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    Michael156

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    Posts posted by Michael156

    1. Gentlemen,

      A great string here and I hope that I can resurrect it for some further discussion...

      The collection of Resistance Medals from World War II is my primary interest and I have acquired a humble collection of what I think (hope) are authentic pieces representing a great effort that differed from place to place all over the world with regard to nationality, politics, terrain, and environment.

      If there are any further thoughts or references by any members out there I would be greatly appreciative, as well as any discussion on the veracity and contacts for collecting examples and the more rare pieces.

      Thanks again,

      M.

    2. Dan M…

       

      Good question Sir from your November 26, 2014 post on if SF Wings could be more accurately portrayed as a unit patch/identifier - I would like, and very much wish, to ask a veteran about that. I think someone who wore it could give us the most integrity in perspective.

       

      But to one of your points I do agree, I don't believe the SF Wings replaced, added to, or were intended to be Airborne qualification badges. BUT, they may have well been qualification for some advanced training curriculum that may have evolved and was open to interpretation from time to time, place to place, and Command team to Command team. The Jedburghs, OGs, and joint units of that era being so new and unique, and with their brevity in existence and informality, I’m sure that official designations of qualification or unit patches were little considered or cared about.

       

      Personally I see them as possibly being an additional qualification insignia; although unauthorized requiring their removal from the uniform after leaving the sovereignty of that command. The variations for wear is long and wide from my personal observations of pictures and literature reinforcing the lack of regulation in their wear.

       

      I will post another picture I discovered yet again taking the SF Wings outside of the European Theater and placing them in the desert environment...all the more intriguing in scope!

       

      Please accept my apologies for being so tardy in answering your inquiry.

       

      Respectfully,

      M

    3. There is little I can add to Clive’s exceptional synopsis of the Jedburgh program and its history, except in hopes of providing a little more context and influence.

      Up to World War II America, at least, had little comparable experience in modern guerilla warfare to the rest of the world. Although there were a few commando type units throughout our own history, that background paled in comparison to global experience such as with the Chinese, the Boer War, and Zapata. Unconventional warfare, and its application, was not well developed and educated to most at the time. But conditions in Europe during World War II provided the settings for successful resistance movements. Although behind the stoic British early in the war, the U.S., France and allies learned quickly and operated in combined effort to great effectiveness. Although extremely successful then, the same use of these forces under the same conditions has been rare since.

      The mission of the Jedburgh teams were also the catalyst for today’s Special Forces teams. Although application has changed somewhat, and today’s composition maybe more similar to the Operational Groups, the tasking for a single Operational Detachment Alpha to “train, equip, and a battalion size element” very much reflects the Jedburghs example in both influence and mission. The requirements for operations in denied areas such as language and military skill specialties to support that mission clearly mirror the Jeds in many aspects.

      The combined nature of the Jedburgh teams was also remarkable. Allied cooperation in teams that represented such political and national diversity was unique in a time with little confidence and understanding to what those issues meant post war. Although the teams were very effective with the proper dynamics at lower levels, national interests did come into play at all levels of influence. Another early example of how special operations can have very unique political effects.

      The OSS Operational Groups, or OG’s, were another element of the Office of Strategic Services task organized for special operations. Usually employed in larger numbers, they were assigned to accomplish specific missions that were often conducted in conjunction with the resistance, but not specifically organized and tasked with developing resistance.

      Another point worth noting is that at least some of the OSS Operational Groups wore Special Force wings as well. It is very likely that this badge was not entirely exclusive to the Jedburgh program. This fact again reinforces the understanding that ‘authentic’ SF. wings came from various sources from all over the world and with slight differences in style and make. Many assuredly came from immediate post war specialty orders as keepsakes or replacements of originals.

      Below are a few informative, enjoyable, but nonacademic works:

      Operative, Saboteurs and Spies, by Patrick O’Donnell

      The Jedburghs, by Will Irwin

      Operation Jedburgh, by Colin Beaven

      SOE in France, by MRD Foote - one of the most recognized, essential works

      Also, a few credible sites for reference:

      http://www.801492.org/Agents/AllJedburghs.html

      http://www.ossog.org/

      http://www.ossreborn.com/

      We hope that this thread continues and expands with much more information, international flavor, and personal insights.

