Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

An unusual Second World War North Africa operations M.M. group of six awarded to Sergeant A. G. Mears, Royal Artillery - an award stemming from a recommendation for the American Silver Star

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (1459584 Sjt. A. G. Mears, R.A.), in its original named card box of issue and forwarding box, with related Buckingham Palace letter; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, good very fine and better (6) £800-1000

M.M. London Gazette 23 September 1943. The original recommendation - for an American Silver Star submitted by a Colonel in the U.S. 18th Infantry - states:

‘At 1200 hours on 11 January 1943, a gun crew of Troop ‘B’, 51st Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment showed conspicuous gallantry in action, near Medjex El Bab, Tunisia. This gun was in a position near the H.Q. of 2nd Battalion, 18th U.S. Infantry when the area was bombed by 12 German dive-bombers with fighter escort. One bomb landed within 30 feet of the gun wounding six members of the gun crew, besides killing two infantrymen and wounding one officer and several men nearby. Despite their wounds, and with complete disregard for their own safety, this gun crew continued to fire on the enemy planes until the attack ended.

The members of this gun were:

Sergeant A. G. Mears - body wounds.
Bombardier D. W. McKenzie - serious head wound (died).
Driver S. W. Geering - leg wounds.
Gunner F. Craddock - back wounds.
Gunner G. Cooling - elbow wounds.
Gunner E. A. Maloney - side wounds.
Lance-Bombardier G. Little - not hit.
Gunner S. F. Johns - not hit.

I am recommending to the Commanding General, 1st U.S. Infantry Division, that all of these men be awarded the Silver Star citation for gallantry in action.’

The above having been passed to the British authorities, Mears was recommended for the M.M.:

‘On 11 January 1943, near Medjex El Bab, for keeping his gun in action during a dive bombing attack by 12 German bombers with fighter escort, despite wounds to himself and other members of his gun crew.’