David
Wed February 12, 2003 9:40pm
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Prisoner of War Medal wit
PRISONER OF WAR MEDAL
1. Description: On a bronze medal, 1 3/8 inches in diameter, an eagle with wings opened surrounded by a circle of barbed wire and bayonet points. The reverse has the inscription "AWARDED TO" around the top and "FOR HONORABLE SERVICE WHILE A PRISONER OF WAR" across the center in three lines with a space between the two inscriptions for engraving the name of the recipient. The shield of the Coat of Arms of the United States is centered on the lower part of the reverse side with the inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" around the bottom of the medal.
2. Ribbon: The ribbon is 1 3/8 inches wide and consists of the following stripes: 1/16 inch Old Glory Red 67156; 3/32 inch White 67101; 1/16 inch Old Glory Blue 67178; 1/8 inch White; center 11/16 inch Black 67138; 1/8 inch White; 1/16 inch Old Glory Blue; 3/32 inch White; and 1/16 inch Old Glory Red.
3. Criteria:
a. The Prisoner of War Medal is issued only to those U.S. military personnel who were taken prisoner and held captive after 5 April 1917;
(1) While engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States;
(2) While engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or
(3) While serving with friendly forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.
b. Civilians who have been credited with military service which included the period of captivity are also eligible for the medal.
c. Hostages of terrorists and persons detained by governments with which the United States is not engaged actively in armed conflict are not eligible for the medal.
4. Components: The following are components of the Prisoner of War Medal:
a. Medal (regular size): MIL-M-3946/53. NSN 8455-01-251-2096 for set which includes regular size medal and ribbon bar.
b. Medal (miniature size): MIL-DTL-3943/241. Available commercially.
c. Ribbon: MIL-DTL-11589/319. Available commercially.
d. Lapel Button: MIL-DTL-11484/152. Available commercially.
5. Background: a. Public Law 99-145, Department of Defense Authorization Act, dated 8 November 1985, amended Chapter 57 of Title 10, USC, 1128, to require under certain circumstances the issuance of a Prisoner of War Medal to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States, was taken prisoner and held captive after 5 April 1917.
b. As a result of the above law, DOD solicited designs from all sources, and on 29 November 1985, designated The Institute of Heraldry (TIOH) as the Executive Agency for designing and procuring the medal. Over 300 designs were received and referred to a committee, comprised of representatives of the Armed Services, for advising the Secretary of Defense on a selection.
c. The design selected was created by Mr. Jay C. Morris of The Institute of Heraldry. The symbolism of the design is as follows: The eagle, a symbol of the United States and the American spirit, though surrounded by barbed wire and bayonet points, stands with pride and dignity, continually on the alert for the opportunity to seize hold of beloved freedom, thus symbolizing the hope that upholds the spirit of the prisoner of war. The ribbon colors red, white, and blue are symbolic of our National colors while determination to survive in or to escape from a hostile environment.
d. Order of precedence and wear policy for medals awarded to Army personnel is contained in AR 670-1. Policy for awards, approving authority and supply of medals is contained in AR 600-8-22.
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David
Wed February 12, 2003 9:40pm
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Silver Star Medal with Ri
SILVER STAR
1. Description: A gold star, 1 ? inches in circumscribing diameter with a laurel wreath encircling rays from the center and a 3/16 inch diameter silver star superimposed in the center. The pendant is suspended from a rectangular shaped metal loop with rounded corners. The reverse has the inscription "FOR GALLANTRY IN ACTION".
2. Ribbon: The ribbon is 1 3/8 inches wide and consists of the following stripes: 3/32 inch Ultramarine Blue 67118; 3/64 inch White 67101; 7/32 inch Ultramarine Blue; 7/32 inch White; 7/32 inch Old Glory Red 67156 (center stripe); 7/32 inch White; 7/32 inch Ultramarine Blue; 3/64 inch White; and 3/32 inch Ultramarine Blue.
