Battle of Manila Bay "Dewey" Medal

Until the adoption of Federally authorized campaign medals in 1908, the Dewey Medal remained one of only two service medals available to members of the US Navy--the other being the Sampson Medal, which was issued to commemorate a similiar victory over the Spanish fleet in the West Indies.

Original issues of the Dewey Medal are impressed on the rim with the reciepient's name and rank.

World War II Victory Medal

The World War II Victory Medal was awarded by an Act of Congress dated July 6, 1945.  All members of the armed forces who served at least one day of active federal service between December 7, 1941 and December 31, 1946 were eligible.

Despite its having been issued in the millions and the relative ease with which collectors can acquire it, the WW II Victory Medal is significant because it marks a turning point in American medallic history.  It was the last "Victory" medal.  The figure of Victory, which graced the fronts of both the WW I and WW II Victory medals was not used on the Korean Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, or the Southwest Asia Service Meal.   Perhaps the names of these last three medals support the perception that America is not in the business of winning wars anymore.

Medal of Honor -- Army

Over the years the requirements for award of the Medal of Honor have changed. As other awards were approved, they were always made inferior to the Medal of Honor. This resulted in the award criteria for the Medal of Honor being raised. Today, unquestionable proof of acts of heroism so unique and above and beyond the call of duty are required for the award.

Since its inception there have been 2,362 Medals of Honor awarded to soldiers of the U.S. Army.

In addition to the changing award criteria, the Army design of the Medal of Honor has undergone 6 design changes. Illustrated is a Type V medal, used from 1944 until 1964. This design is distinguished from the current style by the fact that the Cravat pad with the 13 stars is made by folding and stitching that portion of the neck ribbon, whereas the cravat pad on the Type VI medal is a separate piece attached to the neck ribbon.

Navy Cross

This wording made the Navy Cross subordinate to the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, which was authorized by the same Act of Congress. This created a awkward situation since the Navy DSM could not be awarded for combat heroism.

This situation was cleared up in 1942, when an Act of Congress restricted the NC to acts of combat bravery and elevated it to a position between the Medal of Honor and the Distinguished Service Cross. Today the Navy Cross still ranks second in the Navy's Pyramid of Honor and remains the highest valor award that can be bestowed upon civilians serving with the Navy.

Civil War Campaign Medal-Army

The original ribbon was a variation of the red, white and blue color scheme. This photograph illustrates the Army Civil War Campaign Medal with the second style ribbon which was authorized in 1913 to match the blue and gray style of the Navy Civil War Campaign Medal.

Initial issue of the Army Civil Wary Campaign medal to retired soldiers were serial numbered on the rim with "No.####."  Later, the mint was ordered to produce additional medals for award to other veterans.  These were serial numbered "M.No.####."  A final mint run was made about 1930 and these medals were un-serial numbered.

Joint Service Achievement Medal

The JSAM was established to recognize the achievements of junior officers and enlisted personnel serving on a specified joint activity.

The Joint Service Achievement Medal cannot be awarded in a combat zone and eligibility excludes general officers.

The initial production of 1,000 of the JSAM was distributed with a special reverse. The reverse included, in raised lettering, the words "For Presentation Only." These were intended to be used in presentation ceremonies and not permanently given to the awardees.

China Service Medal - Navy & USMC

A second period of eligibility was later authorized covering the period from 2 September 1945 until 1 April 1957. However, the area of eligibility for this second period covered duty in China, Taiwan and the Matsu Straits.

The China Service Medal was the last United States Service medal to be struck with a branch-specific reverse design. Members of the Navy, Coast Guard and Army who were awarded the medal received it with the Navy reverse. Members of the Marine Corps received the medal with the Marine Corps reverse.

Initial strikes of the medal featured a ring suspension. However, those produced after 1945 were struck with a knob suspension (as illustrated). In addition, a very limited number of medals were serial numbered. The serial numbers found on early ring suspension China Service Medals are smaller than those used on earlier Navy and Marine Corps Campaign medals.

Air Force Achievement Medal

Designed by Captain Robert Bonn, the Air Force Achievement medal was the first Air Force award that was not based on the design of an already existing Army decoration.

Additional awards of the AFAM are denoted by the addition of a bronze oak leaf to the suspension ribbon and the ribbon bar.

Army Commendation Medal

The ARCOM was established on 18 December 1945 as the Army Commendation Ribbon. The award was intended to recognize junior officers and enlisted personnel for acts of achievement or meritorious service.

The metal planchet was added to the ribbon in 1948 and the name was officially changed to the Army Commendation Medal in 1960.

Award of the ARCOM is restricted to the rank of Colonel and below because, by definition, the duties and responsibilities of general officers would place their achievements beyond the scope of the award criteria for the Army Commendation medal.

$59.95 + $3.00 S/H in USA

John Strandberg

6831 SE Renada Street

Milwaukie, OR 97267 USA