JPL

Here is a sad story: The parents of a war hero killed in Afghanistan have spoken of their disgust after his widow sold a medal honouring his sacrifice. Fusilier Simon Annis’s young wife Caroline, 26, listed the Elizabeth Cross on the online noticeboard Gumtree for just £500. The medal, which recognises the loss borne by Service families, was awarded to her after her 22-year-old husband died in an explosion in Afghanistan. But Fusilier Annis’s devastated parents have criticised their daughter-in-law for not offering it to them before selling it. Pete and Ann Annis have now paid the new owner £1,757 – more than three times the initial listing – to retrieve the medal. They only found out that the Cross had been put up for sale when a friend spotted an advertisement online. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2380685/Fusilier-Simon-Annis-Parents-hero-soldier-killed-Afghanistan-slam-widow-sold-medal-500-Gumtree--telling-them.html#ixzz2bZcr3ufI Jean-Paul

Vietnam War hero George "Bud" Day, a Medal of Honor recipient who was John McCain's cellmate while both were held captive, has died after a long illness. He was 88. Day, a retired Air Force colonel, died at his home in Shalimar, Fla. One of the nation's most decorated servicemen, Day received the Medal of Honor from President Gerald Ford in 1976. In all, he received more than 70 medals and served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Day was shot down on Aug. 26, 1967, over North Vietnam. His right arm was broken in three places and his knee was badly sprained. Day was captured, taken to a prison camp where he was interrogated and tortured, and then escaped. He made it across the demilitarized zone, wandered for days and was unable to signal U.S. aircraft. Day was recaptured by the Viet Cong and returned to prison in Hanoi, where he gave his captors false information when being questioned. "Despite his many injuries, he continued to offer maximum resistance," reads Day's Medal of Honor citation. "His personal bravery in the face of deadly enemy pressure was significant in saving the lives of fellow aviators who were still flying against the enemy." Read the complete news item: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2013/07/28/bud-day-vietnam-mccain/2593839/ Jean-Paul

Here is an interesting news item: It is a story of war, love and bravery and could grace the pages of any novel. But this tale of two war-weary servicemen from different armies battling to win over an attractive French postmistress - which includes an astonishing act of bravery - is completely true to life. The tale begins in the north-eastern French village of Hangest Sur Somme, close to the frontline of the First World War. It is here where a young British medic, Sergeant Victor Brookes, met Yvonne Brunel in her post office. Her job involved regularly posting communiques to update locals about the war's progress and she would often meet servicemen passing through the village. Increasingly, the couple developed a close friendship. But it was not just Brookes who had his eye on the young postmistress. Carol White, from Michigan, who was serving in the US Army, was also smitten by Miss Brunel and they also formed a close bond. But, as reported by the Daily Telegraph, June 30, 1918, was to become a defining moment in all of their young lives. Brookes was called to the village of Belloy-sur-Somme, which was just two miles from his sweetheart's village. An RAF corporal was trapped in a huge crater caused after a German aircraft dropped a bomb. Carbon monoxide gas had formed at the bottom of the pit, leaving the man extremely sick. Despite knowing that the crater was filled with poisonous fumes, two men attempted to get him out. But they were completely overcome and soon became ill. Despite seeing how the gas affected the pair, Brookes also volunteered to enter the pit. But, unsurprisingly, he also succumbed to the fumes and had to be dragged free. The incident left the two men dead and Brooks was hospitalised. The trio, along with Brigadier-General Alfred Burt , who also entered the crater, were later awarded the Albert Medal for bravery - one of the rarest honours which can be handed out. During his time in hospital, Mr Brookes remained in contact with Miss Brunel. And it was during this time that, despite the affections of Mr White, the young postmistress fell for the stricken medic. The couple eventually married in Hangest in 1919 and enjoyed a honeymoon in Paris. After moving to Gorton in Greater Manchester, they went on to have two children, Allan and his sister, Yvette. Despite their rivalry over the same woman, Mr White and Mr Brookes remained on good terms. The American even sent the family parcels of clothing during the Second World War. The Albert Medal was passed on Allan when Mr Brookes died in 1974. He had planned to pass it on to his son Stephen, but three years ago he sadly died. Allan, 89, has now given the medal to the Imperial War Museum in Manchester. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2387053/Victor-Brookes-Yvonne-Brunel-love-blossomed-trenches.html#ixzz2bZZVg34m Jean-Paul

