army historian

I think this needs more checking, as I think he got the Sebastopol bar - I have seen other groups to the 14th of Foot with the clasp. Anyway he did have the British Crimea Medal either with or without the clasp. Here is the begining of the roll for the 14th - note: no mention of the Sebastopol bar. Cheers Captain Albert

I have noticed that in period pieces - the roundet and hook are brass, not silver metal nor plastic or painted. Cheers Captain Albert

Wow! Great pair - Outstanding. Cheers Captain Albert

Thanks Jonas, The only California National Guard ribbon/medal Col. Winnie earned was the California 10 year service medal (see below). He had no other UN service after Korea, and returned first to Japan then the US. Cheers Captain Albert Winnie leaves the ETO and was reassigned to the States on 9 May 1949. He attends New York University, New York as a student studying Safety engineering. On 28 May 1949 he was assigned as Executive Officer of the Provost Marshal Section at Headquarters 6th Army, Presidio of San Francisco, CA. Winnie transfers to the Military Police Corps on 31 Jul 1950. On 15 Jan 1951 Winnie was a Student Officer TDY to the Provost Marshal General School Camp Gordon, GA. On 3 Feb 1951 Winnie returns as Executive Officer of the Provost Marshal Section at Headquarters 6th Army. On 2 Aug 1951 Winnie was the Acting Provost Marshal at Headquarters 6th Army. On 1 Sep 1951 Winnie reverts to Executive Officer of the Provost Marshal Section. He serves at Headquarters 6th Army to 7 May 1952. On 7 May 1952 Winnie was assigned to Headquarters (HQ) IX Corps, Far East Command (FEC) as Assistant Provost Marshal. This duty was in Korea. 16 May 1952 he was made Corps Provost Marshal, HQ IX Corps, FEC. Winnie was awarded the Legion of Merit in 1953 for his service in Korea with XI Corps. IX Corps Campaigns: World War II (Asiatic-Pacific Theater), Korean War (UN Offensive, CCF Intervention, First UN Counteroffensive, CCF Spring Offensive, Summer-Fall Offensive, Second Winter, Summer-Fall 1952, Third Winter, Summer 1953). IX Corps Decorations: Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citations (streamers embroidered Korea 1950, and Korea 1952 - 1953). Winnie had earned the Korean Service medal w 2 Br. Stars, the U.N. Korean Service Medal, and the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation for this assignment with IX Corps. Winnies campaigns were: (Summer-Fall 1952, and Third Korean Winter). From Winnie's ribbon bars it appears he was awarded the South Korean Order of Military Merit 5th Class. This is not recorded in his personnel files, as with the Korean Presidential Unit award. On 10 Mar 1953 Winnie was transferred to the HQ 8232d Army Unit at Camp Tokyo, Japan as the Deputy Provost Marshal. On 20 April 1953 he becomes Provost Marshal for the HQ 8232d Army Unit, Camp Tokyo, Japan. On 3 Aug 1953 Winnie was promoted to Full Colonel. In 1954 he returns to the US.

Hello all, I have this medal group to Col. Franklin Edward Winnie, LM, ARCOM & BOLC. I can not identify the last ribbon on his rack. Any help would be appreciated. It might be the South Korean Military Merit medal 5th class - but I am not sure and it is not in his records. Thanks and cheers Captain Albert Legion of Merit (1953, Korean War, IX Corps) Army Commendation Medal w/ Br Oak leaf Cluster American Defense Medal American Campaign Medal European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal w/ 2 Br stars World War II Victory Medal Army of WW2 Occupation w/ Germany Bar and Berlin Airlift Device Medal for Humane Actions Korean Service Medal w/ 2 Br stars National Defense Service Medal w/ Br star Armed Forces Reserve Medal (NG) w/ Hour Glass U. N. Korea Medal ????? Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation (not in his record, but entitled to and he is wearing in above photo)

Well finally got all the materials from the son, and put in rikker mount. Note: one of 1,400 LTA (Blimp) pilots trained during WW2. One thing I should add - none of the Blimp pilots or crews received any decorations, I am award of. So I leave with this quote from a WW2 Veteran. ""Many of us LTA veterans are coming up on 80 or are already there," said Harold Edwards, the blimp crew chief who caught a glimpse of the Hindenburg on its final flight. "We did the work they asked, finding subs and protecting ships, but my friends always ask where the recognition went, where are the air medals?" – This is a very good question. Cheers Captain Albert

Well I finally hear from "museuminfo.navalaviation@mchsi.com" and the article they sent said 1,400 Offices and 3,000 crew men were trained during WW2. Thanks Captain Albert

