Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Korean War M.B.E. group of seven awarded to Colonel J. S. Hitsman, Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Military) Member’s 2nd type breast badge, silver; Canadian Volunteer Service Medal; War Medal 1939-45, Canadian issue in silver; Korea 1950-53, Canadian issue, silver (ZC 2858 J. S. Hitsman); U.N. Korea 1950-54 (ZC 2858 J. S. Hitsman); U.N.E.F. Medal, unnamed as issued; Canadian Forces Decoration, E.II.R. (Col J. S. Hitsman) mounted as worn, traces of lacquer resulting in some tarnishing, otherwise nearly extremely fine (7) £300-£400

M.B.E. London Gazette 11 November 1952:
‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Korea.’

The original Recommendation, dated 29 June 1952, states: ‘Major J. S. Hitsman arrived in Korea in November 1951, and since that time has served as a Regimental Medical Officer, a Company Officer in 25 Canadian Field Ambulance, and lately as Officer Commanding, 25 Canadian Field Dressing Station.
During the period Major Hitsman has exhibited sound common sense and quiet good humour in his work. His clinical judgement has been sound because he has taken pains in dealing with patients as individuals. His relations with co-workers and subordinates are the reflection of a good personality and integrity of purpose.
Since taking over as Officer Commanding, 25 Canadian Field Dressing Station, he has had the the responsibility of opening a forward section of his unit to provide an additional eighty beds in the rear divisional area. His handling of this project has been most gratifying, as the resources of this small unit are being stretched to the limit of sound medical care.
Notwithstanding the long hours of work devolving on officers and other ranks, Major Hitsman has succeeded in instilling an enthusiasm in his unit that is a pleasure to observe.’

James Stuart Hitsman was born at Kingston, Ontario, on 29 March 1920 and attested there or the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps on 17 June 1942, whilst still a Medical Student. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant on 22 July 1944, and was advanced Captain on 4 November 1944. He served during the latter stages of the Second World War in the U.K. for 13 months. Advanced Major on 16 January 1949, he saw further service during the Korean War, for which he was created a Member of the Order of the British Empire. He was promoted Lieutenant Colonel on 4 April 1955, and acting Colonel on 16 September 1958, and was awarded the Canadian Forces Decoration in 1959 (receiving a Second Award Bar in 1964). For most of his service he was working at Kingston Military Hospital, and he finally retired on 26 September 1969.

Sold with copied record of service and other research.