Glosters Pres Unit Citation ?

[davidwyke]

This is obviously a US Presidential Unit Citation badge but the border cloth suggests British battle dress rather than a US uniform.

I know the 1/Glosters received this award for their bravery in Korea, is this what I have? It's possible other British regts have also received this award.

Any info much appreciated.

David

[Mike Jackson]

I believe that the Presidential Unit Citation was awarded to C Troop, 170 Mortar Battery RA for the same action. Mike

[Ian B]

David,

A Canadian unit, the Second Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry also received the US P.U.C. for their actions at Kap'yong in Korea. As memory serves, original members of the battalion could wear the citation in perpetuity. After, any Patricia posted to the 2nd Batt. could wear the citation, but had to remove it when posted out. I believe this practice continues to this day.

Not sure of the country of origin of the pictured citation, however. From the Korean War to Unification, the P.U.C. was worn on khaki coloured wool for the Canadian battle dress and service dress.

Ian

[davidwyke]

Hi Chaps

Many thanks for your input, much appreciated.

Three possibilities so far. I'm inclined to think it's more likely British than Canadian, for no reason other than I found it over here. Of the two British units, Glosters are possibly more likely simply because there would probably be more men entitled to wear it.

That's all conjecture though, there is no way of knowing; all three badges are probably identical, certainly the two British ones.

Thanks again for your help!

David

[Postwarden]

List of Changes dated 31st March 1952 includes Change C4909 which introduces Badges, Brooch, Citation US Army - with metal frame for tropical dress and woven with gold thread for temperate dress.

The attached photo would suggest that what you have is the British version.

Jon

[Mike Jackson]

The Citation (full text on Wikepedia) ends:

The 1st BATTALION, GLOUCESTERSHIRE REGIMENT and TROOP C, 170th INDEPENDENT MORTAR BATTERY displayed such gallantry, determination, and esprit de corps in accomplishing their mission under extremely difficult and hazardous conditions as to set them apart and above other units participating in the same battle. Their sustained brilliance in battle, their resoluteness, and extraordinary heroism are in keeping with the finest traditions of the renowned military forces of the British Commonwealth, and reflect unsurpassed credit on these courageous soldiers and their homeland.

[54Bty]

All of these are British Army issue, "Swimming Pools".

The badge continues to be worn members of 25/170 (Imjin) Battery Royal Artillery, unless they have been disbanded recently.

Marc

[davidwyke]

Hi Chaps

Thanks again for all the info on the "swimming pools" (that's what they call them is it?!). Much appreciated.

David

[Blackadder1916]

As well, 41 (Independent) Commando, Royal Marines was (supposedly) awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for action in Korea, though it was not presented until 1957. As it is possible that the award was the US Navy PUC, it would not have been the "swimming pool". I have not seen anything that indicates the insignia of this citation was worn on the Marines' uniform.

[Sunray9]

A private ceremony took place at the US Ambassador's Residence in London, 3rd April 1957 attended amongst others by Prince Phillip. Gen. Pate USMC invited the Commandant General to accept the Presidential Unit Citation on behalf of 41 Indep. Cdo and was presented with a Battle Streamer and a quantity of Citation Ribbons for those of the Commando who took part in the Chosin Campaign. There was no news coverage and the 'Globe and Laurel' magazine only had a small article. This was, apparently, at the behest of the Admiralty wanting only a low-key affair. It was assumed that having been presented with the Citation former members of the unit would be allowed to wear the Ribbon on their uniform. However, after names, units and a list had been compiled the Honours and Awards Committee refused to sanction.
I joined 41 Commando RM in 1970 and the Battle Streamer had at least been attached to the Unit Regimental Colour, Her Majesty had granted permission for this attachment in 1960.

Ritchie.

[Blackadder1916]

Originally Posted by Sunray9

A private ceremony took place at the US Ambassador's Residence in London, 3rd April 1957 attended amongst others by Prince Phillip. Gen. Pate USMC invited the Commandant General to accept the Presidential Unit Citation on behalf of 41 Indep. Cdo and was presented with a Battle Streamer and a quantity of Citation Ribbons for those of the Commando who took part in the Chosin Campaign. There was no news coverage and the 'Globe and Laurel' magazine only had a small article. This was, apparently, at the behest of the Admiralty wanting only a low-key affair. It was assumed that having been presented with the Citation former members of the unit would be allowed to wear the Ribbon on their uniform. However, after names, units and a list had been compiled the Honours and Awards Committee refused to sanction.
I joined 41 Commando RM in 1970 and the Battle Streamer had at least been attached to the Unit Regimental Colour, Her Majesty had granted permission for this attachment in 1960.

Ritchie.

http://gallery.commandoveterans.org/...ATION.jpg.html


Presentation
http://www.diomedia.com/public/en/17...geDetails.html

1961 - 41 Commando receiving streamer for their colours.
http://www.britishpathe.com/video/us...arines/query/C

[badgecollector]

hi all
don't forget the aussies
3 RAR was rapidly committed as Australia's main land force contribution to the United Nations forces in the Korean War. After a period of intensive training and reinforcement in Japan, the battalion arrived in South Korea in late September 1950. The battalion formed part of the 27th Commonwealth Brigade and took part in the United Nations offensive into North Korea and the subsequent retreat into South Korea following the Chinese offensive in the winter of 1950–51. In October 1950, the battalion distinguished itself at Chongju during the UN northward advance to the Yalu River. Commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Charles Green, it attacked and captured a large North Korean defensive line in a combined arms operation with tanks and artillery. Green was later killed in action. It was one of three units to receive the US Presidential Unit Citation after the Battle of Kapyong, that was fought between 22 and 25 April 1951.[6]

[fairlie63]

3RAR wore theirs on the same terms as 2PPCLI, originally on both shoulders under the shoulder title and in the form shown on khaki backing. Originals wore it in perpetuity. At some stage, certainly by the mid 1970s it was moved above the right breast pocket and comprised a gilt frame with blue medal type material in the centre. The non-Kapyong vet members of the bn had to remove it when they were reposted.

[davidwyke]

Thanks to everyone for your additional info, very interesting indeed!

Going back to the earlier post by Ritchie regarding 41 Ind Cdo, I'm puzzled as to why the Admiralty would want to keep such a prestigious event (attended by Royalty) so low-key. Great photo, incidentally, RM & USMC.

I don't understand why the Honours & Awards Committee would refuse to sanction wearing of the award either. That said, they have been known to move in mysterious ways, particularly where foreign awards are concerned.

David

[Sunray9]

The Commandant of the USMC, Gen. Shepherd finished his appointment in 1955 and apparently gave his successor a challenge to obtain the PUC for 41 Independent Cdo. This meant changing the rules of US Navy Regs. that barred foreign units from being awarded the PUC. The US Army had no such restriction. This took the USMC four years to achieve. In 1957 the Commandant Gen. USMC Gen. Pate informed the CGRM that 41 was entitled and he would be coming to the UK for this presentation. The CGRM, Gen. Hardy was informed by the Honours and Awards Committee and the Admiralty they were reluctant to give their permission quoting a 1955 agreement between the USA and Brit. Governments stating that there should be no further awards by one country to units or individuals of the other country in respect of service in Korea, rejecting the fact that the award was originally made in 1953 and only USN rules, now changed, had prevented this.
In the meantime, Suez erupted putting a further strain on US / GB relations ! However, the Awards Committee and the Admiralty did eventually give their consent. (If ever there was a 'committee' which needed a swift kick in their respective anal ducts, it surely has to be them)

Ritchie.