of Carentan. On 17 September 1944, in the Airborne assault on Holland, he dropped by parachute at the head of his regiment and seized his initial objective, killing over eight hundred of the enemy and affecting the surrender of one thousand prisoners. As Chief of Staff, throughout the greater part of the defense of Bastonge, his high sense of responsibility and ardent devotion to duty were a vital contribution to the success of the Division throughout his service with it.” Later in 1945, Michaelis was appointed to the War Department General Staff as the Chief of the Officer’s Division. In 1946, he was assigned as the Chief of Manpower Procurement Division. His role changed in May 1947, when he was appointed Senior Aide to Eisenhower, then Chief of Staff and General of the Army. Due to the demobilization policies, his rank reverted to Lieutenant- Colonel, but he remained a Senior Aide until March 1948. Eisenhower publicly praised Michaelis as one of four lieutenant colonels “of extraordinary abilities.” He spent the latter half of 1948 as the Department of Army Liaison Officer with the White House Armed Services Committee. Michaelis then entered the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk, Virginia, graduating in February 1949. The next month he was posted to the Eighth Army in Japan, serving as the Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations.
When the Korean conflict began in 1950, Michaelis took command of the 27th Infantry, often called the Wolfhound, and led this company until 1951. He was shocked to find soldiers lacking battlecraft skills, telling a New York reporter that the men “ have not had enough training in plain, old fashioned musketry” and that they had little practice “crawling on their bellies on maneuvers with live ammunition singing over them”. The Wolfhounds were the first unit to beat the North Koreans in a major battle, earning them the nickname of the “Fire Brigade.” They were treated as a separate unit, used to block holes along the Pusan perimeter. On August 4th, aptly named “Iron Mike” was promoted to Colonel and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross on September 3rd. The citation reads “Colonel John H. Michaelis distinguished himself for extraordinary heroism connection with military operations against an armed enemy on 3 September 1950, near Sinsan-ni, Korea. On 3 September 1950, the 3rd battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, launched an assault against a heavily fortified enemy position. While the attack was in progress, Colonel Michaelis, although all avenues of approach were under heavy mortar and sniper fire, walked forward from the Regimental Command Post to personally determine the tactical situation. During this period the enemy launched a determined counter-attack, penetrating the forward elements and forcing the command post group to take shelter in a culvert. Colonel Michaelis despite heavy fire, remained in the open until he had made a complete estimate of the situation, then, retiring to the culvert, he attempted to contact the regimental command post for support, but communications were out. Without regard for his own personal safety, Colonel Michaelis left the safety of the culvert and, disregarding the heavy mortar and sniper fire, made his way to the regimental command post, where he called for an air strike on the enemy position. The air strike was successful, causing the enemy to withdraw in disorder and permitting the 3rd Battalion to take their objective. The extraordinary heroism displayed by Colonel Michaelis on this occasion reflects the highest credit on him and the military service.” Under Michaelis leadership, the 27th Infantry adapted to the jungle warfare, ultimately receiving two U.S Distinguished Unit Citations and to Korean Presidential Unit Citations during the eight month period.
