TacHel

Yup, thanks! DSB 2007 to 2012. DSOB will only come into effect in 2012...

I found these for sale on a French web site, I've never seen them before, I've seen the ribbons worn by German (and other European) soldiers but know nothing abouth them and am seeking info. They come in bronze, silver in gold in 2 models, DOSB and DSB. 1- What is the difference between DSOB and DSB? 2- Are both types awarded to military personnel? 3- Award criteria? Thanking you in advance,

Weird... :speechless:

Accross the street (rue de Rivoli) from the Louvre is a nice building called les antiquaires du Louvre, awesome shops in there but beware, the prices are quite high!! A bit further up the Jardin du Palais Royal, perpendicular to rue de Rivoli, walk up the gardens, keep to the left along the esplanade, you'll come up to a series of small militaria shops that deal in just about everything.

A very valid point!! Outside of the USA and Russia, very few military forces award medals for efficiency.

Is this valid in all forums? Should I begin worling over the Russian section?

Well? What are you waiting for? A written invitation? I think you have 3 right here!

Looks good. If you're interested, there's an eBay seller who specializes in former Eastern European communist countries, he has many (obscure) pieces. By "obscure" I mostly mean previously unknown to me. Lert me know if you.d like his ID.

Looks like a period piece to me. Although I must admit it's the first time I see the dragon being a different finish than the medal... Maybe a replacement?

The brass present at the opening of the movie. Left - RCAF Air Marshal William Avery "Billy" Bishop, VC, CB, DSO & Bar, MC, DFC, ED. Center - RAF Air Chief Marshal Sir Frederick William Bowhill, GBE, KCB, CMG, DSO & Bar. Right - RCAF Air Commodore Albert De Niverville. (Soon to be Air Vice Marshal)

Cagney's co-star, Alan Hale Sr taking his turn addressing the troops and their families at a ball game.

An evening at the base. Cagney addressing the troups at a baseball game wearing an RCAF jersey.

Cagney with Group Captain McGill with wife and daughters.

Air Marshal Bishop relaxing in a comfy chair in conversation with Air Marshal Curtis.

Cagney talking with British and Australian military personnel.

A picture of RCAF Air Marshal Bishop (WW1 top allied ace) talking with Cagney between takes.

Some years ago, I was given a photo album from a WW2 RCAF vet. Even though the gent never served overseas, there are still some very interesting items in there! Such as these pictures taken at RCAF Station Trenton (Ontario) during the filming of the movie Captain of the clouds starring James Cagney.

Thanks for the info and the link to that awesome site!! :cheers:

Thank you! Now for question #2: does the unilingual French inscription identify this one as a pre-1952 piece like other Belgium awards?

Quick question here... The "Décoration militaire pour service exceptionnel ou acte de courage ou de dévouement" and the "Décoration militaire" (for service), are they 100% identical except for the different ribbons?

WOW! How many have you completed to date? I'd love to see pics of any other(s) you might've done.

Looks good to me, and at an extremely nice price!!

Officiers and warrant officers receive badges For Merit. They are similar but the banner is below the eagle instead of above it. These particular ones are for airborne troops at left and for army ground troops at right.

These are the badges for excellence being bestowed to Russian soldiers. These particular ones are excellent ground troop at left and excellent airman at right. There are many other models. These are for privates and NCOs.

Wow! Great picture! Спасибо Сергей! :cheers: