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David
Thu October 7, 2004 12:43pm

Eisernes Verdienstkreuz

Eisernes Verdienstkreuz (Iron Cross for Merit) Awarded to soldiers or civil servants of lower rank for merit. This decoration was instituted on 1 April 1916 and could be awarded with or without an imperial crown. For service at the front, gilt swords attached to the ribbon were instituted on 13 December 1916. The cross could be suspended on the ribbon of the Bravery Medal in case of war merit or on a plain red ribbon for merit in times of peace. Awards of the latter kind were apparently never made. The obverse has a central medaillion in which the imperial monogram "FJ" (Franz Joseph) is placed within an inner circle bearing the motto "VIRIBUS UNITIS" (by united forces). The reverse (shown in the enlargement) bears the year of institution '1916' within a stylised wreath. The larger part of recipients of this decoration can be found among members of the medical corps, the field railroad corps and the military postal services.

David
Thu October 7, 2004 12:47pm

The Turkish War Medal

The Turkish War Medal of 1915. This medal is referred to by a number of informal names. Commonwealth nations often call it the "Gallipoli Star" even though it was not a campaign medal specifically for that battle. Another informal name is the "Iron Crescent," as it functioned similarly to Prussia's Iron Cross. The medal was given from 1915 until the end of the war, for acts of bravery or merit in action. Recipients of the Imtiaz and Liyakat medal were automatically eligible for this medal. The medal is a star-shaped pin back badge of white metal (not iron), with a raised crescent around the bottom center, and the "Toughra" or monogram of the Sultan in the center. The flat surfaces of the badge were finished in a thin opaque red enamel. The War Medal was worn pinned to the tunic in a manner similar to the Iron Cross, and not suspended from a ribbon. There was a ribbon (red with white side stripes) which was worn in the second button hole (like the Iron Cross 2nd Class) when the star itself was not worn.
Because the medal was frequently awarded to German and Austrian personnel who served with the Turkish forces during WW1, many unofficial variants were made in Germany and elsewhere, of varying quality, but usually of higher quality than the originals. This difference in quality had led some early authors to speculate that there were two classes of the War Medal -- poor quality copies for enlisted men, nicer copies for officers. In fact there was only one class.

David
Thu October 7, 2004 12:50pm
Rating: 10

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.

David
Thu October 7, 2004 12:53pm

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.

David
Thu October 7, 2004 12:55pm

Blue Cross

Blue Cross. Instituted in 1968, this award would fall well outside this collection, but for the fact that it was made available retroactively to Finns who participated in the civil Guards during the liberation period. It is awarded to all former members of the civil Guards and lotta Sv?rd organization, from 1918 to 1944. The bar "1917-1918" is awarded to people who were in Civil Guards or Lotta & Sv?rd during the Liberation war.

The medal is a bronze St. George style cross with blue enamel. In the center of the cross is a sword, point up, atop a white enameled stylized letter S, which stands for "Suojeluskunta" (Civil Guards). Behind the S show the points of a stylized spruce branch.
A second grade of the Blue Cross was awarded to people who were not former members of Civil Guards, but had been in some kind of voluntary work with veterans or research of Civil Guards after war. This version of the medal omits the sword and the S, revealing the spruce branch more clearly.

David
Mon November 8, 2004 3:14am
Rating: 10

Capt. George Fishley

The Capt. George Fishley photograph is something most people have never seen. It is a daguerreotype made of a Revolutionary War soldier. This photo was take when he was 90 years old.

There are only a few photos of revolutionary war soldiers in existence and most never see the light of day outside of private collections.

There is a note attached to the back of the image. It reads:

"Capt. George Fishley is 90 years on his birthday June 11, 1850. He called at the house this afternoon and appeared well and healthy for an old man, he went to sleep and died December 26th aged 90 years, 7 months adn15 days."

George Fishley entered the Continental Army in 1777, under Gen. Poor and Col. Dearborn. He served three years and, according to his own account, was among the men who marched near Valley Forge wearing no shoes or stockings. Fishley was at Monmouth, the New Jersey confrontation led by George Washington. Monmouth is best known for the resulting court martial of Maj. Gen. Charles Lee and for the famous camp follower "Molly Pitcher" who took her husband?s place at a cannon when he was wounded in battle.

After the Revolution, Fishley served aboard a privateer, was captured and imprisoned in Halifax, according to the Portsmouth Journal. He later commanded a coaster shipping between Portsmouth and Boston. He was a popular figure in patriotic events for decades, and was one of the few surviving veterans to attend the opening of the Bunker Hill Monument in Boston in 1843. In another ceremony, dressed in his uniform, he commanded a miniature ship that was transported from Portsmouth inland to Concord, NH among a crowd of 300 celebrants. Invited to meet James Polk, Capt. Fishley at first declined to shake the President?s hand saying he had no political sympathies with the man. Born under the reign of King George, he lived under the first 13 American presidents, just missing New Hampshire born Franklin Pierce, who became President Number 14.

