Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second World War Bronze Star group of six attributed to Captain William Mayfield, U.S. Army, who served as a liaison officer with the Chinese Army

Bronze Star, unnamed, with ‘V’ emblem and oak leaf cluster; American Campaign Medal; Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, three stars on ribbon; Victory Medal 1945; ; China, Order of the Cloud and Banner, 7th Class breast badge, silver and enamel, reverse numbered, ‘648’, with rosette on ribbon, some enamel damage; War Commemorative Medal 1945, reverse stamped, ‘No.A0690’, with metal emblem on ribbon, nearly very fine and better (6) £500-600

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

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William D. Mayfield was born in Marietta, South Carolina on 21 July 1911. He graduated from Clemson University and received his doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Auburn University. After the war he practiced Veterinary Medicine at Laurens, South Carolina for some 18 years.

He entered active service with the Army on 3 February 1942. Ranked as a Captain he served for 24 months as Combat Liaison Officer. His ‘Summary of Military Occupations reads:

‘Worked in China directly with Chinese units, regiments and higher. Advised and assisted Chinese commanders on every phase of combat. Before movements and battles he collaborated with Chinese commander to work out problems of supply and tactics, keeping U.S. Headquarters informed. Use of air support was dependant on his decision. In this capacity he engaged in extended campaigns with Chinese troops. During the time they were not in combat he was engaged in instruction and supply of these troops.’

In August 1945 it was reported that ‘This officer is now serving as Exec.O., G-3, G-4 and Hqs. Commandant. Formerly Capt. Mayfield was Liaison Officer with the 115th Regt., 39th Div. for about 16 months in the Saliveen Campaign and the same duty performed with the 19th Div. Western Hunan for two months. ...’

Awarded three Bronze Stars. A citation reads: ‘Captain WILLIAM D. MAYFIELD, 0-304545, Infantry, Army of the United States, is awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service during the period 1 May 1945 to 2 June 1945.  During this period, Captain MAYFIELD faithfully and tactfully performed his duties as Combat Section Commander with the 19th Division, 100th Army, in the LU SA PING and FOO YUN SHAN areas in the WESTERN HUNAN campaign.  Captain MAYFIELD accompanied the air-ground liaison team to the front lines, keeping them informed of the location of his units and assisting them in effectively carrying out their missions.  The 19th Division was given the mission of clearing up the LA SU PING corridor of the Japanese, and completed it under air support.  Close coordination of air support with movement of ground units was required, and the cooperation of the Division Liaison Officer, Captain MAYFIELD, and air-ground Liaison Officer, Lieutenant QUINN, was a large factor in the success of the campaign.  Tactics of ground units insisted upon by Captain MAYFIELD resulted in the capture of Hill 1450, a formidable objective.  The hazard of battle, the difficult terrain, adverse weather conditions, and supply problems were surmounted to complete the mission.  The courage and devotion to duty of this officer under enemy fire was an inspiration to our Chinese Allies and reflects great honor upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.’

Also awarded the ‘Breast Order of Yun Hui with Ribbon’ (Order of the Cloud and Banner) by the Chinese Nationalist Government, his certificate of award being forwarded to him in May 1947.

With original Separation Qualification Record; Chinese Combat Command form of recommendation to the rank of Major, August 1945; Certificate of Service; Bronze Star citation; War Department letter to accompany the certificate of the Chinese Order (not with lot), May 1947; an English translation of the Chinese Certificate of award - which is named and is numbered, ‘648’; photograph of the recipient (2) and copied obituary - all in folder. With Honorable Discharge (W.W.2) button; Combat Infantryman Badge; rank insignia and China-Burma-India Theatre cloth patch 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.