United States. A DFC to Captain McBryde Jr. United States Marine Corps

A Distinguished Flying Cross, in bronze gilt, full size, worn on original ribbon with brooch pin on reverse, reverse plain, scattered gilt wear, very fine condition. Contained in original case of issue, black leatherette exterior marked DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS, velvet medal bed, with silk lid, measures 82 mm (w) x 148 mm (h) x 26 mm (d), light wear, slight staining to interior, very fine condition. 

A Naval Aviator Wing, in silver and Gold, reverse marked 1/20-10K STERLING, horizontal pin, measures 70.1 mm (w) x 23.2 mm (h), light wear, dark patina, very fine condition. 

An aerial black and white photo of several planes in the sky, measures 255 mm (w) x 208 mm (h), the reverse states ‘IN THE GROOVE AND ON THE BEAM - Flying over a section known to Marine Corps pilots as the “Groove” in the Solomon Islands, the “Bulldog Squadron” is on the beam with their target, the Vila Plantation Airdrome on Kolombangara Island, ahead of them.” Light creasing but remains in extremely fine condition. 

A USNAS Naval Aviator Certificate named to Second Lieutenant Edgar P. McBryde, Jr. USMCR (NAVC), and dated July 17, 1942, signed by G.F Bogan, Captain of the U.S Navy and R.B Pirie, Lieutenant Commander of the US Navy and Superintendent of Aviation Training. The document measures 251 mm (w) x 379 mm (h), light foxing around edges, remains extremely fine. 

Footnote: Edgar Presley McBryde Jr. was born on December 6, 1919 in Star City, Arkansas. He enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve on September 17, 1941, and served as an aviation cadet between January 1, 1942 to July 16, 1942. He was appointed second lieutenant in the Marine Corps Reserve on July 9, 1942.

He was appointed naval aviator (heavier than air) and detailed to duty involving actual flying in and control of aircraft, effective as of July 21, 1942. 

In May 1943, he was awarded the DFC. The citation states: “For heroism and extraordinary achievement as a pilot during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area from November 23 to December 24, 1942. With courage and determination, Second Lieutenant MCBRYDE participated in a total of thirteen hazardous missions over hostile territory. On two occasions he took part in vigorous attacks on forces of ten to twelve destroyers and, by his excellent marksmanship, made a direct hit on one of the Japanese ships. In subsequent flights he fought his plane through heavy anti-aircraft fire against fighter opposition to effectively bomb and strafe enemy ground installations. His outstanding airmanship and unswerving devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”

Throughout his service, McBrdye was located in the Solomon Islands, Australia, New Caledonia, Espiritu Santo Island, and aboard numerous ships. He was silk for several months in 1943. He was appointed Captain in the Marine Corps Reserve on December 1, 1943. 

McBryde retired in March 1944. He died July 7, 1994.