army historian

Is it possible to get him on mail fraud - did he send it through the mail? I got bunt by Picardy Antiques Ltd, paid for and never got.

Thanks Peter and Irishgunner, yes never know whats in an antique store. He was a Radioman 2nd as far as I have researched (1947). I am not worried about "missing" medals. I can display the missing ones as separates as his WW2 Victory. Here are a couple of pictures of Fitzpatrick.

New find Navy 5 medal mounted bar: Navy Good Conduct bar suspension named “John J. Fitzpatrick 1945” with 3 stars (15 years – 42 to 45 only 3 years) American Campaign Medal Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal Navy WW2 Occupation Medal (missing bar Asia) China Service Medal (extended) A lose: WW2 Victory Medal Note from seller: "The family of a deceased long time Navy Man sold a seabag full of items to an Antique Dealer. Before I got to them he had split it all up and only had this 5 place rack with the separate Victory Medal. (He had them priced very high or they would probably have been gone also). There is an old style named Navy Good Conduct Medal (with straight bar above medal it was discontinued after WWII) with small 3 bronze star devices and engraved on the reverse "John J. Fitzpatrick 1945", also a Navy China Service, a Navy Occupation Service and a Asiatic Pacific Campaign, and a American Campaign. The Victory Medal is by itself." "With 1945 engraved it would be his first award based upon a 1942 enlistment, 3 stars indicate award in 1948, 1951, and 1954. If he really was a 20 + year sailor, then that would mean he served not only in WWII but during the Korean War as well as early Vietnam. I wish I had more info on him but the antique dealer did not get any history except he was in about 20 years, so this will be a good research project for you." My research: John J. Fitzpatrick – no American Defense in service after 7 Dec. 1941. He has 3 stars on Good Conduct – at least 20 year career. His middle name was James. Group came from Ocala, Florida – where this man died. One candidate: Enlisted 7 Sept. 1942 to 23 Aug. 1962 Veteran Admin Burial Index: Name: John Fitzpatrick Gender: Male Birth Date: 22 Jun 1924 Death Date: 9 Jan 1982 SSN: 145122691 Branch 1: NAVY Enlistment Date 1: 7 Sep 1942 Release Date 1: 23 Aug 1962 This is the best and only one that fits. From Musters name is John James Fitzpatrick, 225 06 26. Florida death index: Name: John James Fitzpatrick Death Date: 9 Jan 1982 County of Death: Alachua State of Death: Florida Age at Death: 57 Race: White Birth Date: 22 Jun 1924 Social security Death Index: Name: John Fitzpatrick SSN: 145-12-2691 Born: 22 Jun 1924 Last Benefit: 32675 Ocala, Marion, Florida, United States of America Died: Jan 1982 State (Year) SSN issued: New Jersey (Before 1951) Enlistment date matches Navy Musters below: Report of Change USS St. Louis CL-49 – 30 Nov 1942 Name Service # Rate Date of Enl Place of Enl Fitzpatrick, John James 225 06 26 AS 30 Nov 1942 New York, NY 21. USN Rec 11-5-42 Rec. from USNTS Great Lakes, Ill. Navy Muster Roll of crew of USS St. Louis CL-49 – 31 Dec 1942 Date First Name Service # Rate Date of Enlistment Received Onboard Fitzpatrick, John James 225 06 26 AS 7 Sep 1942 11-5-1942 First entry “Date of Enl” incorrect in bold. Served on the USS St. Louis CL-49 from Nov. 1942 to Apr. 1946. He earned 9 Campaign Stars on his Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, and the Navy Unit Citation (St. Louis). This also verifies the other medals in the group. Served on the USS Yancey AKA-93 as RM2 Oct. 1946 to 21 Jan 1947 – transferred to USS Mount Olympus AGC-8 21 Jan. 1947 to 14 Apr 1947. Then returns to Yancey and later to USS Edisto AG-89 (Ice Breaker). All three ships Served in Operation Highjump the Navy Antarctic mission organized by RADM Richard E. Byrd Jr. USN, (Ret), Officer in Charge, Task Force 68, and led by RADM Richard H. Cruzen, USN, Commanding Officer, Task Force 68. Operation Highjump commenced 26 August 1946 and ended in late February 1947. Task Force 68 included 4,700 men, 13 ships, and multiple aircraft. The primary mission of Operation Highjump was to establish the Antarctic research base Little America IV. The Antarctica Service Medal was established in 1960, ribbon authorized 1961, and the medal was awarded in 1963. Fitzpatrick was entitled to the Antarctica Service Medal, National Defense with star, and the Philippine Liberation Medal with star. I need more research for other possible entitlements such as Korea and Vietnam.