President Jacob Zuma received the Makhado Bravery Award from king Khosikhulu Toni Mphephu Ramabulana, of the Royal VhaVenda people, in Thohoyandou, Limpopo. To view an image of the presentation and read the article: http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/Politics/Zuma-awarded-for-bravery-20130808 Jean-Paul

A rare 1812 war medal has made its way home. It belonged to Lieutenant Andrew Bulger, a native born Newfoundlander with the Royal Newfoundland Regiment. The regiment museum has acquired the naval general service medal, significant because of the rarity of 1812 artifacts, and because it's the only naval medal to be awarded for action at the Great Lakes. Bulger served as a lieutenant and later as a captain with the Regiment for 12 years. After enlisting at the age of 14, he fought in many key battles. Chris Butt says the medal was lost for years, with no one even knowing it existed. Butt says it has made quite the journey. Butt says the medal was found by an antique dealer in Western Canada who turned it over to a dealer in Great Britain who then put it up for sale. That's when the Canadian Cultural Heritage Properties people heard about it and objected. The medal was then returned to Canada. Butt was able to track down the dealer who had the medal and make a strong case that the proper place for it was in Newfoundland. Butt says the medal marks the first 1812 artifact in the Royal Newfoundland Regiment Museum. He says Bulger also received an 1812 medal for his army service which is still out there somewhere. Laughing, he says one day maybe someone will find it. For an image of the medal and to read the complete news article: http://www.vocm.com/newsarticle.asp?mn=2&id=37183&latest=1 Jean-Paul

This year (2013), the Presidential Medal of Freedom will be awarded to: Ernie Banks Ben Bradlee Bill Clinton Daniel Inouye Daniel Kahneman Richard Lugar Loretta Lynn Mario Molina Sally Ride Bayard Rustin Arturo Sandoval Dean Smith Gloria Steinem Cordy Tindell "C.T." Vivian Patricia Wald Oprah Winfrey Learn more about each of the 2013 Medal of Freedom recipients here: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2013/08/08/president-obama-names-presidential-medal-freedom-recipients Jean-Paul

Great article as usual Harry. Jean-Paul

Hi Paul, I'd also be interested in seeing the citations. The article really doesn't say, so I suspect Spec Ops... Jean-Paul

Found this news item: The Home Ministry has agreed in principle to award a special medal to recognise the heroism of an estimated 149,000 police pensioners who had fought the communist terrorists during the emergency in the country. Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the medal would be similar to the Pingat Jasa Malaysia (PJM) awarded by the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) to personnel from its three services who had served during the emergency. "The Home Ministry has agreed in principle to a proposal to award the medal. Only one or two matters remain to be fine-tuned before the proposal is brought to the Cabinet and then tabled in Parliament," he said. He said that if the medal proposal could be tabled in Parliament in September and the financial allocation included in Budget 2014, the police pensioners would receive their medals next year. "The medal is most meaningful for these former policemen who had fought the communist terrorists. The medal will be awarded to those who had served during the emergency from 1969 to 1989 in the peninsula and from 1960 to 1990 in Sarawak," he said. Wan Junaidi said he hoped that recognition would also be accorded to the policemen who fought the communist terrorists in Sarawak in 1952 though the emergency was only declared in 1960. Read the complete article: http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v7/newsindex.php?id=966375 Jean-Paul

Staff Sgt. Dale C. Young, Tech Sgt. Ismael Villegas both receive special decoration for efforts in combat. "It's an honor (and) it's surreal," said Staff Sgt. Dale C. Young, a Silver Star-awardee. "You look at guys who have been through this before. I've always seen those before me up on stage receiving medals, and you definitely look up to them." Young and Tech Sgt. Ismael Villegas both received the special decoration for their efforts in combat. For Villegas, receiving this medal is a familiar feeling, as he was previously awarded one a few years back. Read the article: http://www.ksat.com/news/2-airmen-awarded-silver-stars/-/478452/21117946/-/j8w7cd/-/index.html Jean-Paul

Found this interesting article: Staff Sergeant (SSG) Michael Byers, a local soldier from Diamond will receive the Soldier’s Medal for life saving heroics during an EF5 tornado that struck Joplin on May, 2011. According to 1st Lt. Jim Avery: "Just minutes after an EF5 tornado struck Joplin, SSG Byers along with his cousin, Brian Hamlet, responded to assist emergency responders. Risking life and limb, they came across rubble of what was once known as the Community Group Services, a local group home.It was there they found Mark Lindquist amongst the rubble. SSG Byers began rendering aid, utilizing first aid training he learned as a member of the Missouri Army National Guard. Mr. Lindquist had sustained life threatening injuries but due to SSG Byers’ quick reaction under perilous conditions, he directly contributed to saving Mr. Lindquist’s life. SSG Byers continued to assist throughout the evening, setting up a casualty collection point, administering first aid and other life saving measures that positively impacted numerous citizens of the Joplin community." Read the complete article: http://www.joplinindependent.com/display_article.php/staff1374325553 Jean-Paul

