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Medals #, A-L

The following is an alphabetical listing of each of medals.

1968 Tet Offensive Commemorative Medal

This medal shows the old imperial castle and fort at Hue and the ribbon drape is in the familiar Vietnamese colors with red, white and blue edging. Cost of the full-sized medal and ribbon bar is $30 with extra ribbon bars costing $2 each. There is a shipping and handling charge of $3.75 for each medal purchased. It can be purchased from U.S. Military Specialties, PO Box 67654, Topeka, KS 66617-0654 . . . or from Pieces of History, PO Box 7590, Cave Creek, AZ 85327.

Reprinted from April 1998 Military  

50th Anniversary of Peace Medal

The medal is available for any allied veteran of World War II. It is a very attractive medal with a warm gold appearance and the obverse shows a V for the 1945 Victory over the Axis powers. The ribbon is claret and gold.  The medal may be purchased from Award Productions, Ltd., P.O. Box 30, Haslemere, Surry, GU26 6UT, United Kingdom.  The full sized medal is $42; the miniature medal is $14.50 and the ribbon for a ribbon bar is $2. There is a shipping and handling charge of $4.

Reprinted from May 1998 Military

50th Anniversary of the China, Burma, India area

All American service personnel who participated in the China, Burma, India theater of war during WWII are eligible for this medal. The medal is available from George M. Shank, 1574 Arnold Ct., Huntington, WV, 25705. The cost for a regulation size medal and ribbon bar is $18, and shipping is $4. To my knowledge, no miniatures have been made for the medal.

Reprinted from June 1997 Military

50th Anniversary of the European Air Offensive

All American service personnel of the Army Air Corps who were stationed in Europe during WWII are eligible for the Commemorative medal of the European Air Offensive. The medal is available from George M. Shank, 1574 Arnold Ct., Huntington, WV, 25705. The cost for a regulation size medal and ribbon bar is $18, and shipping is $4. To my knowledge, no miniatures have been made for the medal.

Reprinted from June 1997 Military

50th Anniversary of "Frontline Britain"

This medal is unusual, commemorating the 50th Anniversary of "Frontline Britain" and is only available to those American and Allied service personnel and Merchant Marines who served in the East Kent District, South East Command area between 1939-1945. Qualifications would include any American service personnel who spent 21 continous days in the East Kent District, one voyage aboard a military vessel sailing past the port of Dover; or air crews and their ground crews, of those U.S. bomber, recon or military supply flight which overflew the East Kent District. American Merchant Marines and sailors who delivered supplies to the area; members of General Patton's 3rd Army which conducted exercises in the area prior to D Day; and paratroopers, glider pilots, and rangers who trained in the area are also eligible.The medal, available to veterans and their next of kin, is a civil award issued on behalf of the Dover District Council.To obtain an application to order the medal send a stamped, self addressed envelope to Henry Carringi, 11 Bullard Avenue, Queensbury, New York 12804-2112. Please give as much detail as possible when completing the form. Cost of the full-sized medal is $26. The miniature and extra ribbon can he obtained from the manufacturer after obtaining the full size medal.

Reprinted from June 1998

50th Anniversary Korean Defense Commemorative Medal

It is designed to honor all American military personnel who served honorably in the defense of the Republic of Korea since 27 June 1950. The medal was created and released by Medals of America. The front of the medal depicts an armed American standing guard at the gate to South Korea. On the reverse is "Commemmorating 50 Years in the Defense of South Korea." The medal may be purchased from Medals of America, 1929 Fairview Rd., Fountain Inn, SC 29655. Cost of the full-sized medal and ribbon bar is $24.95; Extra ribbon bars are $1.50. There is a shipping and handling charge of $5.95. I know of no miniature for this medal. The Department of Defense has finally authorized the Korean War Service Medal of the ROK as an official award for American troops who served in the vicinity of Korea under UN command from 1950-1954. This authorization came on 20 Aug 1999.

Reprinted from December 1999 Military

50th Anniversary of the Landing at Okinawa

All American service personnel who participated in the landing at Okinawa are eligible for this medal. The medal is available from George M. Shank, 1574 Arnold Ct., Huntington, WV, 25705. The cost for a regulation size medal and ribbon bar is $18, and shipping is $4. To my knowledge, no miniatures have been made for the medal.

Reprinted from June 1997 Military 

50th Anniversary of Victory in Europe

All American service personnel who qualified for the European, African and Middle Eastern campaign medal, are also eligible for this medal. The medal is available from George M. Shank, 1574 Arnold Ct., Huntington, WV, 25705. The cost for a regulation size medal and ribbon bar is $18, and shipping is $4. To my knowledge, no miniatures have been made for the medal.

Reprinted from June 1997 Military

50th Anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War (WWII)

This Commemorative medal is for all U.S. veterans of WWII who participated in operations bringing war supplies to the Soviet Union by way of the Barents Sea, the Persian Gulf, the Black Sea or the Sea of Okhotsk between 22 June 1941 and 9 May 1945; and also includes those U.S. Air Force veterans who participated in "Frantic" missions. The medal may be obtained from the Russian Embassy by writing to the Embassy of Russia, Attention: Office of Public Affairs, 2650 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20007. Mark the word "Medal" on the lower left corner of the envelope. Include the person's full name, current mailing address, date of birth and telephone number, a full copy of the veteran's discharge papers or other proof of service and the dates, and a brief description of the operation in which he served and what he personally did. The expected time for processing is six to eight months and with each application enclose a check or money order for $4 payable to the Embassy of Russia. The medal may also be purchased from Pieces of History, P.O. Box 4470, Cave Creek, AZ 85331. The regulation sized medal is $30. There is no miniature or ribbon bar that I know of.

Reprinted from December 1997 Military

50th Anniversary Medal of World War II

It is issued by the Russian Federation and available for veterans of WWII who participated in operations bringing war supplies to the Soviet Union by way of the Barents Sea, the Persian Gulf, the Black Sea, or the Sea of Okhotsk, in the period from 22 June 1941 until 9 May 1945. U.S. Air Corps veterans who participated in "Operation Frantic" missions are also eligible. The medal may be obtained from the Russian Embassy by writing the Embassy of Russia, Attention: Office of Public Affairs, 2650 Wisconsin Ave., N.W. Washington, D.C. 20007. Write the word "Medal" on the lower left corner of the envelope. Include the individual's full name, current mailing address, date of birth and telephone number, together with a full copy of the veteran's discharge papers (DD 214) or other proof of service in that particular operation. This should be sent with a brief description of the operation in which the service occurred, and what he personally did. The expected time for processing is six to eight months and with each application enclose a check or money order payable to the Embassy of Russia, for $4.00. The medal may also be purchased from Pieces of History, P.O. Box 4470, Cave Creek, AZ 85331. Cost of the Regulation sized medal is $25. I do not know if a ribbon bar or miniature are available. There is a shipping and handling charge of $3.75 from Pieces of History.

Reprinted from January 1998 Military 

Allied Ex-Prisoner of War Medal

Proposed by the National Ex-Prisoners of War Association in the United Kingdom, this medal honors the sacrifice of freedom suffered by so many allied combatants in this century. It is one of the most attractive and distinctive medals I have ever seen. The face of the medal shows a young bird trapped in barbed wired. The reverse has a loop of barbed wire, and the ribbon has a strand of woven silver cloth running vertically down the ribbon, looking like barbed wire. The medal is available for any ex-POW of any country allied with the United Kingdom at the time of their capture, whether the U.K. was involved in the conflict or not. This also means that any POW of the Viet-Nam War is eligible for the medal, and it is also available to the next of kin. The medal may be purchased from Award Productions, Ltd., PO Box 30, Haslemere, Surrey, UK 6U266UT. Regulation size medal, $34; miniature medal, $11.60, ribbon for a ribbon bar, $2. In addition, there is a shipping charge of $1.60. When ordering please send the details of the POW period to the supplier.

