JPL

Just came across this interesting news article. In the latest Federal Budget, an additional 2.8M dollars has been allocated to the Governor General towards the Canadian Honour System. This paragraph caught my attention: Some of the funds will also be spent on increasing the profile of the Meritorious Service Decorations, which are awarded for specific acts, and also the creation of new honours, although no details on those have been announced. Read the complete article here: http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-s-honour-system-vital-in-age-of-instant-fame-says-governor-general-1.3047017 Jean-Paul

​Hi Paul, PM sent JP

Hi Paul, Are any of the remaining bars attributed to the WW1 Campaign in German East Africa? Jean-Paul

Here is the link to the latest UK Operational List: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/operational-honours-and-awards-list-26-february-2015 Jean-Paul

Hi Veteran, This is the Freeman Safeguarding Medal from Thailand which was instituted in 1969 and is still being awarded. The medal has the emblem of the Thai armed forces. Comes in 2 classes: - 1st Class - 2nd Class, First Category Hope this helps. Jean-Paul

Found this interesting news article: After an act of Congress and years of lobbying by descendants and admirers, a Union Army officer who made the ultimate sacrifice more than 150 years ago will be recognized for his heroism when President Barack Obama grants him the nation's highest commendation for battlefield valor. Obama on Monday was bestowing the Medal of Honor on 1st Lt. Alonzo H. Cushing, who was killed in July 1863 during the three-day Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The battle is often described as the turning point of the Civil War, in which the North prevailed over a breakaway South. Congress granted an exemption so Cushing could receive the medal, since recommendations normally must be made within two years of the act of heroism, and the medal presented within three. Obama will also present medals to a pair of Vietnam War soldiers also granted congressional exemptions: Army Command Sgt. Maj. Bennie G. Adkins and Army Spc. Donald P. Sloat. Read the complete article: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2014/09/15/medal-of-honor/15654209/ Jean-Paul

Thanks for posting this information. For those interested in the German East African Campaign, a large number of articles have been written by Harry Facitt MBE TD that might be of interest. Detailed information on this campaign is very hard to find, so Harry's well researched articles usually provide a unique insight on the various aspects to this campaign. Here is the link: http://www.kaiserscross.com/188001/home.html Jean-Paul

He is a link to the latest Australian Bravery Honours List: http://www.itsanhonour.gov.au/ Jean-Paul

Hi Mervyn, Unfortunately, as long as authorities turn a blind-eye and there are no consequences in making up false references, then the situation will continue. Jean-Paul

Here is the link to the latest list: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/birthday-honours-lists-2014 Jean-Paul

Louis LaPierre has been stripped of the Order of Canada. The former head of the New Brunswick Energy Institute resigned last year, after he admitted he had misrepresented his academic credentials. "Notice is hereby given that, further to his own request and the Governor General’s subsequent approval, the following appointment to the Order of Canada has been terminated: Louis LaPierre," a notice in the Canada Gazette states. Governor General David Johnston approved LaPierre's termination on May 16, according to the Gazette. Only five people have ever been removed from the Order of Canada, which is Canada's highest civilian honour and is awarded by the Governor General to recognize significant achievements and remarkable service. A sixth resigned his appointment. Most of those who have been stripped of the Order have been people convicted of a criminal offence. Those who have been removed from the Order of Canada are Alan Eagleson, Steve Fonyo, Garth Drabinsky, David Ahenakew, T. Sher Singh. Dr. Bernard Norman Barwin, an Ottawa doctor, resigned his appointment last year over professional misconduct. Read the complete news article: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/louis-lapierre-stripped-of-order-of-canada-1.2675141 Jean-Paul

Here is the link to the latest list: http://www.gg.gov.au/queens-birthday-2014-honours-list Jean-Paul

Hello All, Great to see this forum on the CD. As previously stated, for many CF members during the Cold War this was the only medal/decoration they were awarded. It's a pitty that no "official" records were kept for research purposes. First of all, here is a link to the excellent book on the Canadian Decoration by Christopher McCreery which can be downloaded: http://www.cmp-cpm.forces.gc.ca/dhr-ddhr/pub/cfd-dfc-eng.asp As for researching recipients, I do know that some awards were mentioned in the various service publications: Sentinel (Army), Crow's Nest (Navy) and Roundel (RCAF). The Legion's "Last Post" database might also be helpful. Good luck with your project Gunney. Jean-Paul

Great comments. When I joined up in 1970, there was talk about the creation of an Alert/Arctic medal, but that never happened. Kind of sad, since the Canadian government is now making claims, along with Russia, Denmark, US in the Arctic for the rich mineral and oil deposits. Arctic Sovereignty has been a Canadian priority for as long as I can remember and yet the British have the Polar Medal and the US has an Arctic Medal... Jean-Paul

