Unknown Ribbons

[Bigcypresshunter]

Does anybody recognize these ribbons I found with my Dads junk?


The one with the star says GRACO-GI on the back
The other says EIGI on the back



They are both clutch back

 

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[NOLA_Ken]

The one on top is WW2 European/African/Middle Eastern Campaign Medal if you go to the link below and click on the medal there's a section explaining the star also.

The bottom is WW2 victory medal

http://www.gruntsmilitary.com/army2.shtml

Nice finds!

 

[Kenosha Kid]

The bronze star on the EAME ribbon means active participation in a certain campaign there.

The EAME medal was also given for "passenger status" or TDY (temporary duty) -or- you were 'in theater' but didn't see action / actively participate in the listed campaigns.

The site NOLA_Ken gave is one I've had bookmarked. It'll tell you the campaign(s) your Dad was involved in.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Thanks. I didnt even realize they were my Dads. He had them in the garage in a container of nuts and bolts.. Do you think they are the WWII originals?

My Dad was a bronze star recipient from the Anzio invasion. Maybe Ill make up a little display case with the items I found..

http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,376805.0.html

http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,350646.0.html

 

[Kenosha Kid]

Do you think they are the WWII originals?

My Dad was a bronze star recipient from the Anzio invasion. Maybe Ill make up a little display case with the items I found..

Without a doubt, I would say they are the (his) originals. One of the campaigns listed was 'Anzio 22 Jan 44 - 24 May 44' but I remember your other post relating to his Cassino-Anzio-Rome tour.

Just some fyi: Even in the 70's, when I served, I rarely got the medals that went along with the ribbon bars. I guess the gov't was even cheap back then and mainly gave the ribbons (and no medal) unless it was a higher decoration.

A lot of vets make a display for their medals, etc. I'm sure you'd do your Dad proud by making one in his memory...

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Do you think they are the WWII originals?

My Dad was a bronze star recipient from the Anzio invasion. Maybe Ill make up a little display case with the items I found..

Without a doubt, I would say they are the (his) originals. One of the campaigns listed was 'Anzio 22 Jan 44 - 24 May 44' but I remember your other post relating to his Cassino-Anzio-Rome tour.

Just some fyi: Even in the 70's, when I served, I rarely got the medals that went along with the ribbon bars. I guess the gov't was even cheap back then and mainly gave the ribbons (and no medal) unless it was a higher decoration.

A lot of vets make a display for their medals, etc. I'm sure you'd do your Dad proud by making one in his memory...

My Dad has a display with the medals that he obtained at a much later date. My brother has it. Im going to make a small display with the originals.

My Dad proudly displayed his medals on the wall but the WWII originals were scattered around mixed with the nuts and bolts in the garage.

Do you think the ruptured duck lapel pin is original?

 

[Kenosha Kid]

Do you think the ruptured duck lapel pin is original?

I would say that anything military-related, that you've found amongst his possessions, would be authentic. I just can't see someone of his honor (Bronze Star) knowingly having any fake military decoration.

http://www.amervets.com/replacement/duck.htm#isr (info on the ruptured duck) :

War Department Circulars 187 and 318, dated 19 Aug 1943 and 7 Dec 1943, respectively, provided for gratuitous issue of the button to personnel honorably discharged since 9 Sep 1939.

In a directive dated 13 May 1944, the War Department General Staff authorized the Honorable Service Lapel Button to be manufactured in gold color metal or gold plated plastic.

Issue Requirements :

1. Your Character of Discharge must be HONORABLE or UNDER HONORABLE CONDITIONS (no exceptions).


I'd be willing to bet anything your Dad more than met the requirement...

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Do you think the ruptured duck lapel pin is original?

I would say that anything military-related, that you've found amongst his possessions, would be authentic. I just can't see someone of his honor (Bronze Star) knowingly having any fake military decoration.

I didnt mean fake. I meant replacement. I know his medals hanging on the wall were replacements, the originals were scattered about the house.

The lapel pin is the only item left in question as to a WWII original or replacement..

thanks

 

[NOLA_Ken]

Your ruptured duck has the look of an original, at least the details seem crisp in the photos, some of the replacements I've seen look either plated, (too yellow, soft on the details) or like they were cast. I'm not 100% but I would think period original. Thing is, I think it's more important that it was his, than when it was made.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Your ruptured duck has the look of an original, at least the details seem crisp in the photos, some of the replacements I've seen look either plated, (too yellow, soft on the details) or like they were cast. I'm not 100% but I would think period original. Thing is, I think it's more important that it was his, than when it was made.

OK thanks. Yes they are all his but I have 3 or 4 ruptured ducks and Im trying to sort out the originals.

 

[Kenosha Kid]

The lapel pin is the only item left in question as to a WWII original or replacement..

I'd go with original, due to the condition/patina ... and a few other reasons :

The very first ones had "National Defense" on them (the rarest ones now).
May 1943 the lapel button was described as being "all of blue plastic."
Jul 1943 a change prescribed "all of gold plated plastic."
May 1944 called for them to be manufactured in gold color metal or gold plated plastic. The plastic ones could be later traded for a metal one.

They were handed out by the thousands, basically for a few reasons. First, I'd say as a matter of pride/honor. They were initially authorized to be worn for 30 days after discharge. Second, so the MPs didn't think someone was AWOL.

Anyway, there are so many fakes/reproductions on the internet that it's so easy to weed those out. They didn't make them in sterling, 14k gold, nor with Infantry, Cavalry, etc. designated.

You might come across a cloth one in his belongings (khaki or olive drab) :

 

[Kenosha Kid]

To continue, as I forgot these...

Here's an original one or, at least, an early one:

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

To continue, as I forgot these...

Here's an original one or, at least, an early one:

Thats it exactly. Thanks.