On February 19, 1951, Michaelis was awarded the silver star. His citation read “From 1 to 4 January 1951 at Seoul, Korea, Colonel MICHAELIS’ regiment was blocking the advance numerically superior hostile forces while the Division displaced to new positions. Reconnoitering well in advance of hostile assaults, he skillfully prepared a series of formidable blocking positions which enabled his men to effect rapid, orderly withdrawals from one emplacement to another, while inflicting staggering losses on the enrushing enemy and completely disrupted their plans to invest the Division. Throughout the entire engagement, despite exposure to intense hostile fire, the close proximity of infiltrating enemy and the most adverse climatic conditions, he remained with the front line elements, encouraging his men to maximum effort and directing the neutralization of every hostile thrust, until the mission of the regiment was accomplished. Colonel MICHAELIS’ bold and courageous leadership is in keeping with the highest traditions of the American soldier.” Michaelis also received another battlefield promotion to the rank of Brigadier-General and became the assistant divisional commander of the 25th Infantry Division. His service from July 1950 to May 1951 also awarded him the Ulchi Distinguished Military Service Medal with Gold Star from the Korean Minister of National Defense (officially awarded in 1953). The citation states that Michaelis “is cited for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service in a position of great trust and responsibility during the period 3 July 1950 to 15 May 1951. Serving as the Commanding Officer of the 27th Infantry Regiment, United States Army, General Michaelis constantly performed his duty, courageously and fearlessly disregarding enemy’s heavy mortar fire, in leading members of his command. It was through his skillfull [sic] leadership, exceptional initiative, ever-keen attention to numerous critical situation, especially during period 17 August 1950 to 25 August 1950, that his members greatly assisted in the action on the Taegu perimeter by taking the main road from Taegu to ten miles north to the vitally important rail and transportation center, closing the gap between the 1st and 6th Division, Republic of Korea Army. Five thousands yards south on Ch’ong’ong, the 27th Infantry Regiment, inspired by his brilliant leadership, repulsed at least ten major assaults by enemy forces who were vastly superior in number. The strategic importance of his position cannot be overestimated for had it not been held Taegu city might well have fallen to the enemy and the road to Pusan laid open to the Communist invaders. On 16 January 1951, General Michaelis directed the “Operation Wolfhound” under his command, the 27th Infantry Regiment, driving north of the town of Osan-ni to the Suwon city, effectively eliminated 1,150 enemy casualties. The eminently meritorious service rendered by General Michaelis throughout this period reflects great credit upon himself and the military service of the United Nations in the against aggression.”
In June, 1951, Michaelis left Korea for Paris, to serve at Eisenhower’s Headquarters as the Deputy for Training and soon after he was Eisenhower’s personal representative to the European Defense Forces Conference (this eventually led to West Germany entering the North Atlantic Treaty Organizations). Michaelis returned to the States in 1952, and became Commandant of Cadets at the U.S Military Academy at West Point. In 1954, he was reassigned as the Readiness Officer for Headquarters of the Allied Forces Southern Europe. In September 1955, Michaelis was named the first Commanding General of the Southern European Task Force, the first U.S Atomic Command located in Northern Italy. He returned to the United States and was appointed as the Chief of Army Legislative Liaison in the Office of the Secretary of the Army, in Washington. In November 1947, the Chilean Army Military Medal, First Class was conferred upon him for distinguished services to the Chilean Army. Michaelis was promoted to Major-General on December 1, 1956. In the summer of 1959, Major-General Michaelis was appointed Commanding General, United States Army, Alaska. He spent a total of three years at this post, and was then promoted to Lieutenant-General and became commander of the V Corps in Frankfurt, Germany in 1962.
