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Medaille Des Operations De L'Organization Des Nations Unies en Coree

This medal was authorized for issue to the allied service personnel who fought under the United Nations Command in Korea between 26 June 1950 and June 1954. This is a rare medal since very little publicity was given to it.  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 $30, the miniature medal is $25 and the ribbon bar is $3.

Reprinted from August 1997 Military

Medaille des Operations North Africa

The French follow Napoleon's maxims about medals and are prolific with their awards. Napoleon had stated that with enough medals and bits of ribbon he could conquer the world, and he began the present issue of military awards for the common serviceman. The Medaille des Operations North Africa was awarded to any service person who served in North Africa in Morroco, Algeria, or Tunisia or in surrounding waters during the North African Campaign between 25 June 1940 and 13 May 1943. There are clasps for the North African Medal showing either Algeria, Morroco or Tunisia depending on where the service occurred. The medal may be purchased from U.S. Military Specialties, PO Box 67654, Topeka, KS 66667-0654 Regulation size medal, $34; miniature medal, $30. Full sized clasps, $8; miniature clasps, $6. There is a shipping and handling charge of $4.

Reprinted from October 1997 Military

Medal of Liberated France

This two French Medals 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. The medal 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

Medal for Participation in the War of 1940-45

It is a memorial medal by King Christian I of Denmark to be awarded to those men and women who, during that war in the service of the Allied Forces, had participated in the fight against the Nazi German occupational forces. This would mean that those Americans who took part in any of the actions in Northwestern Europe during WWII would be eligible to receive this medal. Like all Danish medals it has a tri-fold ribbon and the medal which is of a silver finish has King Christian on the obverse, or face, of the medal, and a wreath on the reverse. The full sized medal may be obtained from Pieces of History, PO Box 4470, Cave Creek, AZ 85331. Cost of the full sized medal is $32, and the ribbon bar is $2. There is a shipping and handling charge of $3.75. Please allow six weeks for delivery.

Reprinted from June 1999 Military

Medal of Belgian Recognition

American servicemen and women qualified for this Belgian medal as a result of service during WWII. This octoganal medal has the face of a woman representing Belgium, with an upright sword held in salute. The medal may be purchased from Col. H. Harding Isaacson, 7 East 85th Street, Apt. 5C, New York, NY 10028 or from The Order of the French Croix de Guerre, 141 E. 44th Street #604, New York, NY 10017-4006. Regulation size medal, $25; miniature medal, $17. Ribbon bars may be purchased for $2.50 from The Order of the French Croix de Guerre.

Reprinted from November 1996 Military

Medal of Volunteers

This was awarded to Belgian and Allied troops under United Nations Command in Korea between 1950 and 1954. Under Public Law 354, American military personnel were allowed these medals. The Medal of Volunteers, authorized in 1952, is very similar to the Medal of Volunteers presented to Belgian and Allied troops during WWII. The ribbon is identical and the medal is only slightly changed from the earlier one. The medal has a bar with the word "pugnator" on an unframed bronze background. It can be purchased from Medals & Insignia, 737 Dana Street, Redlands, CA 92373. The full-size medal is $30 each, the miniature medal is $30 each. The ribbon bar costs $3. The full-sized bar is $8, and the miniature bar is $6. The shipping and handling charge is $4.

Reprinted from August 1999 Military

Medal of Voluntary Services for a Free France

It commemorates the voluntary services offered for the liberation of France. Initially the medal was awarded to the Free French forces and to those American units in liaison with them during the allied invasion of France. Eventually the First French Army obtained authorization to extend this award to all military personnel that had assisted or supported French forces in Africa, Italy, and France. Among those units are the following infantry divisions - 3rd, 4th, 28th, 35th, 36th, 42nd, 44th, 45th, 63rd, 65th, 70th, 71st, 75th, 79th, 80th, 87th, 90th, 94th, 99th, 100th, and 103rd. Armored divisions were the 6th, 7th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, and 20th. Other units were the 101st Airborne Division, VI, XV, XXI Corps, 6th and 12th Army Groups, 3rd and 7th Army as well as Canadian and Brazilian troops who fought up the Italian peninsula. The medal is silver and the shape of the Cross of Lorraine with France Libre on the arms of the cross. The ribbon is deep blue with diagonal red stripes. The medal is no longer issued by France but it may be purchased from U.S. Military Specialties, PO Box 67654, Topeka, KS 66667-0654. The cost for the regulation-size medal is $34; the miniature medal is $24 and a ribbon bar is $3. Shipping is $4.