      Thanks, Michael.

    4. An amazing group from a very illustrious career. The history and the service are immeasurable. I highly suspect that you and your family are extremely proud and honored. I hope that your grandchildren will enjoy these for generations.

      I second the recommendation on writing an article to honor him.

      Michael.

    5. Gentlemen,

      I was doing a little more research recently and stumbled upon a note on Les Hughes website on OSS insignia, it notes a book to be published soon:

      Insignia and Uniforms of the Office of Strategic Services 1942-1945 by Troy Sacquety and Les Hughes

      Knowing at least Troy, I have no doubt it will be of fine quality. It may be the most authoritative reference on the subject. Here's the website for your own interest...

      http://www.insigne.org/sf_wing-I.htm

      Best to all, look forward to any more discussion or examples anyone can contribute.

      Michael.

    6. Clive,

      My deep appreciation for joining this stream and for your knowledge! I think I may have even read your work or browsed this site in the past. I have a couple of exceptional articles on the Wings by Les Hughes published some years ago but I have yet to find them.

      I did know a little about CPT Gough and the background of the wings, but the 'Sans Femmes' history provides some great insight and typical military humor. Did not know some of the connectivity with the Poles and had not even heard of Force 136 yet...leaves some good research ahead.

      I do very much enjoy the European history of the OSS and SOE, and have a friend who attends the OSS convention/reunion every year but sadly for the past few years my work schedule has precluded my hope to go.

      Again, very much appreciate the insight and site reference. Would you please consider continuing to participate and possibly posting the others SF Wing examples you have for others to reference. I personally would also hope to continue discussion of the OSS/SOE in some way.

      THANK YOU and take care, Michael.

    7. Thanks to Simon and all for the enthusiasm and assistance on this forum,

      Stumbled upon a trove of pictures on a web photo album "OSS Photos," although I could find no authorship or origin noted a few examples are attached below. It posted many pictures from what seems to be a collection possibly from someone that was on an actual Jedburgh Team. Included are what appear to be locations in England for training and operational support, some pictures in Norway, and a few others from the Pacific or Indian Oceans. The address is also below...

      http://picasaweb.goo...rian/OSSPhotos#

      I was surprised to see so many pictures demonstrating wear of the SF wings in training or rear areas. Even though this collection may be regional or section specific, I did not expect to see the wings so commonly worn. Also of note are examples of Soldiers wear both the SF wings and British jumps wings on their right sleeve, definitely the first time I have personally seen that.

      The intent now is to do some focused academic research...Best to all,

      M.

    8. Interesting,

      I look forward to an answer and wish I could supply some intelligence to this enigma...From the global perspective I agree that it could be a civilian or unconventional warfare. Consider the available information, decide which is most likely, then peel the onion one level at a time to find the answer. Thanks for such an intriguing forum, this is one of those reasons ODM is so fascinating.

      M.

    9. Simon,

      Many thanks for the reply, continued interest and qualified questions.

      No, the Special Force wings do not seem to have been ever sewn onto anything as far as I can see. I have examined them carefully but can not find any trace of previous work. But yes, they do have a "scent" to them. Aged, but neutral is the best way I can describe it. And I am indebted to you for that simple, but ingenious suggestion. Sometimes the easiest methods can elude you as you search for a tree through the forest.

      Attached are two more photos of what I suspect are Free French Force wings from World War II. I acquired them from a gentlemen in France about five years ago and these do seem to have been sewn on before. Although these wings do not fall under the Jedburgh/SF Wing category, I have seen them worn on pictures of Free French Soldiers who served in the OSS (&SOE?), even worn in conjunction with the Jed Wings once. I just wanted to provide another example of comparable backing and sewing which I hope is dated to the era we're discussing.

      I sincerely hope this string continues. Although I have been extremely busy as of late, I hope to have some free time in the future to do a great deal more research, uncover the articles I spoke of before, and set up a meeting with an OSS historian I know.

