David
Thu October 7, 2004 12:41pm
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The Royal Hungarian Order
The Royal Hungarian Order of St. Stephen - Established in 1764 by the Empress Maria Theresa (acting as Queen of Hungary) for award to her -noble - Hungarian subjects for civil merit. There was no military application of this order. It is rare, but we include it here for identification, in case it shows up in portraits. The Order came in the usual three grades, worn in the usual manner. The ribbon of the Order was violet with two small dark green side stripes.
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David
Thu October 7, 2004 12:43pm
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Tapferkeits Medaille
Tapferkeits Medaille (Bravery Medal) Awarded to non-commissioned officers and other ranks for a deed of bravery in war. This medal was instituted on 19 July 1789 in 3 classes : the Gold Medal, the Large Silver Medal (also called 1st Class Silver Medal) and the Small Silver Medal (2nd Class Silver Medal). On 14 February 1915 a Bronze Medal (50% bronze, 50% gunmetal) was added. During the 1st World War two types of the "Tapferkeits- Medaille" were issued : a first type bearing, on the obverse, the bust of Emperor Franz Joseph I with the text "FRANZ JOSEPH I V.G.G. KAISER V. OESTERREICH" (Franz Joseph I, by the grace of God, Emperor of Austria) and on the reverse, within a laurel wreath with crossed flags at the bottom, the words "DER / TAPFERKEIT" (For Bravery, in German) and a second type, issued after Franz Joseph's death in November 1916, bearing, on the obverse, the bust of Emperor Karl with the text "CAROLVaS D.G. IMP. AVST. REX BOH. ETC. ET REX APOST. HVNG." (Karl, by the grace of God, Emperor of Austria, King of Bohemia etc. and Apostolic King of Hungary). The reverse is similar to the first type but for the word "FORTITVDINI" (For Bravery, in Latin). On 29 November 1915 bars, trapeze form and in rustless iron, were installed for subsequent awards of the same class. An order of 15 September 1917 made officers also eligible, under special conditions, for the Gold or Silver Classes and in those cases a gilt or silver "K" was affixed to the ribbon. By mid March 1918 the Vienna Mint had struck, during the war, some 950,000 bronze, 384,000 small silver 2nd Class, 143,000 large silver and 3,700 gold medals.
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David
Thu October 7, 2004 12:48pm
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The Osmanie Order
The Osmanie Order, Order of the Ottoman Empire, was founded in 1861. Although not the highest ranking Ottoman order, it was the highest one that most officers of the Great War were likely to see. This Order was also bestowed on British officers (before the Ottoman diplomatic shift towards Germany) for service to the Ottoman empire in Egypt and the Sudan. It consisted of a seven-pointed star in silver with green enamel, and silver rays between the points. The center medallion was red enameled gilt or gold, with a raised crescent around the bottom, and an ornate calligraphic inscription. The badge was suspended by a device in the form of a crescent and star, and used a ribbon of bright green with red border stripes. Military awards of this order bore a pair of crossed sabers superimposed over the star shaped portion of the badge. The Order came in four classes.
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David
Thu October 7, 2004 12:49pm
Rating: 10
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The Order of Medjid
The Order of Medjid, founded in 1852, was the lowest ranking Ottoman order, but nonetheless was considered prestigious. It was frequently awarded to German officers who served in Turkey during WW1. The Order was also bestowed on British subjects well prior to the war for service in Egypt and in the Crimean War. The badge consisted of a silver seven-pointed star, with small crescents and stars between the rays. In the center was a gold (or gilt) medallion with the Sultan's "Toughra," surrounded by a red-enameled gold ring with the words "Zeal, Devotion, Loyalty" in arabic script. The badge is suspended by a red-enameled crescent and star device, on a red ribbon with green borders. The Order came in five classes.