Reprinted from June 1996 Military

Alaskan Service Commemorative Medal

It commemorates the American and Canadian military operations in Western Canada and Alaska during WWII. The soldiers, sailors, coast guardsmen, airmen, marines and merchant marines who participated in operations there or in Attu and Kiska are eligible for this medal, as are Canadian soldiers, sailors and airmen who took part in Northern Pacific operations at this time. The front of the medal shows a bulldozer and a serviceman in Arctic gear, signifying the partnership of construction and combat throughout Alaska, the Aleutians and Western Canada in developing and building the Alcan Highway and military bases throughout Alaska from 1941-1945. The ribbon is light blue and white, primary colors of the Arctic area. The medal, ribbon bar, and miniature medal may be purchased from: Medals in Miniature, 221 N. Central Avenue, #1776-M, Medford, OR 97501. The cost for the medal and ribbon bar is $30; the miniature medal is $12.

Reprinted from December 1998 Military

American Commemorative Medal

This medal is for veterans of the Cold War. Any soldier, sailor, marine, Coast Guardsman or airman on active or reserve duty during any period of time between 1946 and 1989, when the Berlin Wall came down, and the Soviet Union began to collapse, is eligible for this medal. The symbolism on ihe fare of the medal is apparent, with a portion of the Berlin Wall on one side, an Asiatic edifice on the other, and our American flag flying in the center, over both. On the reverse of the medal is the phrase "Guardians of Freedom!" The medal may be purchased from U.S. Military Specialties, PO Box 67654, Topeka, KS 66617-0854. . . or from Pieces of History, PO Box 4470, Cave Creek, AZ 85331.
The regulation sized medal together with a ribbon bar is $30, plus 3.75 postage and handling. Extra ribbon bars are $2 each.

Reprinted from August 1998 Military

Arctic Zone Medal

This medal is for service in the Arctic zone during 1939-45. The medal has been produced by Award Productions and is very attractive. Any Allied veteran of the Arctic zone during 1939-45 or next of kin is eligible for this medal. This includes those veterans of the landings on Attu and Kiska, the Marines and sailors who occupied Iceland in 1940 and 1941, and any other sailor, soldier, Marine or Merchant Seaman who was in any convoy in the Arctic zone. It also includes those American Army, Navy and Air Corps personnel who served in Alaska north of the Arctic circle during the Second World War. The medal may be purchased from Award Productions, Ltd., PO Box 30, Haslemere, Surrey, UK, 6U2 66UT. Regulation size medals, $34; miniature medals, $11.60, and a ribbon for a ribbon bar, $2. In addition, there is a shipping charge of $1.60.

Reprinted from May 1997 Military

Army Service Commemorative Medal

Released by the International Military and Police Ex-Service Guild, the Army Service Commemorative Medal is for anyone who has performed service with an Army unit, either regular or Reserve, during peacetime or hostile action. The medal, while expensive compared to most, are quite attractive and merit consideration. It can be purchased from Nobilitat Regalia, 310 Edward St., Victoria, B. C. Canada, V9A 3E6. The regulation sized medal is $70. The miniature medal is $37. Extra ribbon for a ribbon bar costs $4.40. In addition there is a shipping and handling charge of $7.50. Costs are figured in American dollars.

Reprinted from April 1999 Military

Aviation Service Commemorative Medal

Released by the International Military and Police Ex-Service Guild, the Aviation Service Commemorative Medal is for any aviation service in any branch of the military in an aviation role during peacetime or hostilities. This includes the Air Force, Naval and Marine Aviation, Army Aviation, Air Cavalry, or jump qualified soldiers, sailors or Marines. The medal, while expensive compared to most, are quite attractive and merit consideration. It can be purchased from Nobilitat Regalia, 310 Edward St., Victoria, B. C. Canada, V9A 3E6. The regulation sized medal is $70. The miniature medal is $37. Extra ribbon for a ribbon bar costs $4.40. In addition there is a shipping and handling charge of $7.50. Costs are figured in American dollars.

