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    JPL

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    Everything posted by JPL

    1. Hi Scott, It looks like the yellow/red/yellow ribbon is that of the St. Mihiel medal awarded by France. Here is a link to an image of this medal: http://www.wittworldwide.com/images/StMihielMedalx.jpg As for the white ribbon, I also remember France awarding a medal to medical personnel related to helping the wounded. It normally has a red cross on the red ribbon, but if the correct ribbon was not available in the US, a simple white ribbon could be used as an alternative. Hope this helps. Jean-Paul
    2. Here is the link to the Official press release: http://www.gg.gov.au/media-release/corporal-daniel-alan-keighran-vc-invested-australias-99th-victoria-cross Jean-Paul
    3. Governor-General Quentin Bryce bestowed the honour on 29-year-old Corporal Keighran during a ceremony at Government House in Canberra. He is the third Australian soldier to be awarded the VC for service in Afghanistan and the 99th Australian to receive the military's highest honour for gallantry. Corporal Keighran, from Nambour in Queensland, was a member of the Mentoring Task Force 1 on Operation Slipper in the Oruzgan province of Afghanistan on August 24, 2010. He was involved in a firefight between Taliban fighters and Australian and Afghan troops. He repeatedly broke cover to draw fire, allowing the enemy locations to be identified and neutralised. In the citation it was noted the enemy fire was "accurate and intense''. He repeatedly exposed himself to life-threatening gunfire coming from multiple directions. On one occasion he moved from cover to draw fire away from a team that was treating a casualty, and then assisted in clearing the landing zone for an evacuation. The Australian and Afghan forces sustained no further injuries. Read the complete article and view photos and video: http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/national/victoria-cross-for-rar-soldier/story-fndo6ejf-1226508076952 Jean-Paul
    4. Hi Larry, The only suggestion I have is to contact the Russian Embassy in Ottawa: http://www.rusembassy.ca/ Jean-Paul
    5. Arctic convoy medal decision due this year A decision on whether veterans of World War II's Arctic convoy ships can receive a bravery medal from Russia is set to be made by the end of this year, it has been announced. Merchant ship convoys with escorts from the Royal Navy, Royal Canadian Navy and US Navy, resupplied the Soviet Union between 1941 and 1945. To date, veterans of the convoys have not received a campaign medal for escorting the supply ships, but have qualified for the Atlantic Star. Russia is now offering the Ushakov medal for bravery at sea to more than 800 surviving UK Arctic Convoy veterans, but the government is refusing to allow the veterans to receive the medal citing a rule blocking awards from foreign governments for actions which took place more than five years ago. Arctic Convoy veterans, from Australia, Canadia, New Zealand and the USA have all been allowed to receive the Ushakov medal. Foreign Office minister Mark Simmonds said that only the Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals could suggest an exception to the rules "We very much appreciate the Russian government's wish to recognise the brave and valuable service of the Arctic Convoy veterans. In light of this, in 1994 an exception to the five year rule was made to allow Arctic Convoy veterans to receive the Russian 40th Anniversary of Victory Medal," he said. "When this exception was made, it was intended, and announced, that no further exceptions would be made. Therefore, there are no plans to seek an additional exception to the rules to give permission for the Ushakov medal to be accepted for the same service." Earlier this month the Russian embassy said that its official request to award the medal in May 2012 had been rebuffed. In a statement, the embassy said it felt "profound regret" that it was not able to honour British veterans for their "courage and sacrifice" "It does not diminish in any way our gratitude to them for their fighting for the common cause of defeating Nazism and delivering Europe and the whole of mankind from this existential threat," the embassy said in a statement. Andrew Murrison, Minister for International Security Strategy, said he recognised that the Arctic had been a "particularly unpleasant" theatre during World War II and added that the Prime Minister had commissioned a further "re-examination" of the rules, including for Arctic Convoy veterans, by Sir John Holmes. The results of the review are expected by the end of the year. Read the article: http://www.defencemanagement.com/news_story.asp?id=21290 Jean-Paul
