Richard LaTondre

Once again this is a very early draft copy of the book. The book has since been completed and sent to the Library of Congress for the copyright procedures. You are right, the Golden Kite Breast star is a gorgeous meda and is featured in the frontpiece of the book. I will send you a picture of it. Best Regards, Dick

No royalties. Remember, it is a draft first copy. Dick

What a great offer. Maybe we can get together in the near future. I am winding up my current project "The Golden Kite" There is an old, old, first draft of the translation at: www.thegoldenkite.com This is a true story based on this Japanese hero that road on hordeback from Berlin to Vladivostok checking out the Trans-Siberian railroad prior to Japan declaring war on Russia. Best Regards, Dick

Thanks Hugh, That would mean I only lost $340.00 so far. I am off to a good start. Dick

As a published author, I can tell you factually, that you cannot publish a book of colored images of medals on glossy stock for $15.00 and a run of only 10 copies. I discussed this with OMSA.

I completed a project on the above about three years ago. The work has been compiled by several contributing authors/collectors, that are experts in their fields. It has been photographed and mensurated in both digital as well as traditional photographic processes. At a cost of roughly US100.00 per copy to publish a run of 500 to 1,000 this would need a minimum investment of $50,000 to $100.000. Any suggestions you may offer will be greatly appreciated. Dick LaTondre

What is meant by more information? Dick LaTondre

After 30 years in the U.S. Marine Corps and serving in WWII, Korea, and Viet Nam, I may have a different view on this subject.

On the contrary. Some of us ARE the owners of these medals

Perhaps the question that should be asked, is what is the final disposition of this medal going to be? 1. Did I obtain this medal for my own private collection to enjoy forever ? 2. Did I obtain this medal for possible furure trade or sale ? I think that in the case of Nr. 1, this would be the prerogative of the owner and he should be able to do as he wishes. In the case of Nr. 2, he would have responsibilities to maintain its original condition and not perform any modifications to the medal. Just a thought Dick

That is indeed a great photograph. It appears that the soldier is wearing the rank of Sergeant Major. Two stars would be Sergeant, and one star would be Corporal. What would be of great interest would be the color of his collar tabs which would denote his service branch, i.e., Cavalry, infantry, engineers, etc.. His unit numbers are pretty well faded. The sword appears to be the Model 1898 type 32 that is identified on page 14 of "Japanese Military Uniforms 1930 - 1945" as "Sergeant Major Sword". Baron General Yasumasa Fukushima, while as a young Major reconoitering the Russian Trans-Siberian Railroad prior to the 1904 War, makes the following entry in his journal on January 15th 1893: "I descended the Yablonovy Mountains and arrived at the outskirts of the city of Chita. This is my 11th day of travel since leaving Ulan Ude. Chita city had a population of 12,000 inhabitants controlled by the local military governor. The area was known as the highlands plateau area and rainfall was very scant due to the city's location East of the mountains. The land is very poor for agriculture and there is no apparent industry. There is not even a bank in the city" Dick LaTondre

Thanks Jim It appears that you have one of the more common versions of the Great East Asia War Medal. To my knowledge there exist three versions of this medal: 1. The version in the OMSA monograph by Peterson which reads from left to right on the suspension bar. This is the extremely rare version as only one has been reported and that was by Jeff Floyd who purchased the medal from the Peterson estate. 2. The Common version that reads from right to left with the shield on the reverse (which appears to be your medal). Possibly an earlier version. 3. Another version that reads from right to left with a map of East Asia on the reverse. Possibly a newer version. The obverse of the medal appears to be similar in all cases with the exception of some variants that show miniature stars or anchors on the circular rim that surrounds the medal, in place of the standard blossoms. I am sure that other variants exist and will be brought to light as research continues. Dick

Yes I know. Did you mean to send this to Jim?

Jim: It is not quite clear at this time as to what is meant by the term 'original' medal. Please tell me what post refered to the medal in Peterson's monograph as being a variation. Does the reverse of your medal show the shield with characters or the map of East Asia? Dick

Hi Colin Thanks for the great link. Richard

Thanks Paul, I saw the medal (beautiful photography) and the Great East Asia War Medal illustrated was not the same as the one illustrated in Peterson's monograph. Jeff Floyd solved the problem when he stated that he had sold the medal he purchased from Peterson's estate and it was the medal used for the photograph in his book. The Kanji on Peterson's Medal reads from left to right. The medal sold at Morton and Eden was not the same as the rare version described on page 51 of Peterson's book as the latter inscription reads from right to left. Thanks for your great input. I think we may now put this matter to rest. Keep Collecting! Dick LaTondre

Is there anyone out there in 'collector land' that has, or has ever seen, an 'original' Great East Asia War Medal as described in Peterson's monograph published by OMSA. Thanks for taking your time for reading this and more thanks for any input you may have. Richard LaTondre

I agree. Item 4 is a fake. The tigers paws should be lower and in line. Richard

One website that may be of possible interest is: www.thegoldenkite.com This is the draft of the book that I am currently writing on the life of Baron General Fukushima. Ricardo