To make a long story short - Silver Prussian Military Honor Cross 1st Class - salvaged from bombed out C.E. Zimmermann factory in 1990's. It was advertised as a Prussian General honor Cross 1st Class. Thats the story. But it was cheap. Some information from Sascha Wöschler (Medalnet): "Not a Prussian General Honor Cross 1st class, it is a Prussian "Militärverdienstkreuz" (Military Merit Cross - if meant to be gilt) or the "Militär-Ehrenzeichen I. Klasse" (Military Honor Decoration 1st class - if silver/silvered). This is probably a private purchase (wearing copy) – not an issued piece". This is still a great buy. Please Any Comments?

After "The Charge of the Light Brigade" and a few others about old heroes, I like this one inspired by ladies placing flowers on graves of both the soldiers union and confederates on memorial day. The Blue And The Gray Francis Miles Finch (1827-1907) By the flow of the inland river, Whence the fleets of iron have fled, Where the blades of the grave-grass quiver, Asleep are the ranks of the dead: Under the sod and the dew, Waiting the judgment-day; Under the one, the Blue, Under the other, the Gray These in the robings of glory, Those in the gloom of defeat, All with the battle-blood gory, In the dusk of eternity meet: Under the sod and the dew, Waiting the judgement-day Under the laurel, the Blue, Under the willow, the Gray. From the silence of sorrowful hours The desolate mourners go, Lovingly laden with flowers Alike for the friend and the foe; Under the sod and the dew, Waiting the judgement-day; Under the roses, the Blue, Under the lilies, the Gray. So with an equal splendor, The morning sun-rays fall, With a touch impartially tender, On the blossoms blooming for all: Under the sod and the dew, Waiting the judgment-day; Broidered with gold, the Blue, Mellowed with gold, the Gray. So, when the summer calleth, On forest and field of grain, With an equal murmur falleth The cooling drip of the rain: Under the sod and the dew, Waiting the judgment -day, Wet with the rain, the Blue Wet with the rain, the Gray. Sadly, but not with upbraiding, The generous deed was done, In the storm of the years that are fading No braver battle was won: Under the sod adn the dew, Waiting the judgment-day; Under the blossoms, the Blue, Under the garlands, the Gray No more shall the war cry sever, Or the winding rivers be red; They banish our anger forever When they laurel the graves of our dead! Under the sod and the dew, Waiting the judgment-day, Love and tears for the Blue, Tears and love for the Gray.

I actually believe they are British design.

Paul, I did both. I do belong to Ancestry.com - They have the Navy Musters 1939-1949, and the Veterans Admin. Burial data, both are very helpful, along with census, SS deaths, etc. The obituary and extra photos were from a memorial site (cemetery) on the internet. That surprised me. Been lucky with this one. Here is an older picture of Jesse. Cheers George

Hello try http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_General_J._C._Breckinridge_(AP-176) she was still in service in 1963. George

Hello Paul, I had already gotten the upper "named" bar (see posting below this). Named and documented 4 medal navy GC bar. I don't know why, but many many Navy and Air Force types wear the full sized Vietnam Gallantry Cross and Civil Actions 1st when they are really "Unit Citations", probably because they don't wear the ribbons for these when the medals are worn. Also individual awards of these are rare in the Navy and Air Force, not so for the Army and Marines. Yes it is a nice now complete group. I have found an obituary and more photos. Will post. He was a 30 year man 1949-1979. Here are a couple. George

Here is an update on QMC Jesse Croxton, USN. The blankly-blank dealer (on evil bay) split the group, I have to buy the lower bar and miniatures separately - but I got them so his group is complete, and I saved it.

