muckaroon1960

Hi Paul, I do also have a 1990 updated version with coloured prints. Not sure if there are any later versions?

Here's some of the resource I've used when researching US awards and ribbons. Might be worth a look. The Call of Duty, (R James Bender Publishing 1994) John E Sandberg & Roger James Bender. American War Medals & Decorations. (Viking Press, New York. Leo Cooper Ltd, 1st UK Edition 1973) Evans E Kerrigan US Military Medals 1939 to Present (Medals of America Press 1998, Fountain Inn, SC) Col. Frank Foster & Mr. Lawrence Borts. Uncommon Valor, decorations, badges & service medals of the US Navy & Marine Corp. (eagle print shop,Hopkinsville, Kentucky 1980) David L Riley Lt USN.

Hi Guys, the black widow Navy Cross was an early WW2 issued medal and was discoloured due to its oxidised finish as it was apparently "left too long in the furnace" N.B. This bit could be an urban myth? However as Paul has pointed out it was nicknamed the Black Widow because many of the early awards were posthumously awarded and are extremely rare.

Paul I agree the black widow is the holy grail in terms of navy cross collecting but unfortunately faked a lot. The navy cross is one of the rarest issue awards and highly collectable.

As a avid collector of US awards and owner of a blog site on the subject I would say go with what you like to collect. In this collecting world "whatever floats your boat" in my opinion, whether its collecting beer mats, porcelain, badges or medals then go for it. I have most US military medals from WW2 up to Vietnam and some beyond but I would advise doing some research first and seeing whats out there before parting with your hard earned cash, so do some homework. I do have a few named US medals including a army "Soldiers Medal" issued to a Vietnam 5th Special forces guy who was captured and imprisoned by the North Vietnamese. Also a couple of named ww2 army good conducts and an Army commendation (possible Vietnam era). There's also numbered medals such as the silver star and purple heart but these may be untraceable unless you have provenance. My pride and joy is a ww2 US mint made Navy Cross, just need the case for it though. Good hunting but take your time you'll get there.

Foreign orders and medals have been issued to British military personnel over the years with the French Croix de guerre being an example which were awarded to whole battalions during WW1. Usually the wearing of any such award had to have approval to wear alongside campaign medals etc awarded by the British Government. US awards which are awarded to British military are Distinguished service cross, Navy Cross, Air force cross, Army & Navy DSM, DFC, Legion of Merit, Silver & Bronze star and the Air Medal. The DFC, Bronze star and air medal are regularly available to collect in the UK as no doubt they were awarded during WW2 and beyond. On the flip side 1st Lt "Moose" Heyliger of the 506th PIR 101st airborne was awarded a British Military Cross for his leadership in commanding the rescue of the 140 men north of the Rhine which included mainly British paratroopers, some Dutch civilians and 5 US airmen all cut off following the disaster of the Arnhem campaign. I believe the Military Cross ribbon is displayed along with other foreign awards he received on his ribbon bar but on the bottom row of three.

Oh er missus...."beat him off"...I like the sound of that...where can I illegally obtain my MoH….lol

I have a numbered Purple Heart #275375. Made by Rex Products Co 1942 with a lacquer enamel heart and slot brooch as per the Army contract Rex Products had which were numbered 100,000 to 400,000. So your numbered PH #161632 would I assume fall into this batch. I believe 60,000 of these were issued to the US Navy.

Hi Duncan, I've posted medals to the USA before with no issues. The only thing I did differently was to say they were "Badges" but what you tell the PO is up to you.

Hi Guys, thought I'd share my 2 latest patches that I've added recently to my collection. The 501st is post war probably 1960's? 3" x 3.5" in size. The 506th is a bit of a mystery as I assumed this was a good quality repro but neither of these patches fluoresce under UV and the 506th is on a wool background at 4" diameter. Anyways the upshot is I didn't pay a great amount for either and they look good on display with my 502nd patch. Hope you like them as much as I do... This is how I've displayed my 501st, 502nd & 506th PIR badges as a sort of homage to the 101st Airborne. The para wings are all clutch back either Meyer or Krew manufacture.

That's another cool sets of miniatures. Loving your work especially the USMC reserve miniature.

