army historian

Hello all, Can someone please translate the back of this photo - man is wearing an interesting medal group. Cheers Captain Albert

I don't have much - as I did not want to start pumping the son for information. Here is his first email to me and my reply:

"Are you in possesion of my father's original medals? If you are I would like to have them back in our family, where they belong. Also there is a wonderful picture of my Dad with his medals and uniform, the one you have posted, I would like that image as well. My Dad told me he had hidden these medals in the attic of our home in Budapest, they were left behind when we escaped Hungary in 1956 as a result of the Hungarian Revolution. If you have a story to tell regarding these things, I would love to hear it. What do you require of me to make this happen? I love my Father very much , He has always been an inspiration to me, I am honored and blessed to have him as my Dad. He told me the story of what happened that led to him being given the Iron Cross. I would like to pass these medals and picture onto my son Zoltan David III, he is in the Navy."

My reply -

Happy new year to you Zoltan. I am really happy you want the group back in your family – that is really neat. I acquired what was called your father's miniature medal bar, along with the documents for his Canadian Life Saving medals, a small picture (also slide) and small write up a number of years ago. I do not have his "original" large medals ( just real replacements – which is ok as none of the medals were named or numbered). It is a great and very historic bravery medal group. I have managed to replace all his medals except the Vitez ($150-$250). Silver Canadian Benefactor Medal ($75.) and the other two Canadian medals (?). This has not been cheap. I will not try to rob you (but I need to go back through my records to see what I did spend). The WW2 German Iron Cross is a 1957 (de-Nazified) type but the East Front is a WW2 issue (should be replaced with post 1957 ($75.). I have included a couple of scans. I am willing to work with you on this and will get back to you on a price. Cheers Captain George Albert

I had contacted Zoltan David (son) a number of years ago - but at that time he did not seem interested, but did give me the date of his fathers birth. This is what I have. Cheers Captain Albert

Also thank you guy for the kind words - It is what should be done in these cases, and only that. But Thanks Again Captain Albert

Hello, all - This should probably be a new "Topic" - but I will list it here. I just sold this incredible honor group to the late Zoltan David (died 1988 -Canada). to his Son and family. I would have liked to have just given them the group but my investment was just too much for that. They got it for what I had invested in it. His awards:

Order of Vite'z

Bar:

Large Silver Bravery Medal (Horthy) - 2,5000 awarded

Small Silver Bravery Medal (Horthy) - about 8,000 awarded

Fire Cross with swords 1942

Fire Cross without swords

Liberation of Upper Hungary Medal

Yugoslavia Campaign Medal

1939 Iron Cross 2^nd Class 1957 version rare to Hungarian

German East front Medal

Canadian Royal Life Saving Society Silver Benefactor Medal (1981)

Canadian Royal Life Saving Society Bronze Benefactor Medal (1979)

Canadian Royal Life Saving Society Silver Jubilee Medal (1988)

Canadian Royal Life Saving Society Alberta Branch Diamond Jubilee Medal (1984)

The group included all bar listed medals except the Silver Benefactor medal, last 2 Canadian medals, and the Order of Vitez, but his original mini bar was part of the group. Also included were his award documents for the Canadian medals, and a slide copy of the photo. I really hate to give up this group - but it does really belong with the family for the Son and grandson (both named Zoltan David). The son told me the story of how his father earned the 1939 Iron Cross - fascinating. They did not have a copy of this photo either. Cheers Captain Albert

Iron Cross Story

Here is the story of the Iron Cross medal as told by my Father:

He was assigned as a recon detail to a German battalion in Hungary or Romania- can't remember exactly. The Germans had camped along the river[probably the Danube]. They had positioned themselves on a bend in the river with high ridges on three sides of them across the river. When my father saw this position he thought it was a poor chioce and not easily defense-able. When he went to speak to the German commander about this , an argument ensued with the commander's guards, and my father forced his way into see the commander and voice his concerns. The commander called him a stupid Hungarian, did he not think that the area had been fully reconned and concluded to be safe? My father was sent on his way with the common disdain that was afforded to those of a lesser stature. My father's intuition would not let this situation rest. It was a rain soaked day, my father decided to check out the high ridge on the other side of the river himself. He stripped down to his shorts, crossed the river and climbed up a steep and muddy ridge, when he got to the top, he saw nothing, no sign of the enemy, but as he was about to leave the area, he heard a woman's laugh form a little shed, he shuck over and peeked in , there was a Russian soldier and the woman having sex. Then he began a closer inspection of the area and discovered the Russians were dug in and camouflaged and waiting for the right time to attack. My father shuck away, went to the German Commandant, the Commandant's guards would not allow my father an audience for the second time, my father said to the guard, as the guard drew his weapon, "go ahead and shoot if you want, but I am going to talk with the Commandant", so in he went, talked with the German, told him what he had found. The Germans checked for themselves, discovered the truth of my Dad's story and 'bugged out' before they were attacked. My Father saved their asses, and for that the German Commandant recommended him for the Iron Cross. How cool was that!

wow! Very nice museum. Thanks for posting - Captain Albert

Here is a museum near my house that houses a fantastic collection of MoH recipients, A.N.R.E.F. "Polar Bear" items and many other galleies on our states military heritage. http://www.michigans...m.com/news.html Enjoy, Scott.

I just bought this order, I am pretty sure it is original, but I question the cost. Can I have some opinions on what this is worth today? I ask as the prices being asked for other Turkish Orders seems very unrealistic. Thank you Cheers Captain Albert

I have seen in some decades of collecting prussian orders & decorations only 4th classes with swords marked by Godet and Wagner. Wagner shall been the only official supplier of the GOK of RAO4 and KO4 with swords, Godet shall have only sold replacement pieces.