Hi Peter, The only problem I have with the SSM and the various bars, is that a bar can only be awarded once. In my case, I've completed 4 tours in Alert, but only get one bar. How about our Canadian sailors who have been on multiple NATO cruises? See what I mean? Jean-Paul

A new bar, EXPEDITION, has been created for the SSM. Details can be found here (refer to para 7) which also includes a list of eligible missions: http://www.cmp-cpm.forces.gc.ca/dhr-ddhr/chc-tdh/chart-tableau-eng.asp?ref=SSM Jean-Paul

Eligibility for this medal has been changed as follows: I am delighted to announce Her Majesty The Queen has agreed to my recommendation to extend the eligibility for the National Police Service Medal to recognise service on or after 14 February 1975, the date on which the Australian Honours system was established. This will extend eligibility for the National Police Service Medal to an estimated 20,000 former police officers. The National Police Service Medal recognises the special status that sworn police officers have because of their role protecting the community. The National Police Service Medal was established in 2010 to recognise 15 years’ ethical and diligent service by Australian sworn police officers in active service on or after 30 October 2008. Unfortunately, police officers whose services concluded between 14 February 1975 and 30 October 2008 were ineligible for this distinguished medal. The Australian Government believes that these dedicated police officers who have served our local communities should have their service recognised. Ref: http://www.pm.gov.au/media/2014-04-12/extending-eligibility-national-police-service-medal Complete details on this medal can be found here: http://www.itsanhonour.gov.au/honours/awards/medals/national_police_service_medal.cfm Jean-Paul

Hi Frank, From my reference material, I can provide the following information: Decrees: Ministry of the Interior: 16 Nov 1901 and Ministry of the Marine: 14 Dec 1901. The Original decree was 2 Mar 1820 by the Ministry of Marine. It appears that the medal was originally a medal that was not wearable. This changed 31 Jan 1833 (Could be another decree here) by the Ministry of the Marine, Interior and Public Works. As already noted in this thread, there are many designs. Here is what I've been able to find: Louis XVIII Charles X Louis-Philippe Inscription Republique Francaise 1848 Napoleon III (1870) Republic de Barre (1875) (In 1899 the Ministry of Marine replaced this version by one of the Republic of Marey) ROTY (1897) Allegoric figure of Courdray (1950) There are 8 different faces for the Ministry of the Interior version, and 7 different faces for the Ministry of the Marine. Hope this helps. Jean-paul

The latest list can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/operational-honours-and-awards-list-21-march-2014 Jean-Paul

Looks like the links to the ribbons and medals have change. Here is the current link: http://www.mndf.gov.mv/mndf/English/Decorations.php Jean-Paul