The following year, he was stationed in Izmir, Turkey as the Commanding General, Allied Landing Forces, South-Eastern Europe, and was responsible for the planning and employment of the landing forces in Greece and Turkey. In 1966 he was given command the 5th Army at Ft. Sheridan, in Chicago, where many Vietnam recruits were trained. Shortly after being appointed Commanding General of United Nations, Michaelis was promoted to General in 1969. He was awarded his First Oak Leaf Cluster at the time, for which the citation reads, “Lieutenant General John H. Michaelis distinguished himself by eminently meritorious service in a position of great responsibility as the Commanding General, Fifth United States Army, Fort Sheridan, Illinois, during the period April 1966 to January 1969. General Michaelis aggressively directed command activities and highly important staff functions in the move of the Fifth Army Headquarters from Chicago to Fort Sheridan while simultaneously providing dynamic leadership for the inactivation, training, and reorganization of the numerous United States Strategic Army Forces units and the deployment of units to Southeast Asia. He continually furnished the impetus which motivated his command to unprecedented accomplishments and his sage guidance and judicious counsel were fundamental to the successful completion of each mission objective. Utilizing his outstanding organizational ability, General Michaelis carefully evaluated each situation, and through the skillful application of his unique executive abilities readily overcame all obstacles, thus achieving superior results in every undertaking. Notable of his many outstanding achievements superior results in every undertaking. Notable of this many outstanding achievements was the smooth and efficient transition of a myriad of functions to Headquarters, Fifth United States Army occasioned by the inactivation of four United States Army corps. Under his astute direction, a totally new concept along functional rather than geographical lines to supervise the training and administration of those units not already assigned to the major commands of the existing Reserve structure. This method was widely acclaimed and subsequently adopted as the department of the Army pattern and proved highly effective in the concurrent reorganization of the Reserve components. The standard of excellence established by General Michaelis had a far-reaching impact and provided manifold benefits; his wisdom, resolute determination and unswerving devotion duty made a long lasting contribution to the morale, discipline and operation efficiency of his command. General Michaelis’ distinguished performance of duty throughout this period represents outstanding achievement in the most honored and cherished tradition of the United States Army and reflects the utmost credit upon himself and the military service.”
For several years he then held a post of triple command: Commanding General of the 8th Army; Commanding General, United States Forces Korea; Commanding General, United Nations Command. Each position held great responsibility, as at this juncture, the US Forces Korea was the third largest command in the world. For this service, Michaelis was awarded his Second Oak Leaf Cluster, for which the citation reads, “General John H. Michaelis, United States Army, distinguished himself by eminently meritorious service in positions of great responsibility while serving simultaneously from October 1969 to August 1972 as Commander in Chief, United Nations Command, Commander, United States Forces Korea, and Commanding General, Eighth United States Army. In this triple command position, General Michaelis was responsible for the defense of the Republic of Korea (ROK) from North Korean aggression. During one of the most critical periods in the Republic of Korea’s history, he was the central figure and driving force in the implementation of those portions of the Nixon Doctrine which called for planning and executing a five-year, $1.5 billion modernization program for the Republic of Korea Armed Forces that began concurrently with a 20,000-man United States troop reduction in Korea. Involving far-reaching organizational changes and redistribution of resources, this reduction was carried out expeditiously and with such precision that it did not impair Republic of Korea defenses or hamper Republic of Korea economic development. General Michaelis’ superb professionalism and dedication were largely and dedication were largely responsible for the success of United States military, political, and economic objectives in Northeast Asia. A grateful nation recognizes that General Michaelis’ long and distinguished service during more than thirty-six years of devoted duty has been in the most cherished traditions of the military profession and reflects the utmost credit on him and the United States Armed Forces.”
It was not only the United States that recognized Michaelis’s role of responsibility. For his role of Commander and past connection as a member of the 57th Infantry (Philippine Scouts), he was awarded the Philippine Legion of Honor. His citation states “imbued with the fine traits of tact and diplomacy and genuine understanding of Filipino customs and traditions, General Michaelis displayed utmost concern for the well-being of the Filipino contingent now serving with the United Nations Command and UN-Philippines Liaison Group. Having travelled extensively throughout East Asia and neighbouring countries, he gained firsthand knowledge of the region and its people and from lessons learned from these visits, he effected a more forceful approach to the stewardship of the United Nations Command in its pursuit of the common effort for defense of freedom and democracy in the North Western Pacific Area. His high regard and sincere concern for all the Member-Nations, especially the Philippines, gained for him enduring affection of the Filipino people, this strengthening the existing alliance of friendship between the governments of the Republic of the Philippines and the United States of America.”
General Michaelis retired from the military on August 31, 1972 at the age of sixty, but remained in Korea with his wife, working as a consultant for a large industrial firm for several years. He and his family then moved to Florida where he enjoyed thirteen years of retirement. He died of heart failure on October 31, 1985 in Clayton, Georgia. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.