The swords shown here are very close to those made by Godet, but they have not the quality. All original swords i have seen are die struck with very clear and sharp edges. These here look casted, often seen on upgraded crosses.

Send the pictures to one of the honorable dealers and offer it for sale. You will be disapointed ............

And by the way - for what was this cross awarded ? No china, no southwest-africa, no colonial comemorative medal ? Interested, how you will explain this ....

Regards

Markus

Awards without a China, Southwest-Africa, or Colonial Commemorative medal were possible - Von Mueller (Emden) got the Red Eagle 4th with swords for an action against Chinese Artillery prior to WW1 (no other campaign medal).

"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl_von_M%C3%BCller" Von Müller was given command of the SMS Emden in the Spring of 1913. Soon he achieved fame and notoriety in both the German and other imperial powers' newspapers for initiative and skill in shelling rebellious forts along the Yangtze at Nanjing (or Nanking). He was awarded the Order of the Royal Crown Third Class with Swords. (I am not sure this is correct - I read Red Eagle 4th with swords). Cheers Captain Albert

Here is his 1922 Annapolis photo. His family (whom I am in contact with) will supply other photos. Will post them later. Cheers Captain Albert

Hello all, this group just barely fits in. He was at Annapolis in 1918. (Served 1918-1953) retired Rear Admiral Hubbard Frederick Goodwin, US Navy. He served on the following ships: USS Rochester, USS Breck, USS Milwaukee, USS Whitney, USS Mahopoc (C.O.), USS New Orleans (Ex. Off.), USS Granville (C.O.). The group includes his double bar mounted medals, and Complete Tan service Uniform(dated 1951). Cheers Captain Albert

I should of noted that all the Insigna and buttons are all originals. I will post his Great great Grandson's Vietnam Bronze Star medal group later. Cheers Captain Albert

Getting US medal ribbon is a pain in the butt. OMSA ribbon bank is fine when they respond (you did not use to be a member). I got this reply from "UltraThin Ribbons & Medals". Nikki Payne [NPayne@ultrathin.com]

Paul R., No I do not think there have been that many awarded. The Medal (number originals) started being awarded in 1905 (40 years after the War - and mostly to Military men and those in the "Know"). This Award/Transmittal document has "007146" stamped on the bottom, and a 901 in the upper part - I do not know if either is a serial number. It is interesting that the form states "engraved" medal, but it came plain. I had the engraving done to save some history for the future. It is too bad that we have not been able to find a picture of Jacob Peart - Maybe some day. Also the medal was in one of those plastic clear cover blue bottom medal display boxes (1970's) - the green spongy stuff decomposes like crazy - one reason why the medal is not in the display box. Well cheers Captain Albert

Here is the engraving I had done on the rim of the medal (As the Government did not do it).

Grand Army of the Republic Members badge

Copy Wilson' Corp Badge (before I rework)

Award/Transmittal Box

See reply for more

Hello all I thought I would add a small write up on a family medal group. Trooper Jacob Peart, Company D, 7th Illinois Cavalry Volunteers, 2nd Brigade, 5th Division (Orange), Wilson's Cavalry Corp, Union Army (Served 8 March 1865 to 11 Oct 1865 - sick in hospital - Malaria Fever). He was 42 years old when he joined the Army. This issued (1975) Army Civil War medal was issued to his granddaughter the late Mrs. Jenny (Peart) Sedwick (My wife's great Aunt). I helped her apply for the medal, and she later (before she died) gave the medal, transmittal box, and award document to My wife an I. Please note the display is being redone to add a Grand Army of the Republic Members badge and a new copy of Wilson's Corp badge. Enjoy Cheers Captain Albert

Current Display

Award/Transmittal Document

Just rechecking to see if I could drum up some interest and help. Thanks Captain Albert

Well after a lot of work - I have found the following on Schroeder - Born 31 Jan 1879

During the war he served as Adjutant of St.N. (Navy Staff -North) then from January 1917 to July 1917 as first officer on the S.M.S. Oldenburg - his last command was from July 1917 until the end of the war as Commander of Luftabwehr-Abteilung (Air Defence Battalion) in the city of Cuxhaven. (translated by Naxos). He is listed in the 1914-1918 Rangslist as retiring on 16 March 1919, and retiring with the honorary rank of Fregattenkapitän 30 August 1919. I Found a telephone listing in Breigau for Fregattenkapitän Franz Christop Schroeder in 1937, so he did not die in 1925 (as I was told). Could use help to see if he was recalled in WW2. Thanks Captain Albert

Post War.

On the road again.

25 Dec. 1926

1940 - last photo

Camp Kearney, CA

With rifle

Getting ready to leave.

WW1 era.

Age 44!

A Second shot 7th Infantry.

With hat on

Goofing around 1912

1910 to 1912 B Company 7th California Infantry National Guard.

More.

Mounted

In 1910

Here are more.

1898 1st Texas Cavalry

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Hello all, along with the man's medals I got this really neat photo album. Runs from 1873 - 1939/40). There are many many more photos, but will try to keep it simple (and mostly military). Man served 1898-1899, 1901-1903, 1910-1912, and 1917-1919. Cheers Captain Albert

Age 3 1876

with sisters and brother he is 6 1879

See Next

Here is the name inside.

Thanks Chris, I was real lucky on this one - I walked into a local antique shop here in Eureka, CA. I jumped on it when I saw the Dress Blues, made the owner promise to get the photos, and name (note: name in the caps, etc). Store Owner told me grandson sold the items. There is a special story on the Captains photo - I purchase it back in 1991 from a junk man (who had a contract to go though the local garbage, before it was hauled away). Unbelievable. I still need to try to run down the grandson, to see if anything is left. I missed Schermerhorn's enlisted visor cap (it was on a shelve). Cheers Captain Albert

That is a more than fantastic group!!!!!!