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Auction: 25111 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 669

A most unusual Second World War Honorary M.B.E. and Bronze Star pair awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel R. C. MacDuff, United States Army, who was decorated for his fine work at Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF) in the Prisoner of War Executive Branch (PWX) - he certainly '...saved the lives of many POW's'

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, Military Division, Member's (M.B.E.) Badge, 2nd Type, silver; United States of America, Bronze Star, the reverse engraved 'Robert C. MacDuff', in its fitted case of issue (2)

Honorary M.B.E. confirmed in WO 373/151. The original recommendation from his CO - none other than General Sir Richard Nelson 'Windy' Gale, G.C.B., K.B.E., D.S.O., M.C. - and dated 21 June 1945 states:

'Lieutenant-Colonel MacDuff during the period covered by this citation was carrying out the duties of a Major in the PWX Branch of G1 Division. He was the principal liaison between the HQ and the International Red Cross and American Red Cross.

He was directly associated with the arrangements for the introduction of Red Cross supplies into Germany to feed Prisoners of War on the march from the East.

He exhibited great energy and enthusiasm in the performance of his work and his pleasant personality enabled him to surmount many difficulties.

The provision of Red Cross supplies at so critical a time saved the lives of many Prisoners of War and the success of the project was largely due to the untiring efforts exerted by the Lt-Colonel MacDuff.'

Sold together with his metal identity tag, confirming details as 'Robert C MacDuff O-901417 T42 A, Grace E MacDuff, Seymour Lane, Peekskill, NY P' and three riband bars from his tunic.

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Sold for
£480

Starting price
£170