Sal

That is awesome...yep...I am looking for that one for my 50s piece...and a blue leatherette for my 70s 12c marked piece... I have seen a few around ebay and the like...but they go fast and high in price. What type is your star? Is is period for the case? No matter really...it looks great housed like that...

I don't have any provinance in terms of an awardee. I picked it up from Rich Witt...other than that I have nothing with it...it came cased with a ribbon bar and lapel pin...but I didn't take any photos of that...If I can, I'll try to get that done over the next day or so. I am searching for a 40s-50s case for a commander and chief commander...I like these particularly in their cases...seems only fitting to house them like that vice just in a display...IMO

Ralph I can't comment on the "by Congess" part...I know it is the Medal of Honor by name...If I am not botching the explanation it is awarded by the Congress (upon Congressional approval?) in the name of the President. Basically the President approves the award of the MoH, Congress awards the medal in the name of the President... Congress approves and awards medals, Congressional Medals, to prominent citizens...Congressional Gold Medals etc. Not sure the criteria or process for that... The most ornate MoH IMO is the AF MoH...largerst and most ornate...followed by the Army version, then the Navy version (simple brass inverted star just as the original design). Hope this helps a little. Tony

I know it's not an Army piece...and I will delete it if necessary, but since we were discussing the MOH, I saw this recently and took some shots...this looks like a 70s piece...not named of course.

Based on what I see yours is a Balfour as well. The manufacturing variations in my observation (not scientific by any means) basically follow the decades...as you approach the 70s and then 80s and 90s you can see the change in quality and manufacture...

A little closer shot

...AND the Korean Era commander badge...I like this as well...but sadly it is on the auction block... Still in all...it's a heavy strike with deep thick enamel...clearly a good quality badge...really get the impresion when you hold it...

Absolutely my favorite US decoration...I have a Korea era commander as well as a Balfour I just picked up last month. Both excellent quality (compared to todays stuff)..both heavy strikes...the unmarked Korea has a less refined look to the enamel but is clearly good quality...the Balfour as we have seen just speaks for itself. First is the Balfour... The first picture is mine and the second is the picture from the auction (belongs to newport386 - R. Lewandowski) I have added it because it shows more of the enamel detail than mine.

Very interesting indeed. I agree to a point that over the years of this conflict that all things being equal, awards are less. However, I think you will find more small unit operations with valorous deeds vice individual deeds as in the past. Warfare has changed as has the execution of it...that does not mean the valor is any less...but I think with technology in the warfughters hands, the bar is raised as to what defines the valor in an act. What constituted an extreme level of valor or extremely valorous deed 60 years ago might be closer to the norm or may appear to be less valorous today considering the technology and skills of soldiers today. That being said, I do agree that regardless, the BS awards have to stop...and the true hero must be recognized so we can right the ship and bring back the "honor" and distinction of the individual decorations that they have lost over time.

OOOPS...i lied...one more. Medal for Merit on a slot brooch.

[attachmentid=54745] The Army Civilian Exceptional Service Medal. One of 2 civilian awards I have...but the only one i have a pic of. Already been seen earlier on this thread, but I lucked out and got this one in the original gold box. Also mounted on a slot brooch.

Thanks Gerd...I love the powerful statement it makes with such a simple design...

Thanks I appreciate that...I agree...simple elegance...the design speaks for the cross with no need for bells and whistles...hopefully more will be coming to my home soon. My Best Sal

OK here is my NOT stunning only Braunschweig piece...sorry to add something not as beautiful as the previous...but it's all I got!