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GEN. CHARLES D. W. CANHAM'S LEGION OF HONOR AND CROIX DE GUERRE

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Militaria Start Price:375.00 USD Estimated At:750.00 - 1,000.00 USD
GEN. CHARLES D. W. CANHAM'S LEGION OF HONOR AND CROIX DE GUERRE
A fine pair of important medals issued to Gen. Canham by the French government, namely his Legion of Honor (with rosette) and his Croix de Guerre with Palm. The Legion of Honor bears a few tiny chips to the ceramic at the tips of the crosses, with the ribbon lacking the pin, while the Croix de Guerre also lacks the pin and the palm has flaked a few tiny pieces of gilt. Overall, very good. France did well to recognize Canham: in addition to his bravery at Omaha Beach, taking St. Lo, and overcoming the hedgerows, Canham is largely remembered for the liberation of Brest. At the city's surrender, Generalleutnant Hermann-Bernhard Ramcke demanded to know the lower ranking Canham's credentials as a condition of surrender. Unruffled, Canham pointed to the dirty and tired American soldiers he had brought with him to witness the surrender and said, "These are my credentials." Thus, the 8th Infantry gained the motto it bears to this day.

Estimate: $750 - 1,000.

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

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