It appears that North Korea has established a new medal to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Korean war. North Korea has awarded late leader Kim Jong-Il a new medal, state media said, as Pyongyang gears up to mark 60 years since the Korean War ended. The presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly, or parliament, passed the order on Kim - who died of a heart attack in December 2011 - on June 10, the official Korean Central News Agency reported. “Kim Jong-Il was... peerless patriot who smashed the imperialist reactionaries’ moves to isolate and stifle the DPRK [North Korea] with the might of Songun [military-first]” policy, the agency said without giving a name for the medal. Read the complete article: http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/article/1287013/north-korea-awards-late-leader-new-order-ahead-anniversary Jean-Paul

Here is the link to the London Gazette Queen's Birthday Honours List (pdf): http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/60534/supplements/1 Here is the link to the Queen's Birthday Honours List 2013 for Australia: http://www.gg.gov.au/queens-birthday-2013-honours-list Here is the link to the Queen's Birthday Honours List 2013 for New Zealand: http://www.dpmc.govt.nz/node/1169 Jean-Paul

Just came across this news article: State has own medal of valor; Montana one of only four states with honor for fallen veterans Montana will honor its veterans who died or are missing in action with an official state medal of valor. Montana Gov. Steve Bullock signed a law during a ceremony making official the Montana Award of Valorous Service. The medal will be given to the families of about 1,500 Montana servicemen and women who have died or are missing in action since 1941. State personnel will spend the next year trying to identify the families who qualify for the medal and begin distributing them by 2015. The bill gives the Department of Military Affairs the ability to accept and spend private donations to fund the medal. It will cost about $7,000 to produce 100 medals. The medal features a silver cross with a circular medallion in the middle. The medallion has a gold star for the families of fallen troops, depictions of mountains, blue sky and grasslands. It has an eagle feather for Montana Native Americans and a pick ax to represent the state’s mining culture. The medal also includes a plate with “4-41” to represent Montana as the fourth largest state and the 41st state to enter the Union. Read the complete article: http://mtstandard.com/news/local/state-has-own-medal-of-valor-montana-one-of-only/article_f25488dc-cd88-11e2-8d11-001a4bcf887a.html Here is a PDF version of the legislation: http://data.opi.mt.gov/bills/2013/sb0299/SB0242_x.pdf Jean-Paul

For those who have a bit of spare cash on hand: A RARE Victoria Cross awarded to a brave British Army officer who only stopped fighting when he fainted from blood loss is expected to sell for £160,000. Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Watson was serving in India in 1897 when 10,000 Pashtun tribesmen lay siege to his garrison. Lieut Col Watson, of the Royal Engineers, rounded up a group of soldiers and led them in a charge but they met heavy resistance. The officer was hit in the thigh trying to clear the “murderous warriors”. But he insisted on going back. His Victoria Cross, the highest military decoration for valour in the face of an enemy, has been passed down the family who are now selling it with other medals and personal letters on June 19. David Erskine-Hill, of London auctioneers Dix Noonan and Webb, said: “The North West Frontier was so often the scene of savage fighting and heavy casualties in the days of the Empire. “And the story behind Thomas Watson’s VC epitomises the very nature of that fighting – a small hillside village, surrounded by overwhelming numbers of hostile tribesmen, and a remarkable band of British and Indian troops who held on against all the odds. To see a picture of the reverse of this VC along with the complete story: http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/405889/On-sale-VC-awarded-for-selfless-bravery-at-siege Jean-Paul

The latest list is available for viewing, along with all honours lists since 1995 here: http://www.dpmc.govt.nz/honours/lists/list.asp Jean-Paul

On a positive note, this has finally gotten the Pentagon to establish a database of valor awards which makes it easier to expose false claims. (http://valor.defense.gov/) Nice to see that the database also includes a list of Silver Star recipients since 9/11. Jean-Paul

