1928 United States Treasury Department Second Class Life Saving Medal. By Anthony C. Paquet. Julian LS-10. Silver. Extremely Fine.
44.5 mm, medal only, 126.5 mm x 53.5 mm including original hanger, bar and ribbon. 76.51 grams. Central reverse inscribed to the recipient TO / JOHN J. CAVEY / FOR BRAVELY / RESCUING A MAN / FROM DROWNING / SEPTEMBER 16, 1928. Much of the original matte finish is discernible on both sides, the surfaces of which are enhanced by iridescent toning that outlines the still-bold design elements. With a few minor signs of handling around the rims, shallow scratch in the upper right obverse field. Specimens of this medal that remain intact, with their hanger, bar, and ribbon, are very rare. Most were well polished and abused over the years, and few retain all their parts. This example is very nicely preserved, and as such, is worthy of a premium bid. This lot includes a copy of page 66 of a "Report of the Coast Guard" that details exactly how Private John J. Cavey, U.S. Army, won this medal: "About 10:30 p.m. Sept. 16, 1928, Pvt. John J. Cavey, U.S. Army, was returning to the Ellis Island ferry slip from New York City to board for Governors Island when he heard a woman remark that a man was drowning. Looking into the water near the ferry ship, Covey saw a man just beneath the surface. Removing his belt and blouse, he jumped into the icy water, succeeded in raising the unconscious man to the surface, and swam with him to the sea wall, where he was assisted in removing the man from the water. It was later learned that the rescued man was Jerry Toomey, a civilian. The water was very deep where Toomey fell in, and undoubtedly he would have drowned but for the prompt assistance rendered by Cavey. Other persons witnessed the accident but none volunteered his services." (Total: 1 medal; 1 copied page)
Ex Mike O'Shea, October 2009.