Carol I

Hi Christer, you can find some information in the topic Romanian Reference Materials.

The first ribbon is that of the Order of the Crown of Romania (type II).

Just an addition, the Military Virtue ribbon was used only for the Order of the Star of Romania and the Order of the Crown of Romania.

All orders with swords through the middle of the cross had a war ribbon to distinguish them from peacetime awards (without swords). As Megan said, the war ribbons were similar to the peacetime ribbons, but had gold edges. The Military Virtue ribbon was an additional sign for frontline activities, i.e., in direct contact with the enemy.

Yes, the cross with laurel wreaths was the insignia for officers and commmanders (with differences in size). In the beginning of WWII (for Romania that was in 1941) rules were set up for awarding the wartime insignia. You can read them here. I have taken a look on your site and noticed that you describe the 1st type insignia with swords as for WWI service. That is not entirely true. There is evidence that type I insignia was also awarded for WWII service in the beginning of the war. Good luck in your search, Megan!

Something is not right. The officer's cross was not awarded with bars on the ribbon. It was only the knight's cross and the golden cross.

To me it seems related to civil defense against chemical warfare, but who knows...

To me the style of the medal resembles the 1930s, so the topic would better be suited in the section on Central & Eastern European States: Non Communist Era.

I have to give some details to avoid confusions. Bessarabia had been under the control of Russia between 1812 and 1918, when it reunited with Romania. It was Bukovina that had been under the control of Austria, but that province had also reunited with Romania in 1918. The 1919-1920 campaign in the east was against the bolshevik provocations along the border.

Yes it does and no it does not (respectively): Bicaz-Stejaru Hydro Power Plant

King Carol II. Grand Cross of the Order of Carol I

Romanian Eagle Honour Sign - decoration awarded to MPs

The insignia being of type I, in use before 1932, I would say it is from the former period, 1927-1930.

Thanks for the image, Rob. It confirms the previous observations: both rosettes are made of the ribbon of the Order of the Star of Romania and the materials of the rosettes appear to be different from those of the ribbons. This indicates some sort of tampering that could date from the making of the bar or from a later repair, but also from a modification intended to deceive?

Now that you pointed it out, I took a closer look at the ribbons and the rosette of one of the Orders of the Crown of Romania is made out of the ribbon of the Order of the Star of Romania. Also, the material of the rosette appears to be newer than the ribbon. Is it an indication of an innocent later repair or of something more frightening?

Hi Rob. The small differences between the two crosses indicates most likely different manufacturers, not different designs. But it would be quite difficult to identify them as to my knowledge there is no systematic study of the different manufacturers of the Romanian orders. As to the period, both of them are WWI-related awards.

Here it comes again: the link on Gheorghe Negel.

No. 1 could be the Greek Order of the Redeemer.

A larger photo would have helped, but I'll give it a try, Kevin. "Formerly in Regiments 22nd Infantry "Closca"(?) and 1st Border Guards. In the war for national reunification, three times with wounds still bleeding got to the first lines under the tricolour flags. With a plutoon surprising(?) a Bulgarian division in Dobruja. The Mărăşti crowns his heroism and Romanian and foreign distinctions recognise it. Winner in battles, he was suddenly defeated by the cruel fate on 20 April 1920 at the age of 23."

The name is Artur (sometimes spelled Arthur) Văitoianu, a former general and prime minister of Romania. As a commanding officer of an army corps during the Battle of Mărăşti in WWI, his remains now rest in the Mărăşti Mausoleum.

The year of death is probably 1886.

General Corneliu Dragalina, the son of Ion Dragalina above, was a well-decorated WWII officer.

This is the tomb of General Ion Dragalina.

The last name is Neghel. You can read here about the circumstances of his death.

General Gheorghe Cornescu It looks like the Russian Order of St Stanislas. Probably the Russian Order of St. Vladimir