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David
Thu October 7, 2004 12:50pm
Rating: 10
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The Mobilisation Cross 19
The Mobilisation Cross 1914-1918 (in Dutch : Het Mobilisatiekruis 1914-1918) is a bronze cross instituted on 1 August 1924 by the "National Committee forthe Commemoration of the 1914 Mobilisation" (Nationaal Comit? Herdenking Mobilisatie 1914) and because Queen Wilhelmina accepted the cross offered to her by the committee, this decoration became officially recognized (Army Order of 26 november 1924). It was awarded to those that during the 1st World War had worn an official Dutch uniform (between 4 August 1914 and 11 November 1918), including reservists and civilians which served under military supervision. Obverse : the vertical cross arms have the dates "1914" and "1918" on them, the horizontal ones "AUGUSTUS" and "NOVEMBER". Between the cross arms lie bundles of arrows symbolising the power of unity. Reverse (shown above): the words "MOBILISATIE / VREDE / EER" (Mobilisation, Peace, Honour) in the same lettering as the obverse. There's also a maker's mark at the bottom.
On 27 September 1927 an almost identical cross was created: the so-called "White Mobilisation Cross" for civilians who performed distinguished service to the mobilised troops. The reverse is different bearing the words "MOBILISATIE / WAARDERING" (Mobilisation, Recognition) and the ribbon's central blue is replaced by white.
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David
Thu October 7, 2004 12:51pm
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War Cross
War Cross. Awarded for individual acts of military valour between 27 July 1914 and 28 October 1918 (later extended to include actions in 1919 against Poland and against Hungary).
This bronze medal was instituted on 7 November 1918 and is formed by four overlapping circles. The obverse has in the upper circle the climbing, double-tailed lion of Bohemia, in the left circle the chequered eagle of Moravia, in the right circle the Silesian eagle and in the lower circle three mountains and the double-barred cross of Slovakia. The reverse has the intertwined letters CS (Czechoslovakia) on a background of linden leaves. Functioning somewhat like the French Croix de Guerre, a number of emblems could be attached to the ribbon :
For a unit citation in an Army Order, a spray of linden leaves
For a unit citation in a Divisional Order, a single linden leaf
For an individual citation in an Army Order, a silver star
For an individual citation in a Divisional Order a bronze star.
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David
Thu October 7, 2004 12:53pm
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The Cross of Liberty
The Cross of Liberty. This is the first Finnish decoration and was instituted on 4 March 1918 (later it became the Order of the Cross of Liberty, Finland's premier award). It had been a suggestion of General Mannerheim to institute this cross to reward bravery or meritorious service during the Finnish War of Liberation.
The Cross of Liberty held two divisions : a military (marked with swords on the suspension device) and a civil division and five classes. Furthermore, it could be awarded with brilliants, with oakleaf or, for medical personnel, with a red cross (in the central medallion, 3rd and 4th class only).
German General Rudiger von der Goltz, commander of the Baltic Division which aided Mannerheim's White army, was awarded the 1st Class, with diamonds.
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David
Thu October 7, 2004 12:54pm
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Order of the White Rose
Order of the White Rose. Instituted by Baron Mannerheim on January 28, 1918. The White Rose could be awarded in war or peace to Finnish citizens or foreigners, for service to the nation of Finland. It could also be awarded for bravery in the field of battle. The White Rose came in five classes:
Commander Grand Cross -- Badge worn on sash, star of the order worn too.
Commander 1st Class -- Badge worn at neck, slightly smaller star worn too.
Commander -- Badge worn at the neck.
Knight (or Member) 1st Class -- Badge in gold, worn on chest, hung from ribbon
Knight (or Member) -- Badge in sliver, worn on chest, hung from ribbon.
The ribbon of the Order of the White Rose was a deep royal blue.
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David
Thu October 7, 2004 12:54pm
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The Commemorative Medal o
The Commemorative Medal of the War of Liberation. Awarded to all who had participated in the war to secure Finland's independance. Instituted on 10 September 1918 by the Finnish Senate in Helsinki, this blackened iron medal was originally decreed to hang from a dark blue ribbon. In order to avoid confusion with the Order of the White Rose's ribbon, General Mannerheim decided on 3 July 1919 to have this medal's ribbon altered and black side stripes were adopted. On the same day a silver heraldic rose was instituted for wearing on the ribbon in case of an award for bravery.