Reprinted from April 1999 Military

Battle for Britain Commemorative Medal

American servicemen and women who served between 3 Sep 1939 and 21 Sep 1945 are eligible for this medal, whether their service was foreign or only domestic. All these members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Corps, Coast Guard or U.S. Merchant Marines may purchase and wear this medal. Next of kin may also receive the medal. The face of the medal shows the rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock representing England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland while the reverse shows St. Paul's Cathedral seen through the smoke and fires of the Blitz during the night of 29 Dec 1940. The medal may be purchased from: Pieces of History, P.O. Box 4470, Cave Creek, AZ 85331. Regulation size medal: $45.00 plus $3.75 postage and handling. I am unaware of a current source for the miniature medal or ribbon bar, although I have both.

Reprinted from August 1996 Military

Bomber Command Commemorative Medal

It recognizes those ex-servicemen and women from Commonwealth or Allied Forces who were in Bomber Commands during WWII, in either the European theater, the Asiatic-Pacific theater or the China/Burma/India theater.Most of the qualifying American ex-servicemen or women would of course be veterans of the Army Air Corps, although some might be Marine or Navy veterans, if they were either flight crew or ground crew of a bomber command, including the Navy and Marine Corps Dive Bombers. The medal may be purchased from Award Productions, Ltd., PO Box 30, Haslemere, Surrey, UK, 6U266UT.Regulation size medal, $34; miniature medal, $11.60; and ribbon for a ribbon bar, $2. In addition there is a shipping charge of $1.60.

Reprinted from February 1997 Military

Chinese War Memorial Medal

This medal is awarded by the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and is for all American military personnel who served in the Armed Forces during any period between 7 Dec 41 and 29 Sep 45 in any theater of war. To receive this medal, send a letter of request and a copy of your discharge, DD 214, or other proof of service to Maj. Gen. Liang Ping-Sheng, Director, Coordination Council for North American Affairs, 4201 Wisconsin Ave., Washington, DC 20016. There is no charge for the medal, but I would strongly urge any applicant to donate $15 to the ROC Veterans Relief Fund.

Reprinted from April 2000 Military

Combat Action Ribbon

It was instituted in 1969 as the Navy/Marine Corps counterpart of the Army's Combat Infantryman's Badge. It was initially awarded for active participation in ground, surface or air combat subsequent to 1 Mar 61, while in the rank of Navy Captain or Marine Colonel or grades junior to those grades. A recent development for the Combat Action Ribbon has been an extension of the time frame for which the ribbon can be awarded. The ribbon can now be awarded to members of the Navy or Marine Corps for participation in ground, surface or air combat during any wartime period after 6 Dec 41. This means sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen who fought during WWII are now eligible for this ribbon, as are those who fought during the Korean War. To obtain a Combat Action Ribbon fill out an SF180 (Request Pertaining to Military Records) and send it along with a copy of your discharge or DD214 to Bureau of Naval Personnel, Liaison Office, Room 3409, 9700 Page Ave., St. Louis, MO 63132-5100.
SF180 forms may be procured from your local county veteran service office.

Reprinted from June 2000 Military

Combatant Service Commemorative Medal

Released by the International Military and Police Ex-Service Guild, the Combatant Service Commemorative is authorized for British and Allied personnel who have taken active combatant roles in warlike campaigns. This would cover service from the Panay incident up to and through Somalia. This medal also has many clasps available covering just about all combat situations throughout the world for the past 50 years. This medal, while expensive compared to most, is attractive and worth considering. It may be purchased from Nobilitat Regalia, 310 Edward St., Victoria, B.C., Canada V9A 3E6. Regulation size medal, $70; miniature medal, $37.50; full size clasps, $30, and miniature clasps, $15. Extra ribbon for a ribbon bar costs $4.40. There is an additional shipping charge of $7.50. (Prices are in US dollars.)