Capt. Fishley was among the three longest-surviving Revolutionary War veterans in Portsmouth and a patriot to the end, as this story from his obituary confirms:

"It is told of Fishley that when Adams and Jefferson were buried in 1826, and a procession was contemplated in Portsmouth, of which the Revolutionary heroes were to form a part, the committee came to Fishley requesting him to appear. He asked who were to be there. All were named until ----- was mentioned. "What" cried the old man. "He a patriot!" Why he was a d--- Hessian, and came over hear to fight us for six pence a day. No s-i-r, I don?t ride with such patriots as he!" And ride he did not on the solemn occasion."

David
Mon November 8, 2004 3:17am

David
Mon November 8, 2004 3:19am
Rating: 10

David
Wed November 10, 2004 4:55am

The bodies of rumanian so

The bodies of rumanian soldiers, which, after a year in the woods near Busteni, had been partially eaten by wolves and wild dogs.

David
Wed November 10, 2004 4:55am

These are the remains of

These are the remains of romanian soldiers, KIA in the southern Carpathian Mountains, which were found approximately one year later. This picture was taken in 1917.

David
Mon July 25, 2005 11:07am

Aisne-Marne American Ceme

The World War I Aisne-Marne American Cemetery and Memorial lies south of the village of Belleau (Aisne), France six and one-half miles northwest of Chateau-Thierry. It may be reached by automobile from Paris via Route N-3, turning left opposite the entrance pylons of the Chateau-Thierry Monument which are about two miles west of the town of Chateau-Thierry. The total distance is 58 miles. The cemetery may also be reached via toll Autoroute A-4 by taking the Montreuil-aux-Lions exit and following the cemetery signs to Lucy-le-Bocage and proceeding through Belleau Wood to the entrance of the cemetery. There is rail service from Paris (Gare de l'Est) to Chateau-Thierry. The journey takes about one hour.
This forty-two acre cemetery, with its headstones lying in a sweeping curve, sits at the foot of the hill where stands Belleau Wood. It contains the graves of 2,290 American Dead, most of whom fought in the vicinity and in the Marne valley in the summer of 1918. From the hillside rises the memorial chapel decorated with sculptured and stained glass details of wartime personnel, equipment and insignia. On its interior walls are inscribed the names of 1,060 who gave their lives in the service of their country and who are resting in unknown graves. The observation platform in the chapel tower affords excellent views of the battlefield. During World War II, the chapel was damaged slightly by an enemy shell.
Belleau Wood, adjoining the cemetery, contains many vestiges of World War I. At the flagpole is a monument commemorating the valor of the U.S. Marines who captured much of this ground in 1918.
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.

David
Mon July 25, 2005 11:09am

Ardennes American Cemeter

The World War II Ardennes American Cemetery and Memorial is located near the southeast edge of Neupre (Neuville-en-Condroz), Belgium, twelve miles southwest of Liege. The main highway to Marche passes the cemetery entrance. Liege can be reached by express train from Paris (Gare du Nord) in about five and a half hours; from Brussels and from Germany via Aachen. Taxicabs and limited bus service to Neupre are available from Liege. There are several hotels in the city.
The approach drive leads to the memorial, a rectangular structure bearing on its facade a massive American eagle and other symbolic sculptures. Within are the chapel, three large wall maps composed of inlaid marble, marble panels depicting combat and supply activities and other ornamental features. Along the outside of the memorial, inscribed on granite slabs, are the names of 462 American Missing who gave their lives in the service of their country, but whose remains were never recovered or identified. The cemetery, ninety acres in extent, contains the graves of 5,328 American military Dead, many of whom died in the "Battle of the Bulge." Their headstones are aligned in straight rows that compose the form of a huge Greek cross on the lawn and are framed by tree masses. The cemetery served as the location of the Central Identification Point for the American Graves Registration Service of the War Department during much of the life of the Service.
The facade on the far (north) end, which overlooks the burial area bears the insignia in mosaic of the major United States units which operated in Northwest Europe in World War II.

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.