3. Criteria: The Silver Star is awarded to a person who, while serving in any capacity with the U.S. Army, is cited for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force, or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party. The required gallantry, while of a lesser degree than that required for award of the Distinguished Service Cross, must nevertheless have been performed with marked distinction. Soldiers who received a citation for gallantry in action during World War I may apply to have the citation converted to the Silver Star Medal.
4. Components: The following are authorized components of the Silver Star Medal:
a. Decoration (regular size): MIL-D-3943/11. NSN for decoration set: 8455-00-269-5758. Individual medal: 8455-00-246-3834.
b. Decoration (miniature size): MIL-D-3943/11. NSN 8455-00-996-5013.
c. Ribbon: MIL-R-11589/136. NSN 8455-00-252-9953.
d. Lapel Button: MIL-L-11484/9. NSN 8455-00-253-0819.
5. Background:
a. The Citation Star was established as a result of an Act of Congress on July 9, 1918 (65th Congress, Sess II, Chapter 143, page 873) and was promulgated in War Department Bulletin No. 43 dated 1918. It was retroactive to include those cited for gallantry in action in previous campaigns back to the Spanish-American War. Per letter from General Jervey, Office of the Chief of Staff, dated February 26, 1926, is quoted in part: The Secretary of War directs as follows - The following is the amended version of paragraph 187 of Army Regulation: "No more than one Medal of Honor or one Distinguished Service Cross or one Distinguished Service Medal shall be issued to any one person, but for each succeeding or act sufficient to justify the award of a Medal of Honor or Distinguished Service Cross or Distinguished Service Medal, respectively, a bronze oak leaf cluster, shall be issued in lieu thereof; and for each citation of an officer or enlisted man for gallantry in action, published in orders from headquarters of a force commanded by a general officer, not warranting the issue of a Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross or Distinguished Service Medal, he shall wear a silver star, 3/16 inch in diameter, as prescribed in Uniform Regulations." Army Regulation 600-40, paragraph 48, September 27, 1921, specified that the Citation Star would be worn above the clasp, on the ribbon of the service medal for the campaign for service in which the citations were given.
b. On July 19, 1932, the Secretary of War approved the Silver Star medal to replace the Citation Star. This design placed the Citation Star on a bronze pendant suspended from the ribbon design. The star was no longer attached to a service or campaign ribbon.
c. Authorization for the Silver Star was placed into law by an Act of Congress for the Navy on August 7, 1942 and an Act of Congress for the Army on December 15, 1942. The primary reason for congressional authorization was the desire to award the medal to civilians as well as the Army. The current statutory authorization for the Silver Star Medal is Title 10, United States Code, Section 3746.
d. Order of precedence and wear of decorations is contained in Army Regulation 670-1. Policy for awards, approving authority, supply, and issue of decorations is contained in Army Regulation 600-8-22.
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David
Wed February 12, 2003 9:40pm
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Vietnam Service Medal wit
VIETNAM SERVICE MEDAL
1. Description: On a bronze medal, 1 ? inches in diameter, an oriental dragon behind a grove of bamboo trees above the inscription "REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM SERVICE." On the reverse, a crossbow surmounted a by a torch above the arched inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA".
2. Ribbon: The ribbon is 1 3/8 inches wide and consists of the following stripes: 1/8 inch Primitive Green 67188; 5/16 inch Air Force Yellow 67103; 1/16 inch Old Glory Red 67156; 5/32 inch Air Force Yellow; center 1/16 inch Old Glory Red; 5/32 inch Air Force Yellow; 1/16 inch Old Glory Red; 5/16 inch Air Force Yellow; and 1/8 inch Primitive Green.