    6. This medal has been around since 1973, so the Ontario Government has had lots of time to have it become part of the Canadian Order of Precedence. Jean-Paul
    7. The graphic artist who designed the Order of Canada medal and more than 20 other official medals and decorations is one of eight people who will receive the Saskatchewan Order of Merit. Bruce W. Beatty, who died March 21, 2011, in Ottawa will be named posthumously as a recipient of the award, which he designed. He designed Canada's gallantry awards, the Medal of Bravery, the Star of Courage and the Cross of Valour. He designed hundreds of official crests, badges, logos and coats of arms and every royal visit lapel pin for 59 years. The recipients will be invested into the Saskatchewan Order of Merit by Lt.-Gov. Vaughn Solomon Schofield at a ceremony Nov. 27 in Saskatoon. Saskatchewan's highest honour, the Order of Merit, recognizes individuals who have contributed significantly to the well-being of the province and its residents. Recipients are: . Raymond E. Ahenakew of the Ahtahka-koop First Nation has been a leader with the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies, Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority, on national boards and committees, and as CEO of the Meadow Lake Tribal Council when it purchased a successful forestry business that improved the economy. . Sandra L. Birdsell, an award-winning writer, editor and teacher from Regina who has written six novels, three collections of short stories and scripts. She is involved in Sage Hill Writing Experience and many other writers' guilds and unions and writers' awards. . Barbara Keirnes Young, an education innovator, advocate for the arts and mentor for women in leadership in Regina. She brought the national Learning Through the Arts curriculum to Regina Public Schools and helped create a human rights equity policy for the division. . W. Thomas Molloy, a Saskatoon lawyer and chief federal negotiator with the government of Canada for almost 30 years. He is a respected negotiator for indigenous land claims and treaty settlements, including the creation of Nunavut. . Brian G. Rossnagel, professor emeritus has worked to improve economic returns and lower business risk for farmers. He has worked on more than 100 research projects advancing science in agriculture, collaborating with researchers in plant breeding and genetics, grain quality, human and animal nutrition, pathology and agronomy. . David A. Thauberger, a Regina painter and sculptor who is recognized nationally and internationally for his colourful paintings of prairie storefronts celebrating small-town Saskatchewan. He has taught at universities and has served on the Canada Council for the Arts board. . W. Brett Wilson, a Calgary-based entrepreneur, community leader and philanthropist who devotes effort to his home province of Saskatchewan. He provided $2 million for an entrepreneurial centre of excellence at the University of Saskatchewan. Read more: http://www.leaderpost.com/news/Eight+receive+awards/7436968/story.html#ixzz2AGuWerwv Jean-Paul
    8. One of the first Victoria Crosses awarded is expected to fetch more than £100,000 when it is sold at auction next month. Sergeant-Major Peter Gill of the Bengal Army fought off more than two dozen attackers during the Indian Mutiny in 1857, armed only with his sword, saving the life of his commander and other senior officers and their families. Read the complete article: http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/uk/article3578553.ece Jean-Paul
    9. Thirteen individuals from across the province will receive the 2012 Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship. The Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship recognizes people who have made exceptional long-term contributions to the quality of life in the province. Here is the link to the complete list of recipients along with citation: http://news.ontario.ca/mci/en/2012/10/ontarians-honoured-with-medal-for-good-citizenship-1.html Jean-Paul
    10. Sergeant Stéphane Roy, a search and rescue technician at the Canadian Forces School of Search and Rescue, located at 19 Wing Comox, B.C., has received a Medal of Bravery. Read the complete article and picture: http://skiesmag.com/news/articles/17380-rcaf-sar-tech-receives-medal-of-bravery-from-governor-genera.html Nice to see newspapers referring to the RCAF vice the Canadian Forces! Jean-Paul
