Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. Stephen Lesko is considered by some as the "Godfather" of Marine Corps Signals Intelligence. He was a prime developer of the first Radio Intelligence Platoons which would later become the Radio Battalions, the Marine Support Battalion and finally the Marine Cryptologic Support Battalion.  He also was a factor in the development of the Naval Security Group.  The USMC owes this excellent Marine a huge debt of gratitude for his dedication, hard work and superb abilities.

This is a gorgeous WWII example of a USMC Officer's Mameluke sword, complete with its original scabbard, in very good condition. The sword has developed a gorgeous patina over the years. The Mameluke sword is a very iconic edged weapon with roots in the Marine Corps going back 219 years to the First Barbary War. This example is etched on the blade with S. Lesko, for Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Lesko. This example was made by HILBURN HAMBURGER INC. in New York, as is marked on the ricasso under the rain chape, which makes it difficult to photograph.

The brass guard with double langets and acorn finials has strong traces of gilt, as do the two star-embossed rivet caps on either side of the bone grip. The hole for the sword knot in the pommel retains both of its brass washers. The scabbard is the regulation pattern: nickel plated with narrow brass throat, rings and ring bands, the latter cast with a leaf design. The brass shoe-style drag has a raised rose blossom and leaves on either side of the blade. There is some gilt on the throat and drag, but the brass has mostly a medium, aged patina.

Marine Corps COMINT operations on the Asiatic Station in the 1920’s and 1930’s served as a training ground for those who were later the founders of tactical direct support to Marine forces in the amphibious campaigns of World War II.  One individual who played a key role in organizing these tactical direct support units was Stephen Lesko.  Upon completion of his tour of duty at Shanghai in 1938, then SSgt Lesko was transferred back to the U. S. and assigned to general service communications duties. Intervening years before Pearl Harbor, he was promoted to Warrant Officer in the Signal Supply Field.

The attack on Pearl Harbor found WO Lesko serving with the 6th Marine Defense Battalion on Midway Island where he remained until after the Battalion of Midway Island.  He was subsequently transferred to the Marine Corps Signal Supply Depot, San Diego where he was promoted to 2nd Lt In early 1943, the Marine Corps decided to create tactical radio intelligence units for use in the Pacific.  Designed to be self-sustaining and mobile, their mission was to provide radio intelligence and transmission security in direct support of the Amphibious Corps.  At this time, now 1st Lt Lesko was still in San Diego.  Someone recalled he had been the senior enlisted Marine cryptologist on the Asiatic Station.  As a result, he was ordered TAD to OP-20-G for the purpose of forming Radio Intelligence (RI) platoons for combat.  Supported by Headquarters, Marine Corps and OP-20-G, 1st Lt Lesko, assisted by 2nd Lt Joseph A. Petroski, Jr. and 2nd Lt Marcus J. Couts, began the task of creating Marine Corps tactical radio intelligence units for the Pacific theater.

The platoons were organized, equipped and trained at Camp Elliott near San Diego.  There was no precedent for such units.  1st Lt Lesko had only his experience in cryptology and general service communications as background in deciding training and equipment requirements.  In addition to Marine Corps unique training, personnel received basic cryptologic training provided all, or in part, through Station “S” (Bainbridge).  Each platoon consisted of 50 men.  There were no enlisted analysts so the platoon commander and language officer were responsible for all analysis and reporting.  Reportedly, by the fall of 1943, a total of seven RI platoons had been organized and trained.  Of the seven, it is believed five served in the Pacific theater but information is available on only four.

By September 1, 1943, the first two RI unites, designed 1st and 2nd RI Platoons, were ready to deploy.  Both platoons were ordered to the Solomon Islands for duty with the I Amphibious Corps (later redesignated III).  Now Capt Lesko assumed command of both platoons and deployed with them.  At Guadalcanal he decided to undertake a study of Japanese 8th Base Force observation posts in the New Ireland, New Britain and Solomon Island areas.  The platoons sent their intercept material to the Fleet Radio Unit, Pacific (FRUPAC) in Hawaii.  Their efforts were apparently both successful and appreciated as evidenced by a reference in the FRUPAC Weekly News Memorandum dated March 19, 1944:”…some very valuable intelligence information on the Rabaul Solomon islands areas…” which  the platoons had supplied.

In April 1944, Capt Lesko returned to the U.S. for assignment to Camp Lejeune, NC.  However, these orders were quickly modified at the specific request of III Amphibious Corps for his return to Guadalcanal where he reassumed command of 1st RI Platoon for the invasion of Guam.  In August 1944, he returned stateside for assignment as an instructor in communications at the Marine Corps Schools, Quantico, where he served until the end of the war.

This is a really phenomenal named Mameluke sword worthy of further research. Comes ready for display.

Specifications:
Blade Length: 31¾"
Blade Style: Single Edged Sword with Fuller
Overall length: 37¼“
Crossguard: 5 ¼”
Scabbard Length: 33½"