3. Criteria: a. Awarded to all members of the Armed Forces of the United States serving in Vietnam and contiguous waters or airspace thereover, after 3 July 1965 through 28 March 1973. Members of the Armed Forces of the United States in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia, or the airspace thereover, during the same period and serving in direct support of operations in Vietnam are also eligible for this award. To be eligible for award of the medal, individual must- -
(1) Be attached to or regularly serve for one or more days with an organization participating in or directly supporting military operations; or
(2) Be attached to or regularly serve for one or more days aboard a naval vessel directly supporting military operations; or
(3) Actually participate as a crewmember in one or more aerial flights into airspace above Vietnam and contiguous waters directly supporting military operations; or
(4) Serve on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days in Vietnam or contiguous areas, except that the time limit may be waived for personnel participating in actual combat operations.
b. Individuals qualified for the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for service in Vietnam between 1 July 1958 and 3 July 1965 shall remain qualified for the medal. Upon request, the individual may be awarded the Vietnam Service Medal in lieu of the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. In such instances, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal will be deleted from the list of authorized medals in the individual?s personnel records. No person shall be entitled to both awards for Vietnam Service.
4. Components: The following are authorized components and related items:
a. Medal (regular size): MIL-DTL-3943/230. NSN 8455-00-926-1664 for set which includes a regular size medal and ribbon bar.
b. Medal (miniature size): MIL-DTL-3943/230. Available commercially.
c. Ribbon: MIL-DTL-11589/151. NSN 8455-00-926-1530.
d. Lapel Button (metal replica of ribbon bar): MIL-L-11484/69. Available commercially.
e. Streamer: MIL-S-14650. Manual requisition in accordance with Chapter 9, Army Regulation (AR) 840-10.
5. Background:
a. On 21 August 1964, the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel (DCSPER) requested that The Institute of Heraldry provide proposed designs for the possible adoption of a Vietnam Service Medal. Proposed designs were submitted to DCSPER on 29 September 1964. The Vietnam Service Medal was established by Executive Order 11231, dated 8 July 1965. The design approved by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, 12 July 1965, and the policy for award was promulgated by DOD Directive 1348.15, dated 1 October 1965.
b. The design, created by Miss Mercedes Lee, includes bamboo trees which are adapted from the flag of the President of Vietnam and the half-concealed dragon represents the subversive nature of the conflict. The crossbow, on the reverse, is the ancient weapon of Vietnam and the torch of the Statue of Liberty is a symbol of the United States devotion to liberty and freedom. The yellow ribbon with three vertical red stripes suggests the color of the flag of the Republic of Vietnam. The green border on each side alludes to the jungle of that Country.
c. Soldiers receiving the Vietnam Service Medal are authorized to wear a bronze star to indicate each campaign. There are 17 designated campaigns during the period of 15 March 1962 through 28 January 1973. Units which receive campaign credit for any of the campaigns would display a streamer with inscription as shown on the unit's lineage and honors. The designated campaigns are:
Vietnam Advisory 1962-1965
Vietnam Defense 1965
Vietnam Counteroffensive 1965-1966
Vietnam Phase II 1966 - 1967
Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase III 1967-1968
Tet Counteroffensive 1968
Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase IV 1968
Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase V 1968
Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase VI 1968-1969
Tet 69 Counteroffensive 1969
Vietnam Summer-Fall 1969
Vietnam Winter-Spring 1970
Sanctuary Counteroffensive 1970
Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase VII 1970-1971
Consolidation I 1971
Consolidation II 1971-1972
Vietnam Cease-Fire 1972-1973
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David
Wed February 12, 2003 9:40pm
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Women's Army Corps Medal
WOMEN'S ARMY CORPS SERVICE MEDAL
1. Description: A bronze medal, 1 ? inches in diameter, with the head of Pallas Athene in profile facing right, superimposed on a sheathed sword cross with oak leaves and a palm branch within a circle composed of the words "WOMEN?S" in the upper half, and in the lower half "ARMY CORPS". On the reverse, within an arrangement of 13 stars, is a scroll bearing the words "FOR SERVICE IN THE WOMEN?S ARMY AUXILIARY CORPS" in front of the letters "U S" in lower relief. At the top and perched on the scroll is an eagle with wings elevated and displayed and at the bottom, the date "1942-1943".