    11. Just came across this news item regarding the awarding of the Canadian Diamond Jubilee Medal: Two convicted criminals, one of them still serving time, have been awarded Queen's Diamond Jubilee medals. As one can imagine, this has generated a lot of comments in political circles. Here is the link to the story and video: http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2012/10/23/pol-anti-abortionists-queens-diamond-jubilee-medals.html Jean-Paul
    12. Here is the latest on this topic: The British Arctic convoy heroes who risked their lives to help transport crucial supplies to Russia during World War II have been told they cannot accept a medal for valour from Russia. The Russian Embassy wrote to survivors of the notoriously perilous sea campaign - who saw 3,000 of their comrades killed - to inform them it intended to award them with the Medal of Ushakov as a symbol of the country's gratitude. But the Foreign Office has blocked the Russian's government's plans to honour Britain's Arctic heroes, because it said it would break rules surrounding the acceptance of medals. Russia has already awarded the Ushakov medal to veterans from Australia, Canada and the U.S. for their role in the Arctic convoys, which ferried vital supplies and munitions to the Soviet Union to help fight off the advance of Hitler between 1941 and 1945. Read the complete news article: http://www.dailymail...o=feeds-newsxml View a video on this topic here: http://rt.com/politics/uk-ww2-medals-veterans-165/ Jean-Paul
    13. Here is the list of recipients for 2012: http://www.opm.gov.jm/files/National_Honours_and_Awards-Independence_Day_2012.pdf Jean-Paul
    14. Private Ferdinand Trend has been awarded the Badge of Honour for rescuing Stephen Gabbadon after he fell about 80-90 feet and suffered various injuries including broken ribs and his right lung had collapsed. Read the complete news story along with a photo of Private Trend here: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20121016/lead/lead1.html Jean-Paul
    15. Seventeen people from Saskatchewan have been recognized with national awards for bravery. Lt.-Gov. Vaughn Solomon Schofield presented the Royal Canadian Humane Association Bravery Awards. Here is the link to the complete list of recipients along with the citation for the award, which included 4 Silver Medals: http://ltgov.sk.ca/+pub/BRAVERY%20CITATIONS.pdf Jean-Paul
    16. Watching the infantrymen of the Royal Canadian Regiment zero their rifles on the range, Albert E. Brum’s face breaks out into a wide smile. The retired colonel is equally thrilled when the troops begin asking him for advice inquiring how he did it in his day. Today’s soldiers could certainly learn a thing or two from this seasoned veteran of three wars who has seen his share of combat. He was born into one of Petawawa’s founding families who eventually established one of the area’s most endurable businesses. However, Col. Brum’s horizons expanded well beyond the confines of his native Ottawa Valley taking him to the shores of Italy and the jungles of Cambodia. The former senior officer’s role in the annals of history will be honoured this weekend when he puts on his uniform one more time to receive the prestigious Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award in the U.S. alongside the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Col. Brum is one of the few surviving members of the 1st Special Service Force, the joint American-Canadian commando unit that gained famed during the Second World War as the Devil’s Brigade. In 2008, he received the Bronze Star for meritorious achievement as a jumper with the 2nd Canadian Parachute Battalion, a sub-unit of the 1st SSF, during the Italian and northwest European campaigns. The medal will be presented to him by a delegation comprised of members from the Canadian government and the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate. In advance of his excursion to Washington, D.C., the soldier who left here as a mere boy retraced his own roots. The homecoming has also presented an opportunity for him to reflect on where his remarkable military career began over 70 years ago. The son of Gustav and Matilda Brum, young Albert left his job at the family diary in Stafford Township to enlist with the Black Watch (Lanark and Renfrew Scottish Regiment). The commanding officer knew the family and that Albert was underage. So he was transferred to the Royal Canadian Air Force as an aircrew student pilot. Flying planes did not satisfy his desire to serve his country prompting him to answer a recruitment call for sharpshooters to join a newly formed unit that was standing up at Fort William Henry Harrison in Montana. He had already won the King’s Medal for Marksmanship as the best shot in Canada and the second best in the British Empire. It was a skill he honed shooting rabbits and ground hogs in Hamilton’s Field. The Devil’s Brigade landed in Anzio, Italy and immediately tangled with four German divisions, including Herman Goering’s personal division. During their engagement along the Mussolini Canal, then Private Albert Brum’s orders were to move up to the front lines, establish a sniper’s nest and, as he politely put it, “neutralize enemy positions” which included taking out opposite snipers, observation posts and machine gunners. He credits the 1st SSF, under the command of Brig.