The obverse shows the Finnish arms, a crowned rampant lion standing on a curved sword and holding a broken sword in its raised paw. The reverse shows the Cross of Liberty with in each of the upper angles an armoured arm holding a sword (as in the Cross's Military Division suspension). In the lower angles is the year "19 / 18".
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David
Thu October 7, 2004 12:56pm
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Order of the White Eagle
Order of the White Eagle (Order Bialego Orla). Instituted by King Wladyslaw I of Poland in 1325. Reorganized by King Augustus II of Poland, Duke of Saxony. It became a Russian Imperial Order following the absorbtion of Poland into Russia in 1831.
As a Russian Order, a black, double-headed imperial eagle with outstreached wings was added behind the red and white enameled cross with the white enameled eagle. The badge hung from an Imperial Crown.
The Order of the White Eagle was a one-class order. Riband: a sash of dark blue moire worn over the right shoulder. Star: was worn on the left breast.
Following the abdication of Czar Nicholas II, the provisional government continued to award Russian orders, though in the case of the Provisional Government's White Eagle, the imperial crown was removed -- replaced by a bow.
In 1921, after the restoration of Poland, the White Eagle order was revived as Poland's highest Order.
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David
Thu October 7, 2004 12:57pm
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The Order of St. Stanisla
The Order of St. Stanislaus. First instituted in 1765 by Stanislas Augustus Poniatowski, last king of Poland prior to the partition. The order ranked second only to the White Eagle.
Under Russian use, double-headed imperial eagles replaced the Polish eagles between the cross arms. When "Old Russia" fell, and Soviet Russia emerged, all the old orders were dissolved.
While the White Eagle and Virtuti Militari were reestablished in the new Republic of Poland, the Order of St. Stanislas was not. Its tradition was taken and continued by a new Polish order: the Polonia Restituta.
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David
Thu October 7, 2004 12:58pm
Rating: 10
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The Order "Virtuti M
The Order "Virtuti Militari" (for Military Merit) The was established in 1792 by King Stanislaw August Poniatowski of Poland as the highest military decoration for gallantry the Polish nation bestows upon it's soldiers for acts of heroism above and beyond the call of duty. The VIRTUTI MILITARI is functional equivalent to the American Medal of Honor, the German Pour le M?rite, or the British Victoria Cross, being the highest purely military award for gallantry.
It came in 5 classes:
First Class, Black enamel cross edged in gold, with crown, worn on sash, star on breast.
Second Class, Black enamel cross in gold, with crown, worn at the neck.
Third Class, Black enamel cross (smaller), no crown. Worn on breast.
Fourth Class, Gold cross with black lettering.
Worn on breast.
Fifth Class, Silver cross with black lettering.
Worn on breast.
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David
Thu October 7, 2004 12:58pm
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Order Polonia Restitua
Order Polonia Restitua. Established on February 4th, 1923. Award for merit and acts of bravery. While technically outside the scope of this project. We include the Polonia Restitua as it was a newly created (1923) order to take the place of, and carry on the role of the Order of St. Stanislas (see above). The Order of St. Stanislas had been a native Polish Order, but had been so thoroughly associated with Russia -- the Russians awarded it generously -- that simply reviving it was unacceptable. Instead, the new Order Polonia Restitua was created, but using the same ribbon as the old St. Stanislas order (red with white side stripes) to carry on the tradition.
Five classes:
Grand cross, worn on sash, accompanied by breast star.
Cross worn at neck. Star on right breast
Cross worn at neck.
Cross on left breast on ribbon with rosette.
Cross on left breast, plain ribbon.
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David
Mon July 25, 2005 11:27am
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Mexico City National Ceme
The Mexico City National Cemetery is located at 31 Virginia Fabregas, Colonia San Rafael, Mexico City, Mexico. It is about two miles west of the Metropolitan Cathedral and about one mile north of the United States Embassy. The cemetery was established in 1851 by Congress to gather the American Dead of the Mexican War that lay in the nearby fields and to provide burial space for Americans that died in the vicinity. A total of 750 unknown American soldiers were gathered and buried in a common grave at the cemetery. A small monument was placed over them that carries the inscription:
TO THE HONORED MEMORY
OF 750 AMERICANS
KNOWN BUT TO GOD
WHOSE BONES COLLECTED
BY THEIR COUNTRY'S ORDER
ARE HERE BURIED
In this one acre area are also placed 813 remains of Americans and others in wall crypts on either side of the cemetery. The cemetery was closed for further burials in 1923.