Just came across this article: As South Africa gets ready to mark 20 years of democracy the two tier system of decorations and medals used by the SA National Defence Force to honour its airmen, military medics, sailors and soldiers is in the process of being gradually phased out. At present there are 66 decorations and medals. 52 of these are awarded for acts of bravery, valour and other meritorious deeds that were performed before April 2003. The remaining 14 are presented for these and other acts performed after that date. The time distinction was brought into being to allow former MK, Apla and other soldiers who became part of the SANDF following integration to be recognised along with former SA Defence Force soldiers in the country’s “new” military. SANDF Commander-in-Chief, President Jacob Zuma, conferred military honours from the “new” list on soldiers who were part of last year’s Battle for Bangui in the Central African Republic (CAR) during this year’s Armed Forces Day parade at AFB Bloemspruit on February 21. Twelve soldiers from 5 Special Forces Regiment, the SA Army Infantry Formation, 1 Parachute Battalion, 44 Parachute Regiment and 7 Medical Battalion received either the Silver or Bronze Leopard for performing acts of exceptional and/or conspicuous bravery during military operations. Recipients were Lieutenant Colonel Solomon Lechoenyo of 5 Special Forces Regiment in the Silver Class; Major Michael Silva (SA Army Infantry Formation); Major Stephen Jiyana (1 Parachute Battalion), Warrant Officer Mphetshanga Rabilwana; Staff Sergeant Alphios Nkosi (both 5 Special Forces Regiment); Sergeant Seroele Mampa; Corporal Mandla Ngobese; Corporal Molatelo Nkoana (all 7 Medical Battalion) and Lance Corporal Shane Smith (44 Parachute Regiment), all in the Bronze Class. Colonel William Dixon (SA Army Infantry Formation) and Lieutenant Colonel Solomon Lechoenyo (5 Special Forces Regiment) received the Golden Protea for “exceptional leadership or exceptional meritorious service and the utmost devotion to duty” while Colonel Renier Coetzee (Special Forces Brigade Headquarters) was honoured with the Silver Protea. The Commander-in-Chief also presented a further 12 Silver Protea medals posthumously during the parade. Recipients were Sergeant Matlole Mahase, Corporal Andrew Mogorosi, Corporal Mokgadi Seakamela, Lance Corporal Sello Molora, Lance Corporal Lukas Tsheke and riflemen Xolani Dlamini, Lesego Lebatlang, Karabo Matsheka, Khomotso Msenga, Vusimusi Ngaleka, Matelsane Thulo and Thabiso Phirimana. They were all 1 Parachute Battalion members. According to the SANDF Ceremonial Section the Leopard medal can be presented in the Gold, Silver and Bronze classes, the same as the Protea medal. The other “new” medals and decorations are Tshumelo Ikatelaho (General Service), the Medal for Loyal Service, the Emblem for Reserve Force Service, Mention in Despatches, Long Service Awards for Civilians, the Public Service Certificate, the Badge for Voluntary Reserve Force Service and the Chief of the SANDF’s Commendation. Colonel Tommie Pretorius of the Ceremonial Section said plans were underway to add a medal for sacrifice to this list. At the top of the list of military honours for acts of bravery, meritorious service, loyalty and others is the Castle of Good Hope award for “significant acts of valour or conspicuous bravery or during a pre-eminent act of self-sacrifice or extreme devotion to duty in the presence of an enemy”. A bar may be awarded for a successive similar achievement. Next highest award is the Honoris Crux Silver for exceptional deeds of bravery against an armed enemy. This is followed by the Gold Star for Bravery, the Star for Bravery, Honoris Crux and then the Bravery Star in Silver, Star for Bravery in Silver and the Pro Virtue decoration. Then follow 19 medals and decorations for distinguished conduct, meritorious service and devotion to duty. They are the Star for Conspicuous Leadership, the Conspicuous Leadership Star, the Southern Cross decoration, Pro Merito decoration, Decoration for Merit in Gold, Pro Virtue medal, Ad Astra decoration, the Army Cross, the Southern Cross, Merit Medal in Silver, Silver Medal for Merit, Merit Medal in Bronze, Bronze medal for Merit, Pro Patria Medal, Cunene Clasp, Southern Africa medal, General Service medal, Maluti Clasp and the Operational medal for Southern Africa, the first of the SANDF’s campaign medals. The apparent duplication of some medals is due to the fact they were allotted to former MK and Apla members while former SADF and TBVC (Transkei, Bophuthatswana, Venda, and Ciskei) members qualify for others on the list. Read the complete article: http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33847:sandf-medals-and-decorations&catid=111:sa-defence&Itemid=242 Jean-Paul

Found this interesting article where a USAF member has been awarded the Soldier's Medal. A four year wait to receive the Soldier’s Medal finally comes to an end for a military photojournalist stationed in Afghanistan. Staff Sergeant Steven Doty had just completed a military mission in Afghanistan when the Air Force photojournalist saw a military helicopter crash. Three crews members were on board. The pilot lost control of the aircraft. Doty is the first to reach the military chopper. Read the complete article and view the video of the award ceremony: http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2014/02/21/ft-meade-officer-awarded-for-bravery-4-years-after-military-chopper-crash/ Jean-Paul