Reprinted from September 1997 Military

Commemorative Cross of the War of the Netherlands

It is awarded to service personnel who aided the Netherlands in WWII, and who served at least six months in military service from 1939 until 1945. Qualifying service would include American Army, Navy, Marine or Coast Guard service in the vicinity of Indonesia between 8 December 1941 and September 1945. American soldiers, sailors or Marines who participated in the liberation of the Netherlands are also eligible for this medal, as are American military personnel who were transported on ships of Dutch registry, such as the Dutch ship that sailed all over the Pacific transporting American Marines of the First and Second Divisions during WWII. There were other Dutch ships which did this in the Atlantic also. There were a number of bars for this medal to denote the particular service such as Java Sea 1941-42, Normandie, 1944, East Asia-South Pacific 1942-45; as well as clasps for War at Sea, War Service on land, War Flights, War Service Merchant Navy. The medals may be purchased from Pieces of History, P.O. Box 4470, Cave Creek, AZ 85331. Cost of the full sized medal is $32, the Miniature medal is $16 and the ribbon bar is $2. There is a shipping and handling charge of $3.75.

Reprinted from March 1998 Military

Commemorative Medal for Service in the Alaskan Theater

Any American veteran of the Army, Navy Air Corps, Marine Corps or Merchant Marine who served in this area between 7 December 1941 and 31 December 1946 is eligible for this medal; as are those Canadian veterans who served in the Pacific Ocean area north of the 50th Parallel during that time. All military personnel who worked on the Alcan Highway in Alaska and western Canada; those involved in the Aleutian Islands campaign at Attu and Kiska, and those who built military bases in Alaska and western Canada may also wear this medal. The face of the medal shows a soldier in Arctic gear carrying a rifle standing in front of a bulldozer. On the reverse is the 50th Anniversary seal of WWII. The ribbon is of the Arctic colors of light blue and white. The medal may be purchased from Medals in Miniature, 221 North Central Ave., No. 1776, Medford, OR 97501. The regulation sized medal and ribbon bar are $30. The miniature medal is $12.

Reprinted from May 1999 Military

Commemorative Medal of the Second World War

This French Medal is for all American ex-servicemen and women from WWII. Any American whose military service encompassed any period from September 1939 until August 1945 is eligible to wear these medals, no matter where their service. It may be purchased from The American Order of the French, Croix de Guerre, 141 East 44th Street, Ste. 604, New York, NY 10017-4006. Regulation size medal, $25, miniature medal, $17, ribbon bars, $2.50.

Reprinted from April 1996 Military

Commemorative Medal for the Campaign in Italy

This medal recognized military service of Allied Forces personnel who participated in that campaign between 1 December 1943 and 25 June 1944, and units that were in support of the French Expeditionary Corps. The medal may be purchased from The American Order of the French Croix de Guerre, 18 East 41st St., Rm. 401, New York, NY 10017. The regulation sized medal is $25, the miniature medal is $17 and the ribbon bar is $3. Shipping and handling is included.

Reprinted from August 1997 Military

Croix du Combatant Voluntaire

The Croix du Combatant Voluntaire was awarded for service either Navy, Marine, Army, Army Air Corps or Merchant Marine to any service person who served in a combat unit during World War II from September 1939 until 8 May 1945, whether they were in combat or not.
In a slightly different form the medal was again awarded to those service personnel who were under United Nations Command during the Korean War and who served for at least 30 days between 25 June 1950 and June 1954.
It may be purchased from Medals & Insignia, 10961-151 Desert Lawn Drive, Calimesa, CA 92320-2242. Cost of the regulation medal is $35; cost of the miniature medal is $35; cost of the ribbon bar is $3. There is a shipping and handling charge of $5.

Foreign Service Commemorative Medal

The International Military and Police Ex-service Guild has released a commemorative medal for foreign service, for all qualified British and Allied ex-servicemen and women who have served in foreign service in both war and peace. Personnel of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and U.S. Merchant Marine are eligible to obtain this medal. The medal, while expensive compared to most medals, is quite attractive and warrants consideration. There are clasps which are available to describe the foreign service such as Germany, Okinawa, Philippines, Pacific Ocean, etc. that cover almost every conceivable foreign post. The medal may be purchased from Nobilitat Regalia, 310 Edward St., Victoria, D.C., Canada V9A 3E6. Costs are figured in U.S. dollars.  Regulation size medal $70; miniature medal $37; full-size clasps $30; miniature clasps $15. In addition there is a shipping charge of $7.50. Extra ribbon for a ribbon bar costs $4.40.