-Gen. Robert T. Frederick, with reaching Rome before any other allied troops. “He was a soldier’s soldier,” concluded Col. Brum noting his commander was wounded seven times in that campaign alone. The unit was disbanded in southern France in December, 1944. Transferred to the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion, Col. Brum continued seeing action in the Second World War, in Belgium, near Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge, and eventually in Germany where he participated in the largest single day airborne drop in history - Operation Varsity. More than 16,000 allied paratroopers landed on the eastern bank of the Rhine River in an attempt to secure a foothold in western Germany. Along with the 6th British Airborne Division, Col. Brum jumped over the town of Wesel at 10 a.m. in the morning. The German paratroopers, called the Fallschirmjager, were massed in crops of trees below him. To this day, Col. Brum still harbours resentment towards the Waffen SS, the vicious paramilitary force, which he believes murdered his 21-year-old brother, Charles, when his spitfire crashed near Caen, France in August, 1944. After the war, three French witnesses came forward to testify that the SS pulled his wounded brother from the downed aircraft’s cockpit and beat him to death. As the division fought its way eastward towards the Baltic Sea, their commander Eric Bols received an urgent message from British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. “The message said ‘proceed with haste. Do not link up with the Russians. Stop them’,” explained Col. Brum noting their Soviet allies were slowly becoming their next adversaries. “The Germans we took prisoner told us we were fighting the wrong enemy. We were holding the line and the Soviets were trying to move through our lines.” His unit engaged in several firefights with the Red Army, including squads of crack female infantry. “I’ve never seen such battle-hardened, tough Russian women in my whole life,” he recalled. “The ladies were armed to the hilt and carried drum magazines on their machine guns.” When the war ended, Col. Brum returned to Pembroke under demobilization. He quickly found adjusting to civilian life quite difficult. He spent a brief time in municipal politics as a councillor in Stafford Township. It was his suggestion that changed the name of Fairview Avenue to what it is today - Bruham Avenue, a combination of the Brum and Hamilton names. Attending school in Brockville, Col. Brum earned his high school diploma and then enrolled in Royal Military College where he was commissioned as an officer. He re-enlisted in the Royal Canadian Artillery and was dispatched to Korea for two tours of duty between 1949 and 1951. As an exchange officer with the Korean Military Assistance Group, he fell once again under the command of the U.S. Later, he would take out American citizenship and join the U.S. military. In 1963 and, again, in 1965, Col. Brum was deployed to Vietnam and moved across the border into Cambodia with the U.S. Special Forces. Their mission was to win the hearts and minds of the local populace living in the villages around the fire bases they established. They provided first aid, sanitation and constructed bridges and infrastructure before training them to defend themselves. He retired from the military in 1972 and found work as a Del Monte plant manager. Today, he lives in Hawaii with Dorothy, his wife of 59 years (meeting her when she worked at AECL in Chalk River). He has three grandsons serving in the military today. His oldest, Scott, has completed eight tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. When Scott went out on those deployments, his grandfather advised not to be a hero and keep his head down. Read the complete article: http://www.torontosun.com/2012/09/29/surviving-devils-brigade-member-to-receive-congressional-gold-medal Jean-Paul
