Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second World War Silver Star group of four representative of those awarded to First Lieutenant G. la Riviere, 3rd Battalion 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment - entitled to the Military Cross

Silver Star, reverse obliquely hand engraved, ‘R. G. la Riviere’, slot brooch; American Campaign Medal; European-African-Midde Eastern Campaign Medal, with bronze arrowhead and a silver and a bronze star on ribbon; Victory Medal 1945, generally extremely fine (4) £40-60

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

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Note: the above medals are representative of those awarded to Lieutenant la Riviere.

Lieutenant Richard G. La Riviere, ‘H’ Company, 3rd Battalion 504th Parachute Regiment, was recommended for the British Military Cross for his services at Carroceto, Latina, Italy.

Recommendation reads: ‘At CARROCETO. During the night 7/8 Feb the 5th Bn Grenadier Guards were heavily attacked by the Germans. Lt. Riverre and his Company were sent to reinforce the Grenadiers and on his arrival he found only one Company and 27 of Bn HQs still in existence. During that night and throughout the next day there were several more attacks by the enemy and it was largely due to the assistance given by Lt. Riverre and his Company that the attacks were withstood. At 2000 hrs on the next night Lt. Riverre was told that he might withdraw his Company but knowing that the enemy were still on close proximity and realizing that the Bn would be unable to withstand further attacks on their own, he voluntarily remained with the Grenadier Guards. Later that night the position was again heavily attacked but all attacks were beaten off. At 0300 hrs the Grenadier Guards were ordered to withdraw and, although the enemy were within 20 yds of the position, the covering party provided by Lt. Riverre enabled the Bn to withdraw without loss and to extricate a considerable quantity of valuable equipment. Throughout the action the soldierly bearing and courage of Lt. Riverre and his company were a source of constant admiration to all ranks of the Grenadier Guards.’

With copied M.C. recommendation; some copied service papers and notes. Also with cloth and metal unit insignia 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.