      Best to all,

      M.

    10. Gentlemen,

      The most authoritative study that I have found to date on Special Force wings has been a series of two articles published in the "Trading Post" in 198? The author was a Mr. Les Hughes...the very same author of the courteous link Simon provided earlier on his first post. I am still working on attempting to find this article on the web or post it ethically on this forum.

      'After market' Special Force/Jedburgh wings are easily obtainable as reprints for enthusiasts, however the availability of qualified and genuine wings is extremely rare, and quite often argued. I have bought three sets in the past myself; two are obvious reproductions, but one set may have the potential to be genuine.

      I believe, or rather hope, that this set of Jed Wings are at the very least dated from the 1940s. I have examined the patch with a UV light and found no visible nylon thread use (an apparent method of validating dated patches and insignia). But attached is a scan of the obverse and reverse of my example, if anyone has any expertise on the style and pattern of sewing and its possible origins I would be grateful.

      Look forward to more postings and any research or authoritative input anyone could provide to this discussion.

      M.

    11. Gentlemen,

      Thank you. Very much appreciate the quantity and enthusiastic support on what I thought was a humble subject.

      I have been interested in the OSS and SOE and their operations for about two decades now and have amassed a large collection of out of print books on the subjects. Although the inherent security considerations of these organizations has made collecting their militaria extremely challenging, the uniqueness of their insignia makes it all the more compelling.

      This weekend I will try to unearth a couple of articles that I discovered about fifteen years ago that provided the most authoritative study of Jedburgh wings I have found to date. Apologize for not having these more readily available.

      Attached though is a picture I found on line some time ago of Marine Major Peter Ortiz bearing the wings on his uniform while being decorated for his service in France. While the location of the wings on his sleeve certainly has a European style, it still astounds me considering the axis habits of the time. I hope this will initiate some additional posting of recent, individual pictures of genuine wings, or pictures from the era demonstrating their wear.

      Thank you again, look forward to continuing this,

      M.

    12. Gentlemen,

      HUGELY interested in any possibility of obtaining true examples of these for a resistance/partisan collection. Not only is that my primary focus in collecting, but am also in the medical profession as well. I apologize for the right turn from the discussion, but would be indebted to anyone for a reputable POC or dealer and any further research references.

      Furthermore, much appreciated for the forum and information provided to the public.

      M.

    13. Gentlemen,

      Would like to start a topic line on the history, awarding/attribution and authentication of Jedburgh/Special Force Wings of World War II. I have searched G.B., France, U.S., and WWII History GMIC forums and have yet to find any stream covering this topic. As an increasingly rare badge, with many individual reprints and fakes, I was hoping to generate some authoritative information on makers, true examples with pictures, and the best ways to confirm authenticity on the market.

      Appreciate any and all genuine, professional interest.

      M.

    14. Agreed. Second the request for any more authoritative information on the Medal of Freedom and recipients. As a researcher of resistance and partisan award this appears to be the only medal that was specifically created to recognize U.S. and foreign personnel involved in unconventional warfare and those who assisted allied personnel in escape lines. Understand there may have been some adjustment of awarding guidelines in the early sixties. Any scholarly information or would be greatly appreciated. I will reciprocate as any research is acquired.

      Thanks, M

      Hello every one

      We are having an interesting debate on the French medal collectors'forum about the U.S.A. Medal of Freedom.

      It was rather sparingly awarded to French members of Resistance or people who helped extricate Allied soldiers and mostly airmen from occupied France.

      Medal occasionnally appear on the market. They usually sell at moderate prices. We are trying to establish how to recognize early awards form possible later ones or outright copies. One of the features early medals known to be genuine seem to have is a thick (3mm +) flan.

      Is this assumption correct ? How about various strickings, possibly by several contractors ? The MoF is a highly respected award in France and we really wish to receive accurate and useful way to tell the earlier ones.

      Would experienced collectors of U.S. material care to give information on this medal. Every bit of help will be greatly appreciated.

      All the best

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