    17. Many State, County, City, Town and Civic Organization have issued war service medals over the years. They were extremely popular after WW1 and to a lesser degree after WW2. Some of these medals are quite common, while others are quite rare. This would make an interesting collecting theme. Jean-Paul
    18. Just realized this is part of the latest Operational Honours List which can be viewed here: http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/60283/supplements/18623 Jean-Paul
    19. Unlike Britain, Canada has awarded Diamond Jubilee Medals to Olympic and Paralympic athletes. I’ve heard that the number of recipients was 125 and the medals were presented by the Prime Minister instead of the Governor-General. See the video: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/news-video/video-olympians-paralympians-honoured-by-harper/article4555295/ Here is another link and video: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/story/2012/09/19/ottawa-olympians-visit-schools-cheo-parliament-hill.html Jean-Paul
    20. Survivors of Soviet prison camps, and their families, have been presented with Siberian Crosses more than 70 years later. The Polish government medal honours more than one million Polish civilians sent to Russia by Stalin after 1939. Read the complete article: http://www.bbc.co.uk...-leeds-16907054 Jean-Paul
    21. This topic comes up every now and again. Here is a news article on the latest bid: A campaign has been launched in the UK to award Gallipoli hero John Simpson the Victoria Cross, almost 100 years after his death. Simpson, whose full name is John Simpson Kirkpatrick, was born in South Shields, near Newcastle upon Tyne in England's north. He served in the Gallipoli Campaign as a stretcher bearer and along with a donkey he managed to rescue 300 wounded comrades in a 25 day period. Tragically he was shot dead aged just 22 on May 19, 1915, but his acts of bravery have afforded him a legendary status in Australia with his face appearing on coins and stamps. As a result an online petition to award Kirkpatrick a posthumous VC has been set up. Read the complete article: http://www.skynews.com.au/topstories/article.aspx?id=799119 Jean-Paul
    22. Here is an article, with a picture of this medal. In a ceremony recognizing their service to their country, two dozen individuals were presented with the Connecticut Veterans Wartime Service Medal. Those receiving the honor have served in the armed forces while the United States has been engaged in various conflicts abroad. The Connecticut Veterans Wartime Service Medal is awarded to Connecticut residents who have served during times of conflict, from World War I to the present. Read the complete article: http://today.uconn.edu/blog/2012/09/connecticut-veterans-wartime-service-medal-presented-at-avery-point-campus/ Jean-Paul
    23. James “Jake” McNiece, the leader of World War II's “Dirty Dozen,” humbly accepted France's most prestigious decoration, nearly 70 years after he led a squad of paratroopers behind enemy lines in that country to support the D-Day invasion. McNiece, a retired Ponca City postal worker, commanded a group of rough men nicknamed “The Filthy 13,” who served as the inspiration for the movie “The Dirty Dozen.” Hours before the June 6, 1944, invasion, McNiece led 18 paratroopers to destroy two bridges and control a third to prevent German reinforcements from moving into Normandy and to cut off retreating German troops. Sixteen of his men were killed during the 36-day mission, in which they also cut enemy communications and supply lines. Read more: http://newsok.com/oklahoma-wwii-veteran-receives-frances-highest-decoration/article/3713442#ixzz27lNK8jH7 Jean-Paul
    24. Found this interesting article, which contains five stories, on the awarding of gallantry awards. The articles contain photos of the recipients More than 100 members of the armed services will receive special awards for their acts of extreme bravery at a ceremony in London later today, including seven awarded the Military Cross for gallantry during active operations in Afghanistan. Read the complete article: http://www.itv.com/news/story/2012-09-28/troops-extreme-bravery-honoured/ Jean-Paul
    25. Hi Paul, According to "Medal of the Great War Awarded to South Africans" by F K Mitchell, S.A.P.C. is probably South African Postal Corps. As well, S.A.F.T. & P.O. is probably South African Field Telegraph and Post Office. There is also an S.A.F.T. & P.C. which is the South African Field Telegraph and Postal Corps. In any case, this appears to be a very interesting Postal Corps trio. Hope this helps. Jean-Paul
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