2. Ribbon: The ribbon is 1 3/8 inches wide and consists of the following stripes: 1/8 inch Old Gold 67105; 1 1/8 inch Mosstone Green 67127; and 1/8 inch Old Gold.
3. Criteria: The Women?s Army Corps Service Medal was awarded for service in both the Women?s Army Auxiliary Corps during the period 10 Jul 42 - 31 Aug 43 and the Women?s Army Corps during the period 1 Sep 43 - 2 Sep 45.
4. Components: The following are authorized components of the Women?s Army Corps Service medal:
a. Medal (regular size): MIL-DTL-3943/199.
b. Medal (miniature size): MIL-STD-3943/199. Available commercially.
c. Ribbon: MIL-STD-11589/153. Available commercially.
d. Lapel Button: Available commercially.
5. Background:
a. The Women?s Army Corps Service Medal was established by Executive Order 9365 and promulgated in War Department Bulletin 17, 1943.
b. Proposed designs were submitted to the Secretary of War for approval on 12 Dec 44 and approved by the Secretary on 16 Dec 44. The design by Mr. Thomas Hudson Jones, Heraldic Branch, Office of the Quartermaster General, has Pallas Athene, the Greek Goddess of Wisdom and the Arts. The ribbon colors are the branch colors of the Women?s Army Corps.
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David
Fri March 21, 2003 6:17am
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High-power microwave (HPM
High-power microwave (HPM) sources have been under investigation for several years as potential weapons for a variety of combat, sabotage, and terrorist applications. Due to classification restrictions, details of this work are relatively unknown outside the military community and its contractors. A key point to recognize is the insidious nature of HPM. Due to the gigahertz-band frequencies (4 to 20 GHz) involved, HPM has the capability to penetrate not only radio front-ends, but also the most minute shielding penetrations throughout the equipment. At sufficiently high levels, as discussed, the potential exists for significant damage to devices and circuits. For these reasons, HPM should be of interest to the broad spectrum of EMC practitioners.
Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) and High Powered Microwave (HMP) Weapons offer a significant capability against electronic equipment susceptible to damage by transient power surges. This weapon generates a very short, intense energy pulse producing a transient surge of thousands of volts that kills semiconductor devices. The conventional EMP and HMP weapons can disable non-shielded electronic devices including practically any modern electronic device within the effective range of the weapon.
The effectiveness of an EMP device is determined by the power generated and the characteristic of the pulse. The shorter pulse wave forms, such as microwaves, are far more effective against electronic equipment and more difficult to harden against. Current efforts focus on converting the energy from an explosive munitions to supply the electromagnetic pulse. This method produces significant levels of directionally focused electromagnetic energy.
Future advances may provide the compactness needed to weaponize the capability in a bomb or missile warhead. Currently, the radius of the weapon is not as great as nuclear EMP effects. Open literature sources indicate that effective radii of “hundreds of meters or more” are possible. EMP and HPM devices can disable a large variety of military or infrastructure equipment over a relatively broad area. This can be useful for dispersed targets.
A difficulty is determining the appropriate level of energy to achieve the desired effects. This will require detailed knowledge of the target equipment and the environment (walls, buildings). The obvious counter-measure is the shielding or hardening of electronic equipment. Currently, only critical military equipment is hardened e.g., strategic command and control systems. Hardening of existing equipment is difficult and adds significant weight and expense. As a result, a large variety of commercial and military equipment will be susceptible to this type of attack.
The US Navy reportedly used a new class of highly secret, non-nuclear electromagnetic pulse warheads during the opening hours of the Persian Gulf War to disrupt and destroy Iraqi electronics systems. The warheads converted the energy of a conventional explosion into a pulse of radio energy. The effect of the microwave attacks on Iraqi air defense and headquarters was difficult to determine because the effects of the HPM blasts were obscured by continuous jamming, the use of stealthy F-117 aircraft, and the destruction of Iraq's electrical grid. The warheads used during the Gulf War were experimental warheads, not standard weapons deployed with fielded forces.
