D-DAY

[navyhmc]

Originally Posted by Travelnsj

You know Col. Ripley died last October. The 13 hours I sat next to him on the two flights from LAX to Guam he never discussed anything about himself except his training and the history of the USMC. I later googled Col. Ripley and watched a special on the Military History Channel about him. I could not believe I had the honor to sit next to such a nice gentleman who was a real American hero.

At the lounge in Hawaii he introduced me to Col. Wiedhahn, General Snowden and General Haynes (who's men raised the second flag on Mt. Suribachi) all were vets of Iwo Jima and the Pacific theater. I was able to sit and talk with these men for over an hour......I consider myself one of the luckiest Americans to of had the privilege to meet these great American hero's!

Yes, I knew that he passed on. A truly sad day. You are indeed a lucky man. That is the one thing I have noted about those who are living winners of the MOH and most men of that era: They arenever about themselves, they are all about those they served with.

While the spotlight is currently on the men of D-Day (and more than rightfully so!) I have also met a good number of the Marines that survived the "Frozen Chosen". Another humbling group of men-to learn what they went through.

[Coastie6]

The middle medal is:

The War Medal 1939-1945
It was awarded for full-time service in the Armed Forces, wherever that service may have been rendered during the war. Operational and non-operational service may be counted, providing that it was of 28 days or more duration. In the Merchant Navy there is a requirement that the 28 days should have been served at sea.

The single bronze oak leaf Emblem signifying either a Mention in Despatches, King's Commendation for brave conduct, or a King's Commendation for valuable service in the air, will, if granted for service during World War II, be worn on the ribbon of the War Medal 1939-45.


The Medal
The War Medal 1939-45 is cupro-nickel with the crowned effigy of King George VI on the obverse. The reverse has a lion standing on a fallen dragon. The top of the reverse shows the dates 1939 and 1945.

The Ribbon
The War Medal 1939-45 ribbon colours of red, white and blue represent the colours of the Union Flag.

Eligibility
This medal is awarded for 28 days full time service in the period between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945.

Here's a site you can get some info from Campaign Medals - World War Two 1939-1945

As far as cleaning, I would not recommend you do any, the patina is part of the history. I would suggest a glass front shadow box with an acid free backing. You have a great family heirloom in your Dad's medals. Thanks for sharing.

Originally Posted by robjoubert

Side Track: attached is a scan of my late father's WWII medals - I have two questions that I hope that someone can answer for me!!
1) Is the middle medal the Allied Service Medal? Or tell me where I can get it identified?
2) What is the best way to clean these medals without damaging their ribbons further?

(EDIT: finally found a good website: it is The War Medal!!!)

[robjoubert]

[quote=Coastie6;304120]The middle medal is:

As far as cleaning, I would not recommend you do any, the patina is part of the history. I would suggest a glass front shadow box with an acid free backing. You have a great family heirloom in your Dad's medals. Thanks for sharing.


quote]

Thanks for the data and the suggestion - I will do that as a small project this summer!