David
Mon July 25, 2005 11:12am

Brookwood American Cemete

The World War I Brookwood American Cemetery and Memorial is located southwest of the town of Brookwood, Surrey, England, about six miles north of Guildford and nine miles north-east of Aldershot. It may be reached by automobile from London, a distance of twenty-eight miles, or by train from Waterloo Station in less than an hour. The cemetery is about 300 yards from the Brookwood Station. There are hotels and restaurants at Woking, Guildford, Aldershot and other nearby towns.
This small cemetery of four and a half acres lies within the large civilian cemetery of the London Necropolis Company and contains the graves of 468 American military Dead from World War I. Close by are military cemeteries and monuments of the British Commonwealth and other Allied nations. Automobiles may drive through the Necropolis to the American cemetery.
Within the American cemetery the headstones are arranged in four plots, grouped about the flagpole. The regular rows of white marble headstones on the smooth lawn are framed by masses of shrubs and evergreen trees which form a perfect setting for the chapel, a classic white stone building on the northwest side of the cemetery. The interior of the chapel is of tan-hued stone. Small stained-glass windows light the altar, flags, and the carved cross above them. On the walls within the chapel are inscribed the names of 563 Missing in Action, who gave their lives in the service of their country and whose graves are at sea.
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.

David
Mon July 25, 2005 11:15am

Corozal American Cemetery

The Corozal American Cemetery is located approximately three miles north of Panama City, Republic of Panama, just off Gaillard Highway between the Corozal Railroad Station and Fort Clayton. To reach the cemetery, follow Gaillard Highway north from Panama City, turn right on Rufina Alfaro and proceed about one half mile to the cemetery. Taxi and bus service to the cemetery are available from Panama City. In agreement with the Republic of Panama, care and maintenance of the cemetery in perpetuity was assumed by the American Battle Monuments Commission on October 1, 1979.
At this cemetery, sixteen acres in extent, are interred 5,197 American veterans and others. A small memorial feature sits atop a knoll overlooking the graves area. It consists of a paved plaza with a twelve-foot rectangular granite obelisk flanked by two flagpoles which fly the American and Panamanian flags. Floral tributes are laid at the obelisk during memorial services. A paved walk leads from the plaza to the chapel at the foot of the knoll. Engraved on the obelisk is the following:
THIS MEMORIAL HAS BEEN ERECTED BY THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
IN HUMBLE TRIBUTE TO ALL INTERRED HERE
WHO SERVED IN ITS ARMED FORCES OR
CONTRIBUTED TO THE CONSTRUCTION,
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF
THE PANAMA CANAL
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.

David
Mon July 25, 2005 11:17am

Epinal American Cemetery

The World War II Epinal American Cemetery and Memorial is located approximately four miles southeast of Epinal (Vosges), France on Road D-157 in the village of Dinoze-Quequement. It can be reached by automobile via toll Autoroute A-4 eastward to the Nancy Exit. Take Highway N-57 and exit at Arches-Dinoze. Rail service is available from Gare de l'Est, Paris via Nancy, where it may be necessary to change trains. The journey by train takes about five hours. Air travel is available from Paris to the Epinal-Mirecourt Airport. Travel by air takes forty-five minutes. Adequate hotel accommodations and taxi service can be found in Epinal and vicinity.
The cemetery, forty-eight acres in extent, is located on a plateau one hundred feet above the Moselle River in the foothills of the Vosges Mountains. It contains the graves of 5,255 American military Dead. It was established in October 1944 by the 46th Quartermaster Graves Registration Company of the U.S. Seventh Army as it drove northward from southern France through the Rhone Valley into Germany. The cemetery became the repository for the fatalities in the bitter fighting through the Heasbourg Gap during the winter of 1944-45.
The memorial, a rectangular structure with two large bas-relief panels, consist of a chapel, portico and museum room with its mosaic operations map. On the walls of the Court of Honor, which surround the memorial, are inscribed the names of 424 Americans who gave their lives in the service of their country and who rest in unknown graves.
Stretching northward is a wide tree-lined mall that separates two large burial plots. At the northern end of the mall the circular flagpole plaza forms an overlook affording a view of a wide sweep of the Moselle valley.
On May 12, 1958, thirteen caskets draped with American flags were placed side by side at the memorial at Epinal American Cemetery. Each casket contained the remains of one World War II "Unknown" American serviceman; one from each of the thirteen permanent American military cemeteries in the European Theater of Operations. In a solemn ceremony, General Edward J. O'Neill, Commanding General of the U.S. Army Communication Zone, Europe, selected the "Unknown" to represent the European Theater. It was flown to Naples, Italy and placed with "Unknowns" from the Atlantic and Pacific Theaters of Operation aboard the USS Blandy for transportation to Washington, DC for final selection of the "Unknown" from World War II. On Memorial Day, 1958, this "Unknown" was buried alongside the "Unknown" from World War I at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.
The Epinal 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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