The cemetery is open daily to the public from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm except December 25 and January 1. It is open on host country holidays. When the cemetery is open to the public, a staff member is on duty in the Visitors? Building to answer questions and escort relatives to grave and memorial sites.
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David
Mon July 25, 2005 11:53am
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Korean War Veterans Memor
The Korean War Veterans Memorial is located near the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, DC. It was dedicated on July 27, 1995. The Memorial commemorates the sacrifices of the 5.8 million Americans who served in the U.S. Armed Services during the three-year period of the Korean War. The war was one of the most hard fought in our history. During its relatively short duration from June 25, 1950 to July 27, 1953, 54,246 Americans died in support of their country. Of these, 8,200 are listed as missing in action or lost or buried at sea. In addition 103,284 were wounded during the conflict. As an integral part of the Memorial, the Korean War Honor Roll was established, honoring those U.S. military personnel who died world-wide during the war.
Statues:
The nineteen stainless steel statues were sculpted by Frank Gaylord of Barre, VT and cast by Tallix Foundries of Beacon, NY. They are approximately seven feet tall and represent an ethnic cross section of America. The advance party has 14 Army, 3 Marine, 1 Navy and 1 Air Force members. The statues stand in patches of Juniper bushes and are separated by polished granite strips, which give a semblance of order and symbolize the rice paddies of Korea. The troops wear ponchos covering their weapons and equipment. The ponchos seem to blow in the cold winds of Korea.
Mural Wall:
The Mural Wall was designed by Louis Nelson of New York, NY and fabricated by Cold Spring Granite Company, Cold Spring, MN. The muralist, sculptor and architect worked closely to create a two-dimensional work of art adjacent to the three-dimensional statues. The wall consists of 41 panels extending 164 feet. Over 2,400 photographs of the Korean War were obtained from the National Archives. They were enhanced by computer to give a uniform lighting effect and the desired size. The mural, representing those forces supporting the foot soldier, depicts Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard personnel and their equipment. The etchings are arranged to give a wavy appearance in harmony with the layout of the statues. The reflective quality of the Academy Black Granite creates the image of a total of 38 statues, symbolic of the 38th Parallel and the 38 months of the war. When viewed from afar, it also creates the appearance of the mountain ranges of Korea.
Pool of Remembrance:
The point of the triangle enclosing the statues reaches into a circular pool approximately 128 feet in diameter. Water is fed into the pool from its bottom and it flows over a stepped weir to give a pleasant rippling sound. Surrounding the pool are 28 Linden trees shaped to create a barrel effect, which will allow the sun to reflect on the pool. Seven benches, located under the trees, provide a place for visitors to rest and reflect on the terrible price the youth of America paid during the war. On the wall that extends into the pool area, written in 10-inch silver letters, is the reminder:
FREEDOM IS NOT FREE
Honor Roll:
A kiosk containing the Korean War Honor Roll stands at the west entrance of the Memorial. It is serviced by a Park ranger, who provides assistance to visitors. The Honor Roll computer contains the names of all military personnel who lost their lives during the Korean War, including the individual's name, service, rank, service number, date of birth, hometown or county of entry into the service, cause of death, date of death and, if the information is furnished to ABMC, the serviceman's unit, awards, circumstances surrounding the death or missing in action and photograph.
You may send in information and/or a photograph to the Commission about an individual serviceman who was killed during the war.
United Nations' Curb:
The curb running along the northern side of the statues contains an alphabetical listing of the 22 nations that participated in the Korean War. Seventeen nations provided combat units and five medical support.
Dedication Stone:
At the point of the triangle leading to the American flag is the Dedication stone, which reads:
OUR NATION HONORS HER SONS AND DAUGHTERS
WHO ANSWERED THE CALL TO DEFEND A COUNTRY
THEY NEVER KNEW AND A PEOPLE THEY NEVER MET
The memorial was established by the American Battle Monuments Commission, but is administered by the National Park Service.
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