Seeking to correct a historic injustice, President Obama will award the nation's highest combat honor to two dozen veterans -- mostly Latino and Jewish -- who fought as far back as World War II but were denied the coveted Medal of Honor because of discrimination. Only three of the recipients are still alive. The list of Medal of Honor recipients, as provided by the White House: Vietnam War: Specialist Four Santiago J. Erevia will receive the Medal of Honor for his courageous actions while serving as radio telephone operator in Company C, 1st Battalion (Airmobile), 501st Infantry, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile) during search and clear mission near Tam Ky, Republic of Vietnam. Staff Sergeant Melvin Morris will receive the Medal of Honor for his courageous actions while serving as Commander of a Strike Force drawn from Company D, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, during combat operations against an armed enemy in the vicinity of Chi Lang, Republic of Vietnam, on Sept. 17, 1969. Sergeant First Class Jose Rodela will receive the Medal of Honor for his courageous actions while serving as the company commander, Detachment B-36, Company A, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces during combat operations against an armed enemy in Phuoc Long Province, Republic of Vietnam, on Sept. 1, 1969. Sergeant Candelario Garcia will receive the Medal of Honor for his courageous actions while serving as an acting Team Leader for Company B, 1st Battalion, 2d Infantry, 1st Brigade,1st Infantry Division during combat operations against an armed enemy in Lai Khe, Republic of Vietnam, on Dec. 8, 1968. Specialist Four Leonard L. Alvarado will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for his courageous actions while serving as a Rifleman with Company D, 2d Battalion, 12th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) during combat operations against an armed enemy in Phuoc Long Province, Republic of Vietnam, on Aug. 12, 1969. Staff Sergeant Felix M. Conde-Falcon will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for his courageous actions while serving as an acting Platoon Leader in Company D, 1st Battalion, 505th Infantry Regiment, 3d Brigade, 82d Airborne Division during combat operations against an armed enemy in Ap Tan Hoa, Republic of Vietnam on April 4, 1969. Specialist Four Ardie R. Copas will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for his courageous actions while serving as a Machinegunner in Company C, 1st Battalion (Mechanized), 5th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division during combat operations against an armed enemy near Ph Romeas Hek, Cambodia, on May 12, 1970. Specialist Four Jesus S. Duran will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for his courageous actions while serving as an acting M-60 machinegunner in Company E, 2d Battalion, 5th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) during combat operations against an armed enemy in the Republic of Vietnam, on April 10, 1969. The Korean War: Corporal Joe R. Baldonado will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for his courageous actions while serving as an acting machine gunner in 3d Squad, 2d Platoon, Company B, 187th Airborne Infantry Regiment during combat operations against an armed enemy in Kangdong, Korea, on Nov. 25, 1950. Corporal Victor H. Espinoza will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for his courageous actions while serving as an Acting Rifleman in Company A, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division during combat operations against an armed enemy in Chorwon, Korea, on Aug. 1, 1952. Sergeant Eduardo C. Gomez will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for his courageous actions while serving with Company I, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division during combat operations against an armed enemy in Tabu-dong, Korea, on Sept. 3, 1950. Private First Class Leonard M. Kravitz will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for his courageous actions while serving as an assistant machine gunner with Company M, 5th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division during combat operations against an armed enemy in Yangpyong, Korea, on March 6 and 7, 1951. Master Sergeant Juan E. Negron will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for his courageous actions while serving as a member of Company L, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division during combat operations against an armed enemy in Kalma-Eri, Korea, on April 28, 1951. Master Sergeant Mike C. Pena will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for his courageous actions while serving as a member of Company F, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division during combat operations against an armed enemy in Waegwan, Korea, on Sept. 4, 1950. Private Demensio Rivera will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for his courageous actions while serving as an automatic rifleman with 2d Platoon, Company G, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division during combat operations against an armed enemy in Changyong-ni, Korea, on May 23, 1951. Private Miguel A. Vera will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for his courageous actions while serving as an automatic rifleman with Company F, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division in Chorwon, Korea, on Sept. 21, 1952. Sergeant Jack Weinstein will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for his courageous actions while leading 1st Platoon, Company G, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division in Kumsong, Korea, on Oct. 19, 1951. World War II: Private Pedro Cano will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for his courageous actions while serving with Company C, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division during combat operations against an armed enemy in Schevenhutte, Germany, on Dec. 3, 1944. Private Joe Gandara will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for his courageous actions while serving with Company D, 2d Battalion, 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 17th Airborne Division during combat operations against an armed enemy in Amfreville, France, on June 9, 1944. Private First Class Salvador J. Lara will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for his courageous actions while serving as the Squad Leader of a rifle squad with 2d Platoon, Company L, 180th Infantry, 45th Infantry Division during combat operations against an armed enemy in Aprilia, Italy, on May 27 and 28, 1944. Sergeant William F. Leonard will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for his courageous actions while serving as a Squad Leader in Company C, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division during combat operations against an armed enemy near St. Die, France, on Nov. 7, 1944. Staff Sergeant Manuel V. Mendoza will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for his courageous actions while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company B, 350th Infantry, 88th Infantry Division during combat operations against an armed enemy on Mt. Battaglia, Italy, on Oct. 4, 1944. Sergeant Alfred B. Nietzel will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for his courageous actions while serving as a section leader for Company H, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division during combat operations against an armed enemy in Heistern, Germany, on Nov. 18, 1944. First Lieutenant Donald K. Schwab will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for his courageous actions while serving as the Commander of Company E, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, during combat operations against an armed enemy near Lure, France, on September 17, 1944. Read the complete article: http://www.latimes.com/nation/politics/politicsnow/la-pn-obama-medal-of-honors-veterans-20140221,0,5919747.story#axzz2u9Vh1IvD Jean-Paul

This is not my area of interest, so don't know if it's researchable. Couldn't hurt to contract the French Red Cross to see if they have anything in their archives. http://www.ifrc.org/en/what-we-do/where-we-work/europe/french-red-cross/ Jean-Paul

According to my reference material, the number on the back of this medal is the membership number of the recipient in the society. Jean-Paul