Hello from PA

[tjabv2]

Hi everyone,
My name is Tim and I live in a small PA town named Catasauqua. I joined the forum to try and spread the word about my "search". I'm 53 and remember, as a child, my dad showing me my Uncle Tommy's medal. He was killed in 1945. My dad has since passed, and I have no idea what ever became of the medal. If it was sold, and was located via my search, I would expect to have to pay to regain the ownership of it. I'm not looking for any "freebies" as I understand that these things become collector items and always are traded with a value attached. My quest is to put this with the family history that I have been putting together. If this was sold, it would have been probably 10 to 15 years ago, and sold out of Allentown, PA. The following is the article that I found about my uncle. Please let me know if anyone has information, or any other help, in finding this family treasure. THANK YOU, TIM
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross
(Posthumously) to Thomas Joseph Allen (350828), Staff Sergeant, U.S. Marine
Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with
Company C, First Battalion, Fourth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, in action
against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 23 May 1945.
Volunteering to act as an ammunition carrier for a machine-gun squad in his
company, Staff Sergeant Allen and three of his comrades sustained wounds
when the unit was pinned down by heavy hostile mortar and automatic weapons
fire. Deliberately exposing himself to the shattering Japanese concentrations to
bring down more effective fire upon the enemy, he staunchly remained in his
vulnerable position and, although receiving mortal wounds, continued to deliver
covering fire upon the hostile positions until the three casualties had been
safely evacuated. By his indomitable fighting spirit and courageous devotion to
duty, Staff Sergeant Allen undoubtedly saved the lives of his three comrades and
upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly
gave his life for his country.
Commander in Chief, Pacific Forces: Serial 36935-46 (November 14, 1946)
Born: at Pennsylvania Home Town: Catasauqua, Pennsylvania

[johnhmcgary]

Hi Tim, I wish you luck in your search. You don't make it very clear in your message, do you know it was sold or just believe it was? Do you know if it was engraved with your uncle's name? Maybe its just me but if I were in possession of an item such as this I would certainly keep it in the family but it sounds like you've already gone that route. There are many knowledgeable and helpful people on this site, they may be able to steer you in the right direction. Once again I wish you the best of luck. John

[Walkwolf]

Hello Tim, and welcome to the forum.........

The award citation for this action is moving, as most are.
Your uncle paid the ultimate price, and is a great hero of WWII.

Such a shame this heirloom medal has been lost or sold.
It would be awful if it had been sold off at a yard sale for peanuts !

The Navy Cross is the second highest US Naval award, next to the
Conressional Medal Of Honor, since 1942 I believe, and given only
for combat bravery at great risk to ones life.
There are laws in the US now, enacted to prevent the sale of
important medals such as this, covered under the
'Stolen Valour Act'.

It may be difficult for you to recover this particular medal, but I do
wish you luck. Hopefully, it languishes in the bottom of a drawer,
or in a cupboard. Perhaps some other relative has it..........?

Modern examples can be bought and sold outside of the US.
I will post a photo or two when I can.