Hugh

Thanks for that. H

"Baroness Lia van Heemstra" Is this the same family as the actress Audrey Hepburn?

Perhaps I'm missing something, but I don't see Kaffrarian Rifles listed under this bar in either the 4th or 6th edition of British Battles and Medals. Aside from British units, I see 1st NSW Mounted Rifles, Imperial Bushmen, 1st, 2nd, 4th and 6th W. Australian Mounted Infantry, 3rd Tasmanian Contingent and 1st New Zealand Contingent. There's an interesting article on the unit at: https://www.angloboerwar.com/unit-information/south-african-units/348-kaffrarian-rifles H

Is it possible that the absence of orders on the bar is because the individual was awarded a higher level neck order or even Grand Cross, hence it doesn't appear on the bar? H

Wow! That's an impressive call from a very fuzzy photo. H

Some one more knowledgeable may be able to tell something from the sporrans and hose tops. There were some differences among regiments. H

Sorry, can't see any pictures. H

Of course we know of the Hong Kong and Messina plague medals. Seems like a reasonable idea for those who serve in the front lines. Certainly more deserved than some of the medals I got for breathing in the right part of the world. H

I have a couple of books which would provide better detail, but unfortunately they are AWOL. However, from memory: A career Navy enlisted, probably a relatively senior petty officer. Entered service before Pearl Harbor (7 Dec. 1941) At least 16 years, probably 24 years of good conduct. If the latter, he would probably have rated wearing gold rank insignia and service stripes based on his good conduct. (Can't remember how many years for eligibility) No evidence of service in World War I or Korea, nor in the several Caribbean campaigns between the wars. During WW II, served in home waters and in the European theaters. (Europe, Mid East, Africa) No evidence of participation in amphibious landings. No individual decorations Now I need to find those damn books and fill in the missing parts! Hugh

May be a heliograph, a signalling device using reflected sunlight to signal using Morse code. Hugh

I'm certainly no expert, but it looks incomplete to me. You'd think there would be some sort of insignia in the center. Could be a manufacturer's discard or work in progress.

Here's a wild guess, completely unsubstantiated by knowledge or facts: Instead of Military Police (which from your MilPol name I'm guessing your would recognize), perhaps it is Military Post. After all, the horn is a widely recognized symbol for mail/postal entities. Can't wait to hear the replies. H

4. TDV - Italian rank of "Tenente di vasello" = Captain. Indicating Italian naming? Not an expert on Italian ranks, but based on French/Spanish equivalents, I would read this as Navy Lieutenant, equivalent to Army Captain. Is this consistent with Guggenberger's rank at the time of award?

That's quite an eclectic collection. I'd suggest that you start by sorting ribbons into groups to represent one service and a period of time. For example, World War 2, Naval aviator. That could include your Silver Star, Air Medal, Purple Heart, Asia Pacific campaign medal, Korean Defense Service Medal. You might add the Atlantic campaign medal and the UN Korean medal to this group. A Distinguished Flying Cross wouldn't be out of place. If your hypothetical recipient continued to serve for a full career, he might have picked up a Legion of Merit toward the end of his career. There are many foreign awards which would logically fit into these racks: French Croix de Guerre, etc. Since you have already decided on racks of 9, you could fill up empty spaces with these foreigners appropriate to the time and campaign.

I'm a Navy veteran of Viet Nam, but have never seen this one. I question whether it is US Government issue. We've never (?) done anniversary medals, and the box lining doesn't look like Government issue. It's also a bit nicer than our typical campaign medals. Maybe a nice "buy your own" souvenir. H