Just came across this news item on steps being taken to have a new Stolen Valor Act passed. House bill makes it a crime to lie about military medals to obtain benefits People who falsely claim they have received a military medal in order to obtain money or government benefits could face up to a year in jail under legislation that easily passed the House Monday. The Stolen Valor Act, sponsored by Nevada Republican Joe Heck, is a second attempt by the House to revive a law on fraudulent claims to medals that was struck down by the Supreme Court in June last year. The legislation is identical to a measure that passed the House overwhelmingly last September but saw no Senate action before the last session of Congress ended. The vote Monday was 390-3. The Supreme Court, in invalidating the Stolen Valor Act of 2006, ruled that while making false statements about receiving a military medal might be contemptible, such lies were protected by First Amendment free speech rights. The case involved a former California politician who lied about being a decorated military veteran. It has long been a crime to wear, manufacture or sell military declarations or medals without proper authorization. As rewritten, the bill more narrowly focuses on those who lie about receiving medals “with intent to obtain money, property or other tangible benefit.” That could include those who claim medals in order to receive veterans benefits, land a government contract or get a job reserved for veterans. Offenders face fines and up to a year in prison. The bill, said Heck, “resolves these constitutional issues by clearly defining that the objective of the law is to target and punish those who represent their service with the intent of profiting personally or financially.” After the Supreme Court ruling, the Pentagon announced it would establish a database of military valor awards and medals, making it easier to validate claims. The site, http://valor.defense.gov/, lists individuals who were awarded the Medal of Honor or a Service Cross prior to or after Sept 11, 2001. It also lists Silver Star recipients for actions since Sept. 11. Read the complete article: http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/congress/house-bill-makes-it-a-crime-to-lie-about-military-medals-to-obtain-benefits/2013/05/20/d9e0a5e8-c1a2-11e2-9aa6-fc21ae807a8a_story.html Jean-Paul

Hi, I believe that the orange ribbon with white stripes is in fact the Order of Ouissam Alaouit from Morocco. This is based on the fact that the white stripes are wider than that of the Korean ribbon. There is also the rosette on the ribbon. This seems to fit in, since he also has the African Campaign ribbon. Jean-Paul

This is just an example of good marketing. Let's face it, it's in everyone's interest (except for the buyer) to have the item sell at the highest price possible. Question is, if it does go up for auction again, will there be a buyer this time around... Jean-Paul

Here is the latest on this topic: A medal said to have belonged to late Republic of China leader Chiang Kai-shek in 1930 may be put to auction again after the previous attempt in August 2012 failed amid controversy over its authenticity. Anna Lee, vice chairman of Spink China who presided over the medal's auction last time, told CNA that the owner of the medal has contacted Spink China again and that the item is likely to be auctioned again this summer. Lee said the owner contacted the house recently after sources in both the United States and Taiwan found that "the medal was indeed authentic." The medal went unsold at the auction last August. The item, the Order of Blue Sky and White Sun with Grand Cordon, was reportedly the only one among the more than 200 similar military decorations awarded to Chiang that was inscribed with Chinese characters meaning "Special One." The medal would have brought in an estimated HK$3-5 million (US$386,622-$644,370) for the owner last time, Lee said, but she was confident it would fetch a higher price than that if successfully sold this time. Conflicting claims over the authenticity of the medal were raised before the 2012 auction, with Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense saying the medal with the marking the Special One" was buried with the late ROC president in Taoyuan in 1975. Chu Kang-ming, who helped appraise the medal for the auction house, insisted that the medal on offer was authentic and said the defense ministry had not been able to produce evidence backing up its claim. According to Chu, there are a total of 209 such medals and the one auctioned this time is the only one that is inscribed with the words "Special One." The other medals are inscribed with numbers. Read the complete news item at: http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aedu/201305030024.aspx Jean-Paul

Prince Philip was named a Companion of the Order of Canada and a Commander of the Order of Military Merit, a surprise honour as his brief visit to Toronto got underway. Gov.-Gen. David Johnston presented the Duke of Edinburgh with the insignias of both orders at a ceremony at the downtown Royal York Hotel. The honours were a surprise to the Duke, who is in Canada for what the federal government described as “a private working visit” to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Battle of York. Read more: http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/prince-philip-presented-with-order-of-canada-at-start-of-visit-1.1254775#ixzz2Rkpj2O1J Jean-Paul

Great images of this rare medal. The title of this topic is a bit misleading. NSA is the National Security Agency and it has it's own medal (Exceptional Civilian Service Medal) which is also quite rare. Jean-Paul

