Chilean Great Star for Military Merit to a US Air Force Major General - 1963!!

Description

Chilean Great Star for Military Merit Awarded to Major General John K. Hester, US Air Force, in 1963!!!!
'Conjunto Gran Estrella Al M
érito
Militar Y Medalla Miniatura
M
érito Militar'
or The Set of the Great Star for Military Merit, Miniature Medal, and Lapel Button from Chile. This wonderful medal set was awarded to Major General John K. Hester, US Air Force. The medal is the highest service medal for Chilean officers and is awarded by that nation for 30 plus years of service.
This medal comes in its original hinged presentation case with neck ribbon, ties, and other accoutrement. This is the exact medal that was awarded to Major General John K. Hester by the Chileans and comes directly from his family along with period newspaper clippings, photos of the award ceremony, and Air Force official letter of transmittal. From the standpoint of provenance and documentation, it doesn't get much better!
The only
omission
to this lot is the award certificate from Chile that was lost in the intervening years. That said, the
medal is accompanied by an official letter from the U.S. Air Force in the form of a communique serving as a
receipt
for this
foreign
award.
The presentation case is in solid, functional condition but has traces of cellophane tape originally used to keep the box sealed. The internal cushioned lining is intact and there is a paper label with Hester's name and rank inside, probably to keep the set
separate
from the others presented that day. The medal is in
excellent
condition and shows nice, even patina across all surfaces and no evidence of polishing, cleaning, or damage. Of note, this particular medal is made from a fusion of copper and zinc. The enamel device to the obverse of the medal is without damage and exhibits the same even and
pleasing
patina consistent with the lapel button. The medal's full neck ribbon with ties and the broach or suspension ribbon on the miniature are well
preserved
and are free of soiling and damage.
This is a very extensive and historically complete award lot, enticing to medal collectors, General and Flag Officer collectors, and those interested in South American military history who can all share in something to appreciate here!
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. To learn more about General Hester's remarkable career, click on the attached video! 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
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