Solomon Islands Centenary Anniversary of Sergeant Major Jacob Vouza

SOLOMON ISLANDS on 3 May 1992 issued a centenary series of First Day Cover stamps honouring Solomon Islander and WWII hero Sergeant Major Jacob Vouza. Four stamps depicted him various times in his life.

 

Sir Jacob Charles Vouza, KBE, GM, KPM (c. 1892 –1984) was a native police officer of the British Solomon Islands Protectorate, who served with the United States Marine Corps in the Guadalcanal campaign during World War II.

Vouza was highly decorated for his World War II service. The Silver Star was presented to him personally by Major General Alexander A. Vandegrift, commanding general of the 1st Marine Division, for refusing to give information under Japanese torture. In 1945, he also was awarded the Legion of Merit for outstanding service with the 2nd Raider Battalion during November and December 1942, and was made an honorary sergeant major in the Marine Corps. From the British government, Vouza received the George Medal (GM) for gallant conduct and exceptional devotion to duty, and the Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. In the 1957 New Year Honours, he furthermore was appointed a member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for public services in the British Solomon Islands Protectorate, and in the 1979 Birthday Honours promoted to a knight commander of the same order (KBE) for outstanding services to his country and local community.

Source: Wikipedia