August 2020 Auction Ends Thursday, August 27th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/27/2020
Presidential Medal of Freedom awarded to performer Martha Raye for her USO performances in three wars: World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam. Known as ''Colonel Maggie'' to the troops that adored her, Raye - a registered nurse - often tended to the soldiers at hospitals when she wasn't performing, and was given full military honors upon her death. This Presidential Medal of Freedom was awarded to Raye by President Bill Clinton in 1993, and features the classic medal: a blue and white enamel star surrounded by a red pentagon, with 13 gold stars at center representing the 13 original colonies, all surrounded by a gold Eagle design. Medal is engraved on verso, ''Martha Raye / November 2, 1993'', with ''PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM'' encircling it. The identification of ''517-L'' is also engraved, matching the number on the original box that accompanies the medal. Medal is attached by pin to the blue and white grosgrain ribbon, intended to be pinned rather than hanging from the neck, a ''Female, Type II'' style given to some of the female recipients. Medal measures the full size of 2.25'' in diameter, with the ribbon measuring 5.75'' across and 3.75'' long. In original wood box measuring 7.25'' x 7.75'', itself housed in original cardboard box. Lot also comes with one of the smaller service ribbons (to be worn in lieu of the full medal), and a collection of interesting letters both to and from Raye, including some written by her during Vietnam, one from Bob Hope, and one lengthy letter from a soldier in Vietnam who lost his brother in the war and his family in a car accident, telling Raye that he thinks of her performances every day to inspire him to keep going and not become bitter. An extraordinary lot of items to one of the greatest USO performers of all time, with the Presidential Medal of Freedom particularly scarce.
Presidential Medal of Freedom Awarded to Martha Raye for Her Service to the Troops During WWII, the Korean War and Vietnam -- The Highest Civilian Award of the United States and Scarce at Auction
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