Col. William G. Heckathorn, commander of the Phillips Research Site and the deputy director of the Directed Energy Directorate of the Air Force Research Laboratory, was presented the Legion of Merit medal during special retirement ceremonies in May 1998. In a citation accompanying the medal, Col. Heckathorn was praised for having provided superior vision, leadership, and direct guidance that resulted in the first high-power microwave weapon prototypes delivered to the warfighter. The citation noted that "Col. Heckathorn united all directed energy development within Army, Navy and Air Force, which resulted in an efficient, focused, warfighter-oriented tri-service research program." In December of 1994 he came to Kirtland to become the director of the Advanced Weapons and Survivability Directorate at the Phillips Laboratory. Last year he became the commander of the Phillips Laboratory while still acting as the director of the Advanced Weapons and Survivability Directorate.
As with a conventional munition, a microwave munition is a "single shot" munition that has a similar blast and fragmentation radius. However, while the explosion produces a blast, the primary mission is to generate the energy that powers the microwave device. Thus, for a microwave munition, the primary kill mechanism is the microwave energy, which greatly increases the radius and the footprint by, in some cases, several orders of magnitude. For example, a 2000-pound microwave munition will have a minimum radius of approximately 200 meters, or footprint of approximately 126,000 square meters.
Studies have examined the incorporation of a high power microwave weapon into the weapons bay of a conceptual uninhabited combat aerial vehicle. The CONOPS, electromagnetic compatibility and hardening (to avoid a self-kill), power requirements and potential power supplies, and antenna characteristics have been analyzed. Extensive simulations of potential antennas have been performed. The simulations examined the influence of the aircraft structure on the antenna patterns and the levels of leakage through apertures in the weapons bay. Other investigations examined issues concerning the electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of composite aircraft structures.
Collateral damage from E-bombs is dependent on the size and design of the specific bomb. An E-bomb that utilizes explosive power to obtain its damaging microwaves will result in typical blast and shrapnel damage. Ideally, an E-Bomb would be designed to minimize and dissipate most of the mechanical collateral damage. Human exposure to microwave radiation is hazardous within several meters of the epicenter. However, there is a relatively low risk of bodily damage at further distances.
Any non-military electronics within range of the E-bomb that have not been protected have a high probability of being damaged or destroyed. The best way to defend against E-bomb attack is to destroy the platform or delivery vehicle in which the E-bomb resides. Another method of protection is to keep all essential electronics within an electrically conductive enclosure, called a Faraday cage. This prevents the damaging electromagentic field from interacting with vital equipment. The problem with Faraday cages is that most vital equipment needs to be in contact with the outside world. This contact point can allow the electromagentic field to enter the cage, which ultimately renders the enclosure useless. There are ways to protect against these Faraday cage flaws, but the fact remains that this is a dangerous weakpoint. In most circumstances E-bombs are categorized as 'non-lethal weapons' because of the minimal collateral damage they create. The E-bomb's 'non-lethal' categorization gives military commanders more politically-friendly options to choose from.
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David
Tue October 5, 2004 3:35am
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War Merit Medal, Kriegsve
War Merit Medal,
Kriegsverdienstmedaille
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David
Wed October 6, 2004 10:57pm
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French Gratitude Medal
French Gratitude Medal
This French award, which was awarded for outstanding service in helping war casualties, was originally authorised in 1917 during the First World War, but was on 22 November 1946 extended to cover acts of resistance as well.
This award, from which some 13,000 are believed to related to World War 2 activities, can be divided into 3 grades :
The Gold Medal, with a rosette on the ribbon.
The Silver Medal, with a emalled cross on the ribbon.
The Bronze Medal.
