IrishGunner

I've never been to the Carpathians, but to me the Carpathian battle areas, even on the mountains, seemed to have more trees in the period WWI photos I've seen. So, I'll offer another possibility. Julian Alps - Isonzo Front. I've climbed several times the mountains near Kobarid/Caparetto and Mt. Krn. Actually, went up Mt. Krn on 11 Nov 2004 in the snow. The valley we started in looked exactly like those in these photos as did the peaks. The Julians are just south of the Carnic Alps - now the border of Slovenia/Italy - and they are generally more rounded - although there are some jagged peaks. These photos also look very similar to WWI period photos I have seen (which are a lot) of the Isonzo Front.

Nice Pass. Did his war end in 1916 in the Vogesen?

Indeed a very nice group

Silver for officers? Bronze for NCOs/soldiers?

From my perspective, only the three with medals are veterans - medals, white rosetta, and age appearance. The rest, especially the ones in the front appear a bit young to be veterans; unless, of course, they were late war entrants and this is an photo taken shortly after the war. If that is the case, perhaps, they were ground crew and never were in a position to earn a medal. Could this be a flying association or club, perhaps even a school, where an enthusiasm for flying and emphasis on aviation dominated? The veterans could be mentors or professors. And the remainder are members/students. I don't see the Ehrenkreuz (but maybe that's a Bavarian thing); so, this photo might be pre-1934. However, the Nazis did come to power in 1933 and made significant changes to the education system, including an emphasis on military skills. So, I think my theory holds some beer.

As I'm not from a Commonwealth country - nor Belgium nor France - where the poppy tradition seems to dwell, I hesitate to comment. There was a time in the U.S. when poppies were much more prolific, but the idea seemed to migrate from Veterans Day to Memorial Day. I do recall as a member of the Civil Air Patrol in my young teens participating in a poppy appeal drive. However, I can't remember if it was November or May. Nevertheless, my comment is this: at least they are wearing poppies. Well, maybe the farmer took it a bit far. As for protocol, perhaps these people never had the benefit of being taught the protocol. Education is always the key to eliminating ignorance. I was flabbergasted when teaching a unit on World War I to my 9th grade history classes, which concluded just the week before November 11th, that only one - I tolerate almost 150 students - only one - yes only one - knew what holiday falls on 11 November. And yes, they had just "learned" that date was when the war ended, i.e. Armistice Day. To err is human. Forgive them for they know not what they do. Do not judge harshly those that remember those that should never be forgotten. Forgive, but do not forget.

I hadn't heard that news either. A generous and friendly man.

The American Legion, a US veterans organization started after WWI, has an award program for Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) at high schools and also for senior ROTC at colleges. This medal likely is a JROTC award at a high school based on the "American History and Civics Award" inscription on the reverse. I couldn't find this particular medal in a quick Google search; maybe it is obsolete, but I am not familiar at all with JROTC awards. While no image is included, the American History and Civics award is mentioned in this article: http://medallic.medalcraft.com/american-legion-school-award.php Coincidentally, I was awarded the American Legion's ROTC Military Excellence Medal as a senior in college. https://www.legion.org/rotc

Stimme zu! Und vorgiss nicht! Einige von uns Ausländer sprechen Deutsch auch - trotz Fehler! Platt ist sicher schwer aber nach ein paar Biere...es fliess besser! (Where the hell is my Duden?)

I prefer the "battle" worn pieces to the pristine ones that may have spent their service in the arsenal rack. Precisely for the reasons you cite. We can never know where the piece was used, but it certainly provides an opportunity to ruminate over the possibilities. Thanks for sharing.

It almost certainly would have been split. Great of the officer to send the letter/award doc to the family. Too bad they couldn't have the medal.

Well done. The belt, pouch, and holster are what caught my eye, but I guess that didn't come with this group. Any interesting documents?

Unfortunately, Kerlew, not mentioned in this useful article either. Like Johnny stated, history is not always clear...or complete. It's only what the historian chooses to write; unless you can find the primary source documents and make your own conclusions. US Navy World War I Johnny, I've assumed that a ship could be entitled to more than one clasp, but all the sources list only one awarded (like individual sailors). But have you read anywhere how the Navy decided which clasp to award? My guess is that it was the clasp for which the ship first qualified. Thoughts? Also, attached is the 1948 Navy publication I use as my source for clasps awarded to ships. Includes all medals, not just the Victory Medal. Decorations,_Medals,_Ribbons,_Badges_(1948)-4.pdf

This is my take away

One thing you might want to consider is some sort of focus. Colonial campaigns and WWI is quite broad. You could end up become a "hoarder" versus a "collector" without some sort of focus to narrow that span down some. For example, a particular regiment that you have some interest in; the Scottish regiments could be place to look since Scots have a history of serving the Swedish crown as mercenaries. Or at least a branch or corps, like infantry, artillery, or engineers. My focus for British medals is the Royal Artillery and Irish regiments. Of course, even that has expanded when an interesting Scottish or Welsh regiment piece has come along. I've even a few Royal Army Medical Corps and Army Ordnance Corps pieces. So, you see it can be difficult to stay focused even when you have a focus!

Way too many Ersatz ...but a man has to ersatz what a man has to ersatz.

From my short research, I have come across an official Navy publication that lists the following ships for the White Sea clasp: Des Moines (CL-17) - a cruiser Eagle No. 1, Eagle No. 2, Eagle No. 3 (patrol boats) Olympia (C-6) - actually a very famous cruiser. Admiral Dewey's flag ship for the Battle of Manila Bay, Spanish American War and she carried the remains of the Unknown Soldier of the First World War back to the United States. She is now a museum ship in Philadelphia. Edit: Found three more ships - Galveston, Chester, and Yankton Pittsburgh (aka Pennsylvania) earned the Patrol clasp according to this pub. Seattle (aka Washington) earned Escort clasp.

Keep me posted on how "soon to go"

Nice find in the research.

Gebirgs Kannonen Batterie ... nice. Oh, and I have a Kunes in my family tree!

Yea, and I see some Feld-Artillerie in there. Sleeping around again? EK1 to Fernsprech Abt. has to be unusual in itself, though, n'est-ce pas?

You just keep rolling with this secret artillery fetish, don't you?

All of the Anton Hoffmann cards are great. But of course, artillery is the best! I appreciate your words regarding researching your family. Perhaps focusing only on your grandfather's WWI service will help you get over the wall. Cheers!

Yep, USS Washington became USS Seattle in 1916 so the name Washington could go to another battleship. But USS Seattle was on escort duty and would likely never have qualified for the White Sea bar. Of course, with the dates of 1908 and 1912, nothing says Weldon was on either of those ships for WWI and post-war Russia operations. I still like the pair.

Tony, I am envious. It's priceless to have family mementos. There is a lot of opportunity for research.