unknown ribbon bar

[Ulsterman]

A ebay find. Any ideas? One inch long with a brass backing. Doesn't look too old.

[Ed_Haynes]

USA, Civil Air Patrol. Will need to hunt for precise identification.

[Ulsterman]

wow! Thanks Ed. You are fast.

Any ideas on this one?

Edited September 6, 2006 by Ulsterman

[Ed_Haynes]

Jeff can do these in his sleep. Maybe I should wait for him . . . ??

This one looks like a US Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (with star indicating extra clasp) to me. Maybe?

[JBFloyd]

The first is the War Department's civilian Europe-Africa-Middle East Campaign ribbon. I agree with Ed on the second one.

[Ed_Haynes]

The expert is always right . . . sorry.

[Ulsterman]

Ah -#1 makes sense! It came with this one-the star of my USA collection!

[Ulsterman]

Last one-any ideas?

[JBFloyd]

Alabama has an Active Duty Basic Training Ribbon that fits this pattern, although it's likely to be used by a couple of states for other awards.

[Ulsterman]

Thank you Jeff!

Having perused my US books and the internet-uh.....

what exactly was the "War Department ETO service ribbon"? When was it authorized? Can you provide me/us with any additional information? Am I correct in assuming that some Red Cros person would have been able to receive this ribbon?

Thanks!

Edited September 7, 2006 by Ulsterman

[JBFloyd]

Properly, they are termed Oversea - American Theater, Oversea Europe-Africa-Middle Eastern Theater and Oversea - Asiatic-Pacific Theater ribbons. They were authorized in July 1943 for War Department civilians serving in the various war zones.

All three ribbons had the same basic design, with the American being dark blue, the EAME being dark green and Asiatic-Pacific being golden yellow. They were given for 6 months' overseas service.

About the only place you'll see them illustrated is the National Geographic "Heraldry of Heroism" article. They are included with a variety of other War Department civilian award ribbons.

They are relatively scarce items, probably because, with no real provision to wear them, they just disappeared into a jewelry box.