Reprinted from July 1999 Military

Murmansk Medal

The medal is the 40th Anniversary Medal of WWII issued by the Russian Federation and commonly referred to as the Murmansk Medal. This medal was to be awarded to all sailors, armed guards and Merchant Marines from the United States who participated in the ocean convoys to Murmansk during WWII. It was also authorized for the Allied airmen who sometimes flew air cover for these convoys. Any American sailor, Merchant Marine or airman who took part in one of these convoys is eligible to receive this medal. The medal may be obtained from the Russian Embassy by writing the Embassy of Russia, Attention: Office of Public Affairs, 2650 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Washington, DC 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, PO Box 4470, Cave Creek, AZ 85331. Regulation size medal, $25; miniature medal, $8. I do not know if a ribbon bar is available.

Reprinted from March 1997 Military

National Defense Commemorative Medal

The International Military and Police ex-Service Guild has released a commemorative medal for any domestic-military service in either peace or war. Personnel of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marine Corps and U.S. Merchant Marine are eligible to receive this medal. The medal, while expensive compared to most medals, is quite attractive and merits consideration.The medal may be purchased from Nobilitat Regalia, 310 Edward St., Victoria, B.C. Canada V9A 3E6.Regulation size medal, $70; miniature medal, $37. In addition there is a shipping charge of $7.50. Extra ribbon for a ribbon bar costs $4.40. Costs are figured in American dollars.

Reprinted from October 1996 Military

National Order of the Legion of Honor of France

French President Jacques Chirac has awarded his country's highest decoration to all surviving U.S. military veterans who fought on French soil during WWI. To receive this decoration WWI veterans are urged to contact the French Embassy in Washington, D.C., for an application form for this award.Once these applications for awards are approved by the Grande Chancellerie de la Lªgion d'Honneur in Paris, French officials will travel throughout the United States to decorate the servicemen in person. There are an estimated 1,800 surviving military veterans who fought on French soil during WWI. With their average age being 98, the Veterans Administration is giving the effort to contact these veterans a high priority because the Legion of Honor is not awarded posthumously. Write to Embassy of France, Ambassador Francois V. Bujon, 4101 Reservoir Rd., NW, Washington, D.C. 20007.

Reprinted from January 1999 Military

National Patriotism Medal

It is awarded to any American member of the Armed Forces. This medal, together with an accompanying certificate is one by the American Police Hall of Fame and is also awarded to police officers. Funds from the sale of the medal are used in programs to assist the children of police officers killed in the line of duty. The American Police Hall of Fame is devoted to memorializing the sacrifices of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty throughout the country. The medal may be purchased from Patriotism Award Committee, American Police Hall of Fame, 3801 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, FL 33137. Cost of the full size medal together with an accompanying certificate is $35. I do not believe they produce a miniature medal, or a ribbon bar.

Reprinted from April 1997 Military

Normandy Medal

This medal is for service at Normandy during the DDay period. The medal has been produced by Award Productions and is very attractive. The Normandy Medal is offered for any veteran of the Normandy Campaign, whether soldier, sailor, Marine or Merchant Seaman, or next of kin. 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

