Scott

What's the diamond-shape badge/insignia attached to Epp's upper left sleeve?

Thank you for the corrections Dolfek. I still have much to learn!

I'll take a stab (those more educated please correct me): yours is a "Cruz Rojo 2d Clase, Pensionada" or roughly, Red Military Cross 2nd Class for Pensioners. The design of the crown indicates this medal was awarded from 1975 through today. The type ribbon/pin would be similar to that shown below. I don't know about the value.

Wow - what a great photo, and a great collar tab. Is that tab yours Paul?

Naxos, I just used the Heer buckle as an example. Field chaplains were an integral part of the makeup of the Wehermacht, there are several references to Hitler's Catholic religious beliefs and interpretations in Mein Kampf, Germany had warm relations with the Vatican throughout WWII, and other civilian Christian organizations have already been mentioned in this thread. It has been argued by some that the kooky SS rites, rituals, and ceremonies associated with child birth, marriage, Arian purity, etc., was an attempt to be its own "religion."

Ouch! Mike, please do a bit of homework before making sweeping generalizations about what "most of us here in the USA" think... :speechless:

Lovely service document Nesredep!! :cheers:

Beautiful example Gordon. Congratulations!

Oops - I forgot about the Coastal Artillery badge eagle. Thanks Martin.

Curious also that the Destroyer seems to be the only KM badge with a 'closed-winged' eagle.

I found this one surfing Manions (there wasn't anything on the back) - hope it's not a repeat here.

Indeed! And to find such a rare zinc badge retaining so much original finish is an added bonus. Congratulations on a very nice find.

Congratulations on finding a badge you already had!

Beautiful.

Wow Naoki, your gold CEJ/900 cross is a beauty. I hope to find one like that some day.

Indeed - the flawless, mint finish gave me pause for a zinc badge. Very nice!

Is your badge zinc or tombac? If tombac, I think there are problems (wreath, hinge, catch, rivets)

Nice crosses Tim!

Bad indeed.

I'm no expert, but I've never seen a quality, cord-stitched repro cuff title before - and I really like the quality of yours :love:

Just curious - some say a pipd trade badge is for NCOs, some say it represents 1 or more years of service in that trade (regardless of rank). Did piping mean the same thing for all trade badges? What about gold piped trade badges? :speechless:

Thank you Jacques - the photo of the Heer officer above is wearing the award on his pocket - I could not remember the name. Interesting photo with the Cruz Rojo also!

Jacques, My apologies for using your photo - I have removed it. A Cruz Blanco ("1st Class") and a Gold Spanish Cross... very interesting. Do you have any evidence of the Cruz Rojo being awarded with a Gold Spanish Cross? Or any period photos of the white-armed version of the Cruz de Guerra being worn by a German veteran?

Yes - I am confused here also. My references say the Cruz Blanca was awarded for non-combatant roles, yet period photos show veterans wearing the Cruz Blanca with bronze/silver Spanish Cross with swords...?

I put together the illustration below some time ago for my own reference. I think it mirrors what Jacques said above. I'm sure there are period exceptions, and it does not account for the award of the Medalla de Sufrimientos, or non-combatant awards. But overall, it might be helpful.