World War Medals

These Artifacts are an exceptionally complete lot of medals and the associated paperwork awarded to a Flying Tiger and Air Force General John K. This medal group was awarded to Major General John K. Hester and is absolutely complete and exceptional in every regard. Not only does every medal come with its period-correct presentation case, but each set retains its components (medal, ribbon, lapel pin). Every medal save for the Distinguished Service Medal comes with paperwork/orders which indicates the citation and dates of receipt. The Distinguished Service Medal has an accompanying photo (no other paperwork) of it being awarded to Hester’s widow as the medal was awarded posthumously after the General tragically died on active duty as Commander, 17th Air Force. Since the Air Force began awarding their version later in 1965, this is one of the last Army DSMs to be awarded within the Air Force to a senior leader. You won’t be disappointed with this group! Each vintage medal is in excellent condition with more photos available upon request. The paperwork is complete and well preserved for its age. Included in this group is. One Distinguished Service Medal with photo of the medal ceremony in the office of the Chief of Staff of the Air Force General John P. McConnell – Medal is officially engraved! Two Legions of Merit with paperwork, one of the medals awarded with the Oak Leaf Cluster – both officially. One Distinguished Flying Cross with paperwork from the 14th Air Force in China. One Air Medal with paperwork from the 14th Air Force in China. One Bronze Star Medal with paperwork from the 14th Air Force in China. One Army Commendation Medal with paperwork – officially engraved. Major General Hester’s career began in 1938 and eventually took him to China where he flew 50 combat missions against the Japanese as a fighter pilot with the 14th Air Force, the famous Flying Tigers. Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, and Air Medal as a Squadron Commander, Hester later served on Curtis LeMay’s Air Staff and became the Commanding General of the 17th Air Force at Ramstein AFB, Germany. His promising career was cut short when he succumbed to injuries resulting from a military parachute jump in April 1965. This artifact has been entrusted to Heritage Arsenal for consignment by the family of Major General John K. Hester and has not previously been resident in any collection or museum. Remembering Major General John K Hester -”Flying Tiger” Distinguished Flying Cross Recipient. Video will open in a new window. Using the mobile app? The item “World War II Flying Tiger Pilot Major General Hester’s Medal and Document Group” is in sale since Thursday, December 2, 2021. This item is in the category “Collectibles\Militaria\WW II (1939-45)\Original Period Items\United States\Medals & Ribbons”. The seller is “heritage_arsenal” and is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This item can be shipped to United States, all countries in Europe.

• Region of Origin: United States
• Modified Item: No
• Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
• Conflict: WW II (1939-45)
• Theme: Militaria
• Original/Reproduction: Original