Order of Palms for Valiant Service to Taiwan

This is an unusual medal to be awarded by the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to those American soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines who took part in the defense of Quemoy, Matsu and Taiwan against the threats and shelling from the Communist government of Mainland China from 1958 through 1 June 1963.  Among the American military were 125 U.S. warships loaded with naval personnel in the U.S. 7th Fleet; Task Force 77; the Formosa Defense Command including Marine Air Group 11; and elements of the 3rd Marine Division based on Okinawa who were transported to Taiwan. Units from the U.S. 6th Fleet worked convoys to Quemoy and Matsu; Army units stationed in Taiwan were reinforced to counter this threat to peace; and Air Force planes participated with cover from Japan, the Mariannas and Okinawa. In the largest military buildup since the Korean War, 5,000 soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines were sent to Taiwan to reinforce the 4,000 already there. A former Marine, Corporal Richard J. Feeney, who was sent to Taiwan from Okinawa with his regiment contacted government authorities of the Republic of China about recognition for these Americans who helped defend Taiwan. In return for Feeney's efforts the Ministry of Defense of Taiwan authorized the award of honorary medals for those American veterans of this action. The medals will be presented by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Boston, MA, to some 2,000 veterans on 23 August 1998. The medal is being presented on the 40th anniversary of the beginning of the Communist blockade of Quemoy. To get this medal a veteran must send a brief statement telling about his job and location during that period, and a 3x5 card with his name, rank, and unit during that time to Richard J. Feeney, 63 Crescent Avenue, Boston, MA 02125-1212.

Reprinted from February 1998 Military

Overseas Operations Medal

This was awarded to Belgian and Allied troops under United Nations Command in Korea between 1950 and 1954. Under Public Law 354, American military personnel were allowed these medals. The Overseas Operations Medal, authorized in 1951, has the Belgian Army seal on the face and the UN seal on the reverse, and the ribbon is light blue, colors associated with Korea, with two narrow white stripes and flanked by Belgium's national colors of red, orange and black. The medal has a framed silver bar with the words "COREE-KOREA."  It can be purchased from Medals & Insignia, 737 Dana Street, Redlands, CA 92373. The full-size medal is $30 each, the miniature medal is $30 each. The ribbon bar costs $3. The full-sized bar is $8, and the miniature bar is $6. The shipping and handling charge is $4.

Reprinted from August 1999 Military

Participation Medal of Norway

It is awarded to Norwegian and allied personnel who participated in WWII operations relating to Norway. The medal is bronze with the lion shield and crown of Norway and the ribbon is of Norway's national colors of red, white and blue, and has the dates of 9 April 1940 and 8 May 1945 on it, which are the qualifying dates of service for the medal. American service personnel who took part in any operation relating to Norway during this period are eligible for this medal. The full sized medal may be obtained from Pieces of History, PO Box 4470, Cave Creek, AZ 85331. Cost of the full sized medal is $32; the ribbon bar is $2. I know of no current source for the miniature although I have one in my collection. There is a shipping and handling charge of $3.75. Please allow six weeks for delivery.

Reprinted from September 1999 Military

Philippine Defense Medal

This medal has been awarded to all personnel of the United States Armed Forces, including the U.S. Merchant Marine, for service in defense of the Philippines from 8 Dec 41 to 15 Jun 42

Philippine Liberation Medal

This medal has been awarded to all personnel of the U.S. Armed Forces for service in liberation of the Philippines from 17 Oct 44 to 3 Sep 45.

Philippine Independence Medal

This medal has been awarded to personnel of the U.S. Armed Forces who were previously awarded either the Philippine Defense Medal or the Philippine Liberation Medal, or both. The Philippine Presidential Unit Citation has also been authorized for all personnel who qualified for either the Philippine Defense Medal or the Philippine Liberation Medal. These medals may be purchased from Medals of America, 1929 Fairview Rd., Fountain Inn, SC 29644-9151. There is a shipping and handling charge. Regulation size Philippine Defense Medal, regulation size Philippine Liberation Medal and regulation size Philippine Independence Medal, $28 each. Miniature Philippine Defense Medal, $17.50; miniature Philippine Liberation Medal, $11.50; and the miniature Philippine Independence Medal, $9. Ribbon Bar for Defense, $3; ribbon bar for Liberation, $2; ribbon bar for Independence, $2, and the Philippine PUC, $2.50.

Reprinted from September 1996 Military

Prisoner of War Medal

France has authorized a Prisoner of War Medal to commemorate the release of all military and civilian prisoners of war. It is available for all allied military POWs who were liberated from German, Japanese or Italian prison camps at the end of WWII. It is available to those who were held in concentration camps and to those held as slave laborers. This medal, with an accompanying certificate in French, may be purchased from Nobilitat Regalia, 316 North Edward St., Victoria, B.C. Canada V9A 3E6. Costs, in U.S. dollars, for the regulation-sized medal is $70; the miniature medal is $37, and the extra ribbon for a ribbon bar is $4.40. There is a shipping and handling charge of $7.70.