Reprinted from July 1996 Military

Jubilee of Liberty

This medal was created by the Regional Council of Normandy in 1994 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of D-Day. Members of the Army, Navy, Coast Guardsmen, Army Air Corps, Marines or Merchant Marines who took part in the D-Day operation or who participated in the Battle of Normandy between 6 June 1944, and August 1944 are eligible to get this medal. To request this medal send a copy of your military record that proves your Normandy involvement to Association Debarquement et Bataille de Normandie 1944, Abbaye aux Dames, Place Reine Mathilde, B. P. 311, 14015 Caen Cedex, France. They will then send you an application for the medal. I do not know the cost for this medal.

Reprinted from March 1999 Military

Korean War Service Commemorative Medal

The Korean War Service Commemorative Medal was established by the Korean Government in October 1950. The medal was to be awarded to all the service personnel who participated in the Korean War. It was offered to the United States for award to American personnel but was rejected at that time as a blanket award although similar to those later awarded by the government of South Viet-Nam, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Most of the allied contingents received this medal at that time. It is now available to Americans who fought in the Korean area. The ribbon has the Taegu emblem of Korea mounted on the ribbon and the medal has a map of Korea with the United Nations emblem. The medal is very attractive and well worth considering for purchase. It can be purchased from Pieces of History, P.O. Box 4470, Cave Creek, AZ 85331. The regulation size medal may be purchased for $29 each. Ribbon bars cost $2 each. I know of no source for the miniature medals. Postage and handling is $3.75.

Reprinted from January 1997 Military

Korean War Commemorative Medal

The Korean War Commemorative Medal honors all participants in the Korean War and has the American flag and the Korean flag on the face of the medal. Both the ribbon and the medal have the light blue colors so characteristic of this war. The medal is very attractive and well worth considering for purchase. It can be purchased from Pieces of History, P.O. Box 4470, Cave Creek, AZ 85331. The regulation size medal may be purchased for $29 each. Ribbon bars cost $2 each. I know of no source for the miniature medals. Postage and handling is $3.75.

Reprinted from January 1997 Military

Korean War Medal

On 15 December 1951, the government of the Republic of Korea awarded to all of the nations who were fighting under UN Command at that time in Korea the Korean War Medal. While Canada, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, France, Belgium, Columbia, Greece, Turkey, Thailand, the Philippines and other nations accepted this medal, the United States did not.  Because of a number of protests about the refusal by the United States to accept the award, Congress passed Public Law 354 on 8 May 1954, which authorized certain members of the Armed Forces to accept and wear decorations of certain foreign nations. Basically the act stated that members and former members of the Armed Forces who had served in Korea or the waters and land adjacent there during the period of hostilities in Korea and for one year thereafter to accept from the governments of foreign nations whose personnel are participating with or under the UN Command in Korea, such decorations, orders and emblems as may be tendered them, and which are conferred by such governments upon members of their own military forces. Any member or former member holding any office of profit or trust under the United States is authorized to wear any decoration, order, or emblem accepted pursuant to authority contained in this Act. Even after the passage of this legislation the Armed Forces of the United States did not allow this or other foreign awards to be worn, except for the Korean PUC. However if I had been eligible to wear any of these awards I would have pinned them on my uniform and relied on Public Law 354 as my defense. Among the medals issued and awarded during this time were two French medals, the Croix du Combatant Voluntaire and the Medaille Des Operaions De L'Organization Des Nations Unies in Coree, two Belgian Medals, the Belgian War Medal for Korea and the Medal of Belgian Recognition for this period together with the Korean War Medal. Finally, on 20 August 1999, the Assistant Secretary of the Army has approved the wear of the Korean War Medal for American Veterans. Perhaps in another 40 or 50 years the Department of Defense will authorize the wearing of other foreign awards. The medals may be purchased from Medals of America, 1929 Fairview Road, Fountain Inn, SC 29644. Cost of the full sized medals are $24.95 and there is a shipping charge of $5.75.

Reprinted from March 2000 Military

 

 
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