Came across this news article, which will probably generate a lot of debate. The Department of Defense is making it clear: The military opposes awarding Purple Hearts to the victims of the Fort Hood shooting. A Pentagon position paper, delivered to congressional staff says giving the award to the Fort Hood victims could "irrevocably alter the fundamental character of this time-honored decoration" and "undermine the prosecution of Major Nidal Hasan [the alleged Fort Hood shooter] by materially and directly compromising Major Hasan's ability to receive a fair trial." DOCUMENT: Pentagon Position on Fort Hood Purple Hearts The Department prepared the paper in response to legislation introduced by Rep. John Carter, (R.-Texas), the Congressman whose district includes Fort Hood. The Fort Hood Families Benefits Protection Act would award both military and civilian casualties of the Fort Hood attack combatant status. Carter re-introduced the legislation in February in the wake of an ABC News investigation detailing claims by victims that they have been neglected by the military. Thirteen people were killed, including a pregnant soldier, and 32 others wounded in the Nov. 5, 2009 rampage at the Army base in Killeen, Texas. Hasan now awaits a military trial on charges of premeditated murder and attempted murder. After numerous delays, that trial is now set to begin with jury selection on May 29. Despite extensive evidence that Hasan was in communication with al Qaeda leader Anwar al-Awlaki prior to the attack, the military has denied the victims a Purple Heart and has treated the incident as "workplace violence" instead of "combat related" or terrorism. Last month, a spokesman for recently appointed Defense Secretary, Chuck Hagel, told ABC News the Department's position had not changed under his leadership. In a February statement, Rep. Carter said the Fort Hood Families Benefits Protection Act "would award the military and civilian casualties of the 2009 Fort Hood attack the same status that was awarded to the casualties of the Pentagon attack on Sept. 11, 2001. All of the casualties would be eligible for the Purple Heart Award or the Department of Defense civilian equivalent." Read the complete news article: http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/purple-hearts-fort-hood-victims-pentagon/story?id=18845771#.UVq2L5OG024 Jean-Paul

Here is the latest on this medal: The Iraq Commitment Medal, announced in a June 11, 2011, letter to then-Defense Secretary Leon Panetta by Saadoun al-Dulaimi, the Iraqi defense minister, was designed to honor U.S. service members' dedication to the people of Iraq during nine years of war, hardship and sacrifice. Now, service members are questioning Iraq's commitment to the medal. Is it coming, or not? Here are five things you should know: • The purpose: In his letter to Panetta, al-Dulaimi reflected upon “the long years during which we have been mutually committed to the effort to achieve peace and prosperity for the people of Iraq” and said his country wished to recognize the contributions of U.S. and coalition service members.” • The design: The gold-colored ceramic medal features an outline of Iraq and two lines symbolizing the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Two clasped hands symbolize the friendship between Iraq and the coalition nations, and a star at the top represents a vision of unity for the peoples of Iraq. An inscription around the edge, in English and Arabic, reads: “There is no one that can forget, and let nothing be forgotten.” On the reverse side, the rayed disc symbolizes the sun, optimism and Iraq's future of reconstruction and the establishment of the democratic way of life. Crossed scimitars recall the partnership between coalition forces and Iraqi security forces. “Joint Commitment” is inscribed in both Arabic and English. • The eligible: The medal would go to anyone who served in Iraq, its territorial waters or its airspace for 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days. “We expect that more than 1 million current or former service members may be eligible to receive the Commitment Medal,” al-Dulaimi wrote to Panetta. • The problem: Although Iraq produced at least one medal, nothing more has been forthcoming. Al-Dulaimi's letter to Panetta stated that Iraq authorized the U.S. and its coalition partners to arrange for production so it might “be readily available to the recipients.” But the U.S. may not be on the same page. “Since this is a foreign medal, traditionally the foreign government provides that medal to eligible members,” Lt. Cmdr. Nate Christensen, a DoD spokesman, told Army Times. “The department greatly appreciates the desire of the government of Iraq to recognize our members' service. … The Department of Defense has not received the medals from the government of Iraq, as a result there are no medals available to approve or distribute at this time.” • Will anyone get one? The short answer is yes: Vice President Joe Biden. He received a medal from Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki during a special “day of commitment” ceremony in Baghdad on Dec. 1, 2011. Since then, however, the Defense Department has removed an illustration of the medal design - and photos of Biden receiving the medal - from its website. In his speech in Baghdad, Biden noted that the U.S. was withdrawing combat troops from Iraq in accordance with the Strategic Framework Agreement between Iraq and the coalition. “A promise made is a promise kept,” he said. Service members wonder if those sentiments apply to medals, or whether the Iraq Commitment Medal - despite its inscription - has been forgotten. Read the complete article: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2013/03/army-iraq-oif-veterans-still-waiting-for-commitment-medal-033113w/ Jean-Paul