Reprinted from November 1999 Military

Republic of Vietnam Defense Commemorative Medal

Struck by Medals of America to honor all military personnel who served in the defense of Viet-Nam either in country, or in support of operations either off shore or in adjacent countries (i.e Guam, Thailand, etc.,) between 1960 and 1975. The circular bronze medal shows a coiled dragon representing Viet-Nam among bamboo. The words "Republic of Vietnam Defense 1960- 1975" are over the dragon, while the words "Commemorating Service in Vietnam" are at the bottom of the medal. The ribbon drape has the vertical red and yellow stripes of the Viet-Nam era. The medal may be purchased from Medals of America, 1929 Fairview Road, Fountain Inn, SC 29644. Cost of the medal and ribbon bar is $24.95, cost of extra ribbon bars is $1.50. There us a shipping and handling charge of $5.75. I know of no miniature for this medal.

Reprinted from the May 2000 Military

Royal Yugoslav Commemorative War Cross

Authorized for all allied personnel except personnel of the Soviet Union, this medal may be worn by ex-servicemen and women of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Corps, Coast Guard and U.S. Merchant Marines, who served between 1940 and 1945. King Peter of Yugoslavia utilized this medal to raise funds to benefit distressed service personnel and their families. It is a very attractive medal. King Peter appointed Col. H. Harding Isaacson as his American agent for the sale of the medal, and it may be purchased from him. Col. H. Harding Isaacson, 7 East 85th St., #5C, New York, NY 10028. Regulation size medal, $25; miniature medal, $20. Extra ribbon may be purchased for $2 to make your own ribbon bars.

Reprinted from December 1996 Military

Sea Service Commemorative Medal

Released by the International Military and Police Ex-Service Guild, the Sea Service Commemorative Medal is for any service at sea in ships, aircraft, or submarines for any service either in peace or wartime, and all Sailors, Coast Guardsmen, Marines, or Merchant Marines are eligible if they have served at sea; as are soldiers and airmen who have served aboard Naval or Merchant vessels. 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

Somalia Campaign Medal

This medal, produced by Pieces of History was struck to honor all American service personnel who served in Somalia or surrounding waters in December 1992, and continuing until March 1994, in connection with the delivery of foodstuffs to the Somali people.
The face of the medal shows a native with upraised arms near two bundles of foodstuffs with the words “Somalia, Operation Restore Hope” on the edging of the medal. The ribbon has a bar of blue, a bar of brown and a bar of gold on each side, centered by our national colors.
The cost for a full-sized medal and ribbon bar is $24.95; the ribbon bar is $1. There is a shipping and handling charge of $5.75. Contact Pieces of History, P.O. Box 4470, Cave Creek, AZ 85331.

Solomon Islands Decoration

To commemorate the landing on Guadalcanal in August 1942, the Government of the Solomon Islands issued a 50th Anniversary decoration in 1992.  This medal is available to any Marine veteran of WWII who served between 7 Dec 41 and 21 Sep 45. It is also available to any veteran of any service, Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Corps or Merchant Marine who was present in the Solomon Islands during 1942-1943. It is also available to the next of kin of eligible veterans.  Obviously, based on the qualifying parameters for Marines, when compared to the other military forces and their qualifications, the people of the Solomon Islands must have considered Marines special.  The decoration may be purchased from Christie's Pty. Ltd., P.O. Box 172, Iola, WI 54945. Regulation size medal, $27.50; Miniature medal, $10. To get a ribbon bar you should send an extra $2.00 and ask for an extra length of ribbon, then make your own ribbon bar.

Reprinted from May 1996 Military

United States Army Commemorative Medal

The medal is for all personnel who have honorable service in the U.S. Army or National Guard between 1775 and 2000.  It is a circular bronze medal with Army symbols of strength and defense with the American flag and the Army flag in the background and the date 1775 on the bottom of the display. The ribbon drape is the traditional Army green with the gold of victory and black trim to show the Army is ready day or night to defend our country. The medal may be purchased from Medals of America, 1929 Fairview Rd., Fountain Inn, SC 29644. Cost of the medal and ribbon bar is $24.95, extra ribbon bars are $1.50. There is a shipping and handling charge of $5.75. I know of no miniature for this medal.

