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GEN. CHARLES D. W. CANHAM'S DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Militaria Start Price:1,000.00 USD Estimated At:2,000.00 - 3,000.00 USD
GEN. CHARLES D. W. CANHAM'S DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS
The following six lots originate from the estate of Gen. Charles D. W. Canham (1901-1963), commander of the 29th Infantry Division's 116th Infantry Regiment, which landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day, June 6, 1944. By the end of World War II, Canham had earned every award for valor less the Medal of Honor. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order by General Bernard L. Montgomery and several awards for valor from France. After the war, Canham was Assistant Division Commander of the 82nd Airborne Division and later became commanding general of the 82nd. He was also the commanding general of the 3rd Infantry Division and the commanding general of XI Corps.

Historically important pairing of items, being Gen. Canham's Distinguished Service Cross and the corresponding award. The medal is in excellent condition, perhaps worn only once, still in the original maker's box but with the felt backing showing obvious signs that this medal has been displayed for a long period of time. The period maker's box (crushed) is also present, indicating manufacture ca. March, 1945. Of course, as Canham remained at the front until war's end, he may not have claimed his medal until war's end, or less likely, he may have lost a field-issued original and this is a replacement. The award, marked "RESTRICTED" and headed "GENERAL ORDERS NO. 29", is issued by Major Gen. W. B. Kean 7pp. 4to., Headquarters, First U.S. Army, June 29, 1944. Twenty-four men are awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, including Canham, who is cited thus: "...for extraordinary heroism against the enemy on 6 June 1944, in France. Colonel Canham landed on the [Omaha] beach shortly after the assault wave of troops had landed. At the time, the enemy fire was at its heaviest and had completely arrested the attack. Though wounded shortly after landing, Colonel Canham, with utter disregard for his own safety, continued to expose himself to the enemy fire in his efforts to reorganize the men. His personal bravery and determination so inspired and heartened the men that they were able to break through the enemy positions...". Overall very good. Although wounded, Canham, along with Brig. General Norman Cota (who would receive the same award for his bravery on Omaha on that day), struggled to urge the stalled infantrymen and Rangers off the beach. Sgt. John R. Slaughter perhaps best described Canham's attitude and method: "[Colonel Charles Canham] was yelling and screaming for the officers to get the men off the beach. 'Get the hell off this damn beach and go kill some Germans!' There was an officer taking refuge from an enemy mortar barrage in a pillbox. Right in front of me Colonel Canham screamed: 'Get your ass out of there and show some leadership!' . To another lieutenant he roared, 'Get these men off their dead asses and over that wall!".

Estimate: $2,000 - 3,000.

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Part I: Lots 1-979 - September 27th, 2012

Part II: Lots 980-1845 - September 28th, 2012