Thanks Karsten, That is helpful and something to think about. I only assumed the bar was civilian because of the General Honor Medal (AEZ). So I stand corrected, and that makes the bar even more interesting. You are probably correct that Admin types did not get the Centennial Medal (I am not sure though). Can you give me more information on the 1894/95 Togo expedition, I know almost nothing about it (also can not find much information). Would like to know how many whites were in it, for example. Cheers George

Yes Rick we do really miss you.

Thank you Karsten, From my limited research, I know the Portuguese were in Togo before the Germans. Also I think this is a Colonial Administration Type person (not Military). The threads on the back of the bar are Tan (Khaki) color. He may have served in East Africa or DSWA at some time after (who knows). I don't think he can be research - but I am not an expert in that field, wish I were. Maybe someone like Rick Research could do it. The later clasp does not bother me - original could have been lost - or he did not buy one earlier. The bars were not "issued", the recipient had to buy his clasp. Thanks George

Thanks Piekenier Here are some bars from my collection. George

Here is his headstone. George

Very nice Scottplen - Sure would like to know the Silver star citation. George

Recent pick up US Naval mounted group of 4 to Afro American "Jesse Croxton Jr. 1953" Chief Quarter Master and Small Craft Commander. The group is: Navy good Conduct Medal named and dated "Jesse Croxton Jr. 1953" bar suspension w/ 2 br. Stars; Navy China Service Medal (Extended) - mounted backwards; National Defense Medal w/Br. Star; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. I have already found a photo of the man in uniform (1972-73) cruise book. He is also entitled to: Combat Action ribbon; Navy Efficiency ribbon with 2 E's; His Good Conduct has 1 silver and at least 2 br. Stars; Vietnam Service Medal w/ 3 br. stars; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/1960 device. He is also wearing the Small Craft Commander's badge. Born 13 February 1931 died 1 December 2010 in Maryland. This is a nice clean group to a 30 year man (served 1950 to 1980).

Thanks Mark.

Yes Hardy - I've live here for 30 years and do not plan to move. Thanks, I will watch for the book. George

Thank you piekenier. So you think this is a 1920's-pre-WW2 replacement (jeweler's piece)? Here is the group it was on. George

Great find Naxos congratulations. Very nice you were able to restore the very nice ribbon bar. Here is my best Colonial medal in my collection. Good Luck George

Thanks Paul R, I will supply more information as I get it. Right now I am very happy to have a "full" ID on Davis (many many servicemen with this name). Now I know I can get a positive response from NPRC, and a full service record. George

A little more information: he is definitely the man that served on the USS Henley at Pearl Harbor 7 Dec. 1941. Man id’ with his re enlistment dates: EM2/EM1/CEM “William Lee Davis 1931” Service #336-57-74 (FrankEaton01 – USMILITARIA Forum). “William Lee Davis 1931” Service #336-57-74 is “William Lee Davis” SSN: 556-54-2293 born 22 October 1909 (Died 8 Dec 2001 Mesa, Arizona) and that Lieutenant William Lee Davis with temporary appointment on 1 July 1944, officer's service number 113111, with permanent rank as Warrant Electrician as of 2 July 1941, and born on 22 October 1909” (Tom Nier, USMILITARIA Forum from his 1944 Naval Officers book) are all the same person. Note: “William Lee Davis” SSN: 556-54-2293 born 22 October 1909 (Died 8 Dec 2001 Mesa, Arizona) has a Naval Officer's Cap Insignia on his tombstone. As time allows I will write the NPRC for his service information. I also found in the Navy Muster Rolls at Ancestry . com an entry for CEM “William Lee Davis” Service #336-57-74 being appointed Warrant Officer as of 2 July 1941, and then he disappears from the Musters rolls after Dec. 1941. George

Yes too bad about the name - common with US and German. Still very nice group. George

Nice group. How did you verify his service?