Reprinted from January 2000 Military

U.S. Air Force 50th Anniversary Commemorative Medal

It is a striking medal showing a stealth fighter of today, a propeller-driven fighter of 50 years ago and they are surrounded by a blue enameled rising flight pattern and a blue and gold ribbon suspension with red, white and blue striping in the center of the ribbon drape. 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. They may 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

United States Marine Corps Commemorative Medal

It is for all military personnel who have honorable service in the U. S. Marine Corps between 1775 and 2000.  The circular bronze medal has the Marine Corps Eagle, Globe and Anchor symbols surrounded by a rope indicating unity and faithful service to our nation for 225 years. A laurel wreath emblem of victory and triumph surrounds the Marine symbols. The Marine Corps motto "Semper Fidelis" is at the bottom. The ribbon drape is the scarlet and gold of the Marine Corps repeated over a field of Marine Corps dress blue. The scarlet is for the blood of sacrifice and the gold is the color of victory. The medal was designed and produced by Medals of America and may be purchased from them at 1929 Fairview Rd., Fountain Inn, SC 29644. Cost of the medal and ribbon bar is $24.95; extra ribbon bars are $1.50. There is a shipping and handling charge of $5.75. I know of no miniature for this medal.

Reprinted from February 2000 Military

Volunteer Service Medal

The Volunteer Service Medal is for volunteer service, both regular and reserve for military personnel who have served their country as volunteers during peacetime or hostilities. This medal, while expensive compared to most, is quite attractive and merits consideration. It may be purchased from Nobilitat Regalia, 310 Edward St., Victoria, B.C. Canada V9A 3E6. The cost for a regulation size medal is $70; a miniature medal, $37, and an extra ribbon for a ribbon bar, $4.40.

Reprinted from the September 1998 Military

Victory and Freedom Medal of Poland

It was awarded to all who rendered assistance during WWII. All allied service personnel who participated in the fight against Germany and Italy from 1939-45 are eligible for this medal. It is a circular bronze medal with an eagle in the center, suspended from a ribbon of three red bars, two white bars.  The medal may be purchased from Wolciech Stela, PL-01, 365 Warszawa 83, 01 Oswiatowa 6/2. The full-sized medal and extra ribbon for a ribbon bar costs $22 which includes postage. The simplest way to do this is to send Stela a check or money order for $22 in U.S. dollars. I know of no current source for the miniature.

Reprinted from July 1997 Military

War Medal

American servicemen and women qualified for this Belgian medal as a result of service during WWII. A circular bronze medal, certain devices are worn on the ribbon of this medal, such as a red cross for those wounded or crossed anchors for those who served at sea. The medal may be purchased from Col. H. Harding Isaacson, 7 East 85th Street, Apt. 5C, New York, NY 10028. . . or from The Order of the French Croix de Guerre, 141 E. 44th Street #604, New York, NY 10017-4006. Regulation size medal, $25; miniature medal, $17. Ribbon bars may be purchased for $2.50 from The Order of the French Croix de Guerre.

Reprinted from November 1996 Military

The World War II China War Commemorative Medal

The medal was issued by the Republic of China to any American or other member of the Allied Forces who served in the China Theater for at least 30 days between September 1939 and September 1948. The China Theater was defined as mainland China, Formosa, any part of the CBI Theater, and the waters of the Yellow Sea, or East and South China Sea. Also included is service in the Philippines, and participation in the Okinawa operation. The medal is no longer issued by the Republic of China. It may be purchased from: Pieces of History, PO Box 4470, Cave Creek, AZ 85331, or from Daniel Byrne, PO Box 470023, Tulsa, OK 74147. Regulation size medal, $30 from Pieces of History; $25 from Daniel Byrne. Miniature medal, $12 from Pieces of History. Ribbon Bar, $2 from either one.

Reprinted from March 1996 Military