Thanks tony, That was what I though. Cheers Captain Albert

Thanks Vtwinvince, I know I did a couple (a long time ago). Most of the ribbons shown above are good replacements, I need to find the Thailand Order of the Crown ribbon, the Turkish Imtaiz Medal ribbon, and probably the Life Saving Medal ribbon. Medroy of England has a very good selection and quality of ribbons. I might try the British Ghunzee 1839 (2nd type ribbon) for the Turkish Imtaiz Medal (might have to bleach a little). Cheers Captain Albert

Hello, Here is a illustration from a book "The Decorations and Medals of the Republic of Vietnam and Her Allies, 1950-1975" . On page 76 - The book states 50,000 ROK troops in "Country" at their peak pre-1970. I saw some of these guys they were brutal to each other so I can imagine what they were like to the Vietnamese. The book has a rarity scale 1 to 10 with 1 being the most common - the ROK medal is a R-4. All US medals are R-1, and the British General Service Medal (1962) with "South Vietnam" bar is R-10. I hopes that helps. Cheers Captain Albert

Thank you all for your options and help. The bar represents Fregattenkapitän Franz-Christoph Schroeder Served 1897-1919, I own his 2 Diaries, paperwork, and a lot of extras. Cheers Captain Albert

Boy you guys don't make it easy! But I think that would look the best. Cheers Captain Albert

Hello All, I would like some options on reconstructing Imperial medal groups. First do collectors have problems with this? Second what type of mounting would be best. British style overlapped? Prussian Parade mount? Not mounted - just arranged in a row? This is not to deceive anyone, only to rebuild the group. All medals are originals (Colonial is Jeweler's copy). I plan since original Venezuela 1902/03 bars are very expensive to have a piece of 1/4 " brass stock just engraved. Any thoughts are welcome and appreciated. Cheers Captain Albert

Tim is right on - the band looks like an old repair. Cheers Captain Albert

Well I picked up one - extra fine condition, nice original ribbon and suspender, no swords, no certificate, not named for less than $400.00 US. Still a lot of money. Cheers Captain Albert

I agree. Also masking tape is great for removing all the loose lint, dirt, etc. Cheers Captain Albert Interesting Kepi - it looks like an Artillery piece that's obviously seen better days. Although, a bit of straightening out and a good brushing to tidy it up would probably breath a bit of new life in to it.. Date wise - difficult to say but sticking my neck out a bit here, I would say late 1920's - 30's or possibly a little earlier. Perhaps some of our French collectors maybe able to get a better fix on it. Many thanks for sharing it with us, as it is always nice to see such intriguing pieces. Best regards, Zob123

Thanks Ed, yes I know about the half wings - most of the Blimp pilots did not like them as they had qualified as "Naval Aviators". The medal group I got has his original full Aviator's wings (what he wore in all his pictures). I was really trying to figure out just how many Blimp qualified officers there were in WW2. Oh for information I bought 2 of the current half wings from the Navy exchange earlier this year. Thanks again Cheers Captain Albert

Hello all, I have been researching a small medal group to a Naval Aviator (Blimp Pilot). It seems to me there were not a whole lot of them. I saw one statement that by 1944 - 1,500 Officers were trained for Lighter Than Air (LTA) service. I would guess maybe 2,000 by Wars end. Any help would be appreciated. Cheers Captain Albert

File Name: The Order of California (CAOC) File Submitter: army historian File Submitted: 02 Mar 2011 File Category: Rest of the World The Order of California By Captain George J. Albert The Order of California is the third highest award in the State's pyramid of honor, and is the highest award for exceptionally meritorious service. It is presently awarded to both military and civilians. Click here to download this file

Thanks guys - very informative looks like it is worth more that the Order of Osmanie 4th Class. Cheers Captain Albert

Was the rap - brooch piece numbered? If not I agree with you. Nice medal. Thanks for sharing. I got this message from the dealer I bought the medal from "Should go out Thursday George. You got a hell of a buy on that – I’ve never seen one sell for less then $50!" Cheers Captain Albert

Thanks for the reply Tim. I'll say one thing if you got a ring suspension Navy Expeditionary Medal for less that $15.00 you are really doing well. I have found almost all ring suspension medals usually higher in price, but you are correct it depends. Cheers Captain Albert

Tim B, yes I am aware of the 2nd type medal *(knob suspension) American Defense Medal, this is the first type "Ring Suspension". I know they are very scare, that is why I asked for a value. I have seen a few for $75.00 and up. Cheers Captain Albert

I have this document signed by Konter Admiral Walther Koehler awarding the German War Merit Cross 2nd Class with swords to the First Officer of MS General Osorio Theodor Rose for running the blockade on the M.S.Porto Alegre dated 1941. I don't know if it is possible, but I would like to get more information on First Officer Theodor Rose. Sorry for the quality. Cheers Captain Albert

Hello All, I just picked this up for $15.99 and would like some options - It looks good, but I am not real familiar with going prices (other than cheap). Thanks Captain Albert