Description:

UNIFORM, VISOR CAP AND TABLE STANDARD OF MARINE GEN. PAUL X. KELLEY
PAUL X. KELLEY (1928–2019) Marine Corps four-star general who served as the 28th Commandant of the Marine Corps from July 1, 1983, to June 30, 1987. Kelley completed the Airborne Pathfinder School at Fort Benning and was assigned to the 2nd Force Reconnaissance Company, Fleet Marine Force. In 1965, Kelley deployed to South Vietnam. He first served as the Combat Intelligence Officer for the 3rd Marine Amphibious Force. Following this assignment, he served as the Commanding Officer, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines in combat. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel on January 20, 1966. During his tour as battalion commander, he earned the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit with Valor device and two awards of the Bronze Star Medal with Valor device. Four years later, from 1970 to 1971, Kelley commanded the 1st Marine Regiment, which was the last Marine regiment in combat in Vietnam. In 1974, Kelley was promoted to the rank of brigadier general. As a general officer, he served as Commanding General of the 4th Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force. In 1980, Kelley was promoted to lieutenant general and named as the first Commander of the Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force. In 1981, Kelley was promoted to the rank of general, the youngest Marine to have achieved that rank. He then assumed duties as the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps and Chief of Staff. On July 1, 1983, Kelley was named Commandant of the Marine Corps. Offered here are three excellent articles once owned by Kelley. Included first is his Marine Corps service green +tunic with belt, with four conjoined silver stars pinned to each epaulet, and a set of golden parachute wings above his impressive ribbon bar. The ribbon bar itself contains 22 ribbons with many attached devices, and below it is pinned a rarely seen Joint Chiefs of Staff badge. All buttons and collar insignia are present and original. The tunic is fully lined and bears the tailor's label of 'The Marine Shop' in Quantico within. Behind that label, within a pocket, Kelley's name and other information was inked in when the uniform was made. Also included is Kelley's matching green wool visor cap, the visor heavily embellished with gold bullion oak leaves and in superb condition. Finally, there is Kelley's 'table' Marine Corps general's standard, a decorative piece 21 x 18 in., featuring a heavily embroidered gold bullion and gold wire Marine Corps emblem at center with four white stars applied at the corners, all trimmed with a yellow ribbon at the edge. The tunic is accompanied by a copy of a 1987 statement sent to the Cleveland Grays Historical Foundation selling them the uniform for their holdings. An important uniform from one of the Marines' most influential commandants.

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December 5, 2024 10:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $999,999 $10,000
$1,000,000 $1,999,999 $50,000
$2,000,000 + $100,000