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Up for offer is an incredible Post Vietnam era uniform group for US Navy Rear Admiral Thomas Emery. Included is his tunic, pants, visor, a framed set of his awards, a prayer card, a framed photo of Thomas, a photo of DDG-40 which is related to his service, and a museum style information plaque about Thomas' service.
The tunic remains in very nice condition overall. Impressive Rear Admiral sleeve stripes. There is minor signs of dust soiling on the shoulders area, likely from a long term display. Named "Commodore Emery" on the interior pocket label and dated 1985.
The pants remains in fair condition overall, with one area of moth damage on the front left ankle, visible in the photos. Minor dust soiling throughout as well. Complete with a belt as well. Name tag on the interior also named "Commodore Emery" and is dated 1985.
The white top visor cap is in pretty nice condition overall, with only minor soiling to the white top. Impressive bullion visor. Marked as a size 7-1/4 on the interior, and produced by Bancroft. Unnamed, but certainly part of the group.
The most impressive part of this set is the framed uniform display. This set is complete with a set of rank stars, a gold submarine clasp, ribbon bars, miniature medals, and full size medals. The reverse of the frame has a taped on written note identifying all of the awards. The frame itself measures 20-1/2 x 20-1/2 inches square. Below is a copy of his Silver Star Citation from the Vietnam War found online.
"The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Thomas Rogers Merril Emery, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Officer in Tactical Command of a riverine strike force while Commander of Operation Seafloat. During the early morning hours of 8 August 1969, Commander Emery led a force consisting of six fast patrol craft and 100 mobile strike force troops on a raid in search of an enemy force which was reported to be establishing a forward staging area. Departing from the Mobile Advanced Tactical Support Base located on the Cua Lon River near Nam Can City on the Ca Mau Peninsula in the Republic of Vietnam, the force proceeded up the narrow Ba Thanh stream. After carefully penetrating through the densely covered jungle route at approximately 1000 three of the fast patrol craft tripped an enemy ambush causing two personnel casualties. Commander Emery moved forward through completely exposed to the extensive hail of automatic weapons and B-40 fire and dragged one of the wounded back toward the shelter of the wheelhouse. He continued to give the necessary maneuvering instructions required to counter the ambush and once again demonstrated a complete disregard for his own safety by moving the second wounded man through the vicious cross fire to safety. He resumed an unprotected observation and control position, commenced the full employment of supporting arms, and coordinated the ground attack against the ambush positions when he noticed that another member of his force suffered a hit. For the third time during the engagement, he exposed himself to recover one of his comrades and returned him to a position where first aid was administered. He again took up his exposed vantage point and for thirty minutes successfully directed his force resulting in the enemy positions being overrun and a large cache of munitions was captured. Commander Emery’s gallant behavior, repeated bravery under fire and outstanding tactical ability inspired his force to overcome and defeat the enemy. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
A copy of Thomas' funeral card is included as well. The card shows minor signs of wear.
A framed picture of Thomas in this uniform is included as well. the photo however is framed with plastic, and it does not fit the frame well. However, this is how it was acquired, and it is left as is.
A nice larger photo of DDG-40 USS Coontz is included as well, with the caption "commanding officer" on the lower edge of the picture. Emery was the commanding officer of the guided missile destroyer from March of 1972 to December 1973. Measures 17-3/4 inches wide by 15-1/4 inches a museum style informational plaque is included with this group as well. The plaque mentions some of the more prestigious awards, service time, and major positions held. Measures 5-3/4 inches wide by 10 inches tall.
This is an incredible group related to a Navy Rear Admiral who served in the military for nearly his entire life. This set was recently liquidated from a closed museum's collection in the New Hampshire area, and it is the first time this grouping has been on the market since it was donated.
Additional photos available by message if needed, as I am unable to add more to the listing.
Prefer local pick up, but will ship if desired. This set can be hand delivered within a 200 mile radius of the listing location as TO SHIP THIS ITEM, THE AWARDS FRAME WILL NEED TO BE OPENED. This is due to the free mounted nature of the medals, which will likely break the glass frame in transit if not protected.
Please check my other items for additional US uniforms & militaria!