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David
Thu October 7, 2004 12:46am
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Military Medal
Military Medal
The Military Medal was established during the First World War by King George V on 25 March 1916, a year and a half after Britain declared war against Germany. Its inception was intended to meet the enormous demand for medals during the First World War. The medal was initially awarded tot Warrant Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers and men of the army, including the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Naval Division, for individual or associated acts of bravery which were insufficient to merit an award of the Distinguished Conduct Medal.
The Military Medal, which was recommended by a Commander-in Chief in the field, was not restricted to British or Commonwealth subjects, but also foreign subjects could be awarded. The medal was subsequently awarded to women and awards of the medal were announced in the London Gazette.
Recipients of the medal, which was silver and circular of 36 mm in diameter, were allowed to use the letters ?MM? after their name. A bar is awarded for a subsequent act or acts of bravery. On the obverse is the head of the monarch shown and on the rim the regimental or equivalent number, rank, initials, surname and unit of the recipient is engraved in plain block capitals.
The ribbon is dark blue, 1.25 inches wide, with five equal vertical centre stripes of white, red, white, red and white, each 0.125 inches wide.
As many as 115,600 Military Medals were awarded during the First World War, along with 5,796 first bars, 180 second bars and 1 third bar. A further 15, 000 Military Medals were awarded during the Second World War.
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David
Thu October 7, 2004 12:47am
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Distinguished Flying Meda
Distinguished Flying Medal
The Distinguished Flying Medal was instituted on 3 June 1918 to be was awarded to non-commissioned-officers and men for an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty performed whilst flying in active operations against the enemy.
The silver-coloured award has the shape of an oval medal, 1.375 inches wide and 1.625 inches long. On the obverse you can see the bareheaded coinage effigy of :
King George V, facing left and the legend : GEORGEIVS V BRITT: OMN: REX ET IND: IMP:
King George VI, facing left and the legend : GEORGEIVS VID: G: BR: OMN: REX F.D: IND: IMP:
On the reverse, within a wreath of laurel, Athena Nike is shown seated on an aeroplane, a hawk rising from her right arm above the words : FOR COURAGE.
The ribbon is 1.25 inches wide, and consists of alternate violet and white stripes (0,0625 inches) leaning 45 degrees to the left. Until 1919, the stripes were horizontal. The medal was engraved with the service number, rank, initials, surname and service of the recipient.
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David
Thu October 7, 2004 12:48am
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Distinguished Service Med
Distinguished Service Medal
The Distinguished Service Medal was instituted on 14 October 1914 and was awarded to (Chief) Petty Officers and men of the Navy, Army and Air Force personnel of equal rank serving with the fleet, who show themselves to the force in action, and set an example of bravery and resource under fire, but without performing acts of such pre-eminent bravery as would render them eligible to receive the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal. A silver-coloured bar is awarded for additional acts of bravery.
The silver-coloured award has the shape of a circular medal, 1.42 inches in diameter. The obverse shows a crowned effigy of :
KING GEORGE VI:A, facing left and one of the legends :
GEORGEIVS VI D: G: BR: OMN: REX ET INDIAE IMP: (for WWII).
GEORGEIVS VI DEI GRA: BRITT: OMN: REX FID: DEF: (for Korea).
QUEEN ELIZABETH II, facing right and the legend :
ELIZABETH II D: G: BR: OMN: REGINA R: D: (for Korea and Vietnam).
The reverse shows the legend FOR / DISTINGUISHED / SERVICE in three lines, encircled by a laurel wreath and surmounted by an Imperial Crown. The medal is awarded with the inscription of the service number, rank, initials, surname and service of the recipient.
The ribbon is 1.25 inches wide and consists of three equal vertical stripes : dark blue, white and dark blue, with a thin dark blue stripe down the centre of the white.
Total issued to Canadians : 116 plus 2 bars, 114 + 2 bars during the Second World War and two awards during the Korea War.
