Gldank

I wish to do the same someday. Will see you there.

No Tim, I had the honor of serving my country's military but thank God, not on the Westeren Front during WWI. For those who served, it sure must have been hell on earth. This is part of the reason I collect Belgian militaria. :blush:

I would like to share my Croix de Feu grave marker.

I know that this is a medal from the Government of Burundi. Can anyone tell me more? Thanks.

I have to disagree about the mini fourragere on the Yser medal. I am sure that there are some sellers out there who would add one to a medal for sale but these were allowed to hang with the ribbon and the medal. There is one on a medal bar earlier in this string. Even Andre Borne in his book ?Distinctions Honorifiques de La Belgique 1830-1985? agrees and he has not been wrong yet in my mind.

Hello Chris, I have seen this medal in catalogs before. Here is what I think. The inscription "navigation maritime" refers to sailors and technicians working on a ship but it can also refer to ships in a harbor. I think there are two options: This is a school medal for merchant sailors in training or a medal for Harbor Captains. The reverse shows the seal of the Belgian state. Back in the 1800s, there were city run maritime schools for fishermen and sailors in seaport towns. It would be normal to place the Belgian seal on the back of medals to graduating students. This medal may also have been awarded to a Harbor Captain or somebody working in the harbor. There are many public servants, even today, working in customs or doing state work in harbors keeping track of the maritime transport (navigation maritime). My guess is that this medal was awarded captain or a lieutenant of a harbor which we call today, ?Harbor Pilots.?

When I saw the US Navy Cross, Silver Star and the French Wound Medal with all those stars, I just had to share this with you all. I see it was removed from eBay, the seller was 2emrepper( 7 )

This French ribbon bar is on Belgian eBay. I think it is too fantastic to be believable. What do you all think?

Yes, it looks to be a French Equestrian (horse riding) award. Here is a link to a little movie to help explain: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x5b2el_concours-colmar-d2gp_animals These awards are usually made of silver. I do not see a silver hallmark. With the acorns and cross shape, I could also be German or a related country of the era.

Very nice Guy, Again, Thank you for sharing!! Are there any more there for sale?

Yes, I think you may be right. Thank you.

The Italian War Cross is on his post WWI picture. He may have not have been awarded the cross yet at the time of his WWI picture.

The blue and white striped cross and mini are the WWI Italian War Cross. You are right on the dog tags. I would assume we are not seeing all the medals (and dog tags) as Johnson served in both WWI and WWII. I do not have more information on this group. I received the photos from a friend of the family and have not seen the original group nor have I been able to get more questions answered at present.

I am told the group is still with the family.

More on Sgt Johnston.

More on Sgt Johnston.

Here is a MOH group and mini awarded to a Sgt Johnston of WWI. Again, these photos were emailed to me from my friend in Germany.

Yes, Belgian regulation size crossed saber attachment.

During the German occupation of Belgium in WWII, the Belgian Congo colony provided natural resources to the Allies such as copper, palm oil, and rubber. Uranium from the Congo was used to develop the first atomic weapons. So, I assumed some Belgian military soldiers remained behind during the war instead of traveling to England. I agree that this is probably an unofficial attachment as I would have expected a gold star instead of crossed sabers and a shield. I will hold onto the medal as it is a good conversation piece. Thank you.

Here is another Belgian Commemorative Medal of WWII with an attachment I am not sure about. Could it be for services in the Belgian Congo during WWII. Any ideas? Thank you.

Yes, I know Bill. Thank you for your help and reply. The quest goes on...

Hello all, can anyone identify the automobile ribbon attachment? My guess is that the Belgian veteran was a staff driver in England during WWII. Does anyone have a better idea? I have never seen this attachment before. Thank you.

Thanks Hendrik, your translation is correct and it does come in 3 classes (gold, silver and bronze).

Looks like an unofficial medal to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the liberation of Manage, Belgium. Manage is a small town northwest of the city of Charleroi and south of Brussels, Belgium.

Interesting! Thank you Dana