What is the significance if any of the 101st airborne patches which have a green OD surround? This patch has a white tongue also and a fixed Airborne title with a black surround?

Hi Everyone, I have a Bronze Star Medal with an unusual makers mark, looks like a D with a lightning bolt through it and the GI mark. Ribbon is on a 12mm crimp brooch. Anyone have any ideas as to the maker please?

Hi Vince, I had my copy signed by Jim Moran himself. This was at the Malvern Military Convention held twice a year at Great Malvern, Worcestershire, England. A nice guy who obviously knows his USMC gear.

Hi Vince, according to Jim Moran's book on USMC uniforms and equipment the EGA on the helmet cover was unauthorised during WW2. However this didn't stop some Marines painting a EGA on their helmet covers. Hope this helps.

I have added recently to my collection a rather nice US Naval Officers Hat in Khaki. Issued or made by the "Naval Uniform Service" it has a wicker internal band with a green under visor. I'm assuming this hat is circa WW2? Does anyone have any information reference the "Naval Uniform Service" and were these hats made by a contractor and then if distributed by the service?

Simple answer as to why I collect is because I can.....and am I a nasty hateful racist for collecting items with a swastika????

Excellent post and very informative. Well done on your research. Corporal Mott is not forgotten. Semper Fi.

Great Find and the history to go with it. A named PH is high on my wanted list.

I have started to collect patches recently and have acquired this 502nd PIR pocket pouch. It is I believe a good copy and only paid a few pounds for it. Can't afford originals at $1000+. Just need to find a good quality 501 and 506 to go with it.

Hi All, the following US medals have been awarded to foreign service personnel when engaged in military duty during a time of conflict: Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, Air Force Cross, Distinguished Service Medal (Army and Navy/Marine Corp), Distinguished Flying Cross, Legion of Merit, Silver Star, Bronze Star and the Air Medal. These medals do turn up regularly at UK Medal shows awarded in British Groups. There are quite a few Air Medals available in their original issue presentation boxes along with the DFC, probably awarded to RAF personnel. I believe that the Soldiers Medal was also issued to foreign personnel who helped to save lives during conflict. On November 8th 1942 Brigadier General Amaro Soares Bittencourt became the first foreigner (Brazil) to receive the Legion of Merit. There is no mention of the Purple Heart ever being issued to foreign service personnel but that doesn't mean to say though they may have been "gifted" but not able to wear with their other medals?

Finally acquired a small enough mannequin to fit. (Shoes are modern but look the part). Also added a USMC Sharpshooter badge.

Found this picture on Chinamarine.org to compare uniform to.

Had to add these to my collection. 1933-34 dated USMC Blues dress jacket ( I also got the blue trousers) and a USMC Blue dress hat (1922 type). These were the dress uniform as worn by the "China" marines i.e. those that served in China with the 4th Marine Regiment stationed in Shanghai from 1927 to 1941 . Belt is a repro but buckle is an original but unsure of date on this and the service hat. The tunic is named to a C A Recio who was I believe stationed at a US Navy Station. Rank Badge is for 6th Grade. As I said I had to have these and when you see it buy it! I do however need to find a mannequin for display with the trousers.

Awarded for service ashore or on the high seas enroute to the following countries, Cuba May 11th to July 17th, Puerto Rico July 24th to August 13th and Philippine Islands June 30th to August 16th 1898. The USA declared war on Spain February 15th 1898 following an explosion aboard the US battleship Maine in Havana Harbour which resulted in loss of American lives and the loss of the ship. Although chiefly a Naval war this was an Army award to those service personnel engaged in occupying Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Philippines which ended August 12th and following a peace treaty signed December 10th resulted in Spain giving up its claim to these countries and the island of Guam. Originally issued with a Red and Yellow ribbon this was changed to the Blue and Yellow as the former was similar in colour to the Spanish flag. About 18400 were issued, 8000 with a No. prefix, 6400 with a M No. prefix and 4000 unnumbered. This one is numbered on the rim No.3383 with a replacement ribbon. Other medals issued for this campaign were Navy and Marine Corp equivalent, Spanish War Service-Army to members of the National Guard and Army volunteers. Following the Spanish Campaign, occupation medals were issued for Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Philippine Campaign and Insurrection.