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David
Thu October 7, 2004 12:52am
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Defence Medal 1939-1945
Defence Medal 1939-1945
The Defence Medal was awarded for service in the forces in non-operational areas subjected to air attack or closey threatened for at least three years service in Great Britain until 8th May 1945 or six months in territories overseas until 2 September 1945. In the case of mine and bomb disposal units the time qualification was three months and Canadians serving for one year in Newfoundland were eligible and persons serving for six months in Hong Kong were also eligible. Service in West Africa, Palestine and India, other than operational air crew, qualified also for this award. Those awarded the George Cross or the George Medal for civil defence received this award and the Home Guard gualified also for this award.
Owing to the terms of reference it was not unusual to find a person with this awards who had never heard a shot fired, but a person with only the Defence Medal, for example, whilst serving in the rescue services in London earned also this award and only the man who wears this award knows how it was earned.
The award has the coinage head of King George VI on the obverse. The reverse shows the Royal Crown resting above a small oak tree and flanked by two heraldic lions. The dates 1939 and 1945 appear in the top left and right respectively on the reverse, whilst beneath are the words THE DEFENCE MEDAL.
The light green ribbon is 1.25 inches wide with a central stripe of orange, which is 0.5 inches wide, and a narrow black stripe in the middle of each green stripe. The orange (flame colour) represents the enemy attacks on the green land of England and the black stripes represents the black-outs.
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David
Thu October 7, 2004 12:53am
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War Medal 1939-1945
War Medal 1939-1945
The War Medal 1939-1945 was awarded for all the personnel of the armed forces and merchant marines for serving for at least 28 days between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945. For members of the Merchant Navy the 28 days had to be served at sea. A few categories of civilians, such as war correspondents, also qualified.
A single oak leaf emblem is worn to signify a ?Mention-in-Despatches? and the silver oak leaf signifying a ?King?s Commendation for Brave Conduct? is worn on the medal. There is no bar or clasps other than these emblems.
The medal is a silver circular medal, 1.42 inches in diameter. The obverse shows the crowned coinage effigy of King George VI, facing left, and the legend GEORGIVS VI D : BR : OMN : REX ET INDIAE IMP :. The reverse of the medal shows a lion standing on the body of a dragon. This dragon is double-headed, one of an eagle and one of a dragon to signify the principal occidental and oriental enemies. At the top are the dates 1939/1945.
The ribbon is 1.25 inches wide and consists of the following vertical coloured stripes : red, dark blue, white, red, (narrow in the centre), white, dark blue and red.
The medal was issued unnamed, except those awarded to personnel of the Canadian Merchant Marine and RCMP, and the Australian and South-African versions, which were named on the rim.
The awards was established on 16 August 1945 and there were 700,000 issued, including 4,450 to the Canadian Merchant Marine.
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David
Thu October 7, 2004 12:56am
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Italy Star
Italy Star
The Italy Star was awarded for operational service in Sicily or Italy, around the Aegean, in Corsica, Greece, Sardinia, Yugoslavia and Elba between the 11th. of June 1943 and the 8th. of May 1945. Entry into Austrian territory during the last few days of the Second World War also qualified for this star, and not for the France and Germany Star.
RAF aircrew who took part in operations within the Mediterranean theatre, including operations over Europe from Mediterranean bases, also qualified. Royal Navy and Merchant Navy personnel qualified by service afloat in and around the areas mentioned, including operations off the south of France.
Service in Sicily after the 17th. of August 1943, in Sardinia after the 19th. of September 1943 and in Corsica after the 4th. of October 1943, did not qualify.
There was no clasps to this medal, and the ribbon consists of equal vertical stripes of red, white, green, white and red. The colours represent the colours of the Italian flag.
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David
Thu October 7, 2004 5:12am
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Merit Medal, Imperial Sea
Merit Medal, Imperial Sea Disaster Rescue Society 2nd Class
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David
Thu October 7, 2004 5:12am
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Merit Medal, Imperial Sea
Merit Medal, Imperial Sea Disaster Rescue Society 3rd Class
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