Medals
They came late to the ballgame by British standards, but they came to play. They were crude, crass and lacking in military finesse according to Montgomery and other Allied leaders, but they won many more times than they lost. They fought down there in the mud and the blood and the gore and got the job done.
Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal
Awarded to any Seaman in the U.S. Merchant Marine who, on or after September 3, 1939, has distinguished himself during the war by outstanding conduct or service in the line of duty. Not more than one medal shall be issued to any one seaman, but for each succeeding instance sufficient to justify the award of a medal, there will be awarded a suitable insignia to be worn with the medal.
Merchant Marine Meritorious Service Medal
The Merchant Marine Meritorious Service Medal is awarded to Seamen of any ship operated by or for the War Shipping Administration who is commended by the Administrator for conduct or service of a meritorious nature, but not sufficient to warrant the Distinguished Service Medal.
Merchant Marine WW2 Victory Medal
Awarded to all Merchant Marine personnel who were serving or had served at least one day in a war zone during the period between December 7, 1941 and December 31, 1946.
Merchant Marine Atlantic War Zone Medal
Awarded to all Merchant Marine personnel serving in the Atlantic Ocean between the U.S. eastern seaboard and Europe. This was known as the Gauntlet, with German U-boats preying about the transport of valuable cargo, both humans, supplies, and major weapons such as tanks and transport vehicles.
Merchant Marine Pacific War Zone Medal
For service in the Pacific zone, including the North Pacific Ocean, South Pacific Ocean, and Indian Ocean east of eighty degrees east longitude.
Mariners Medal
The Mariner's Medal is awarded to any seaman who while serving in a ship during the war period is wounded, suffers physical injury, or suffers through dangerous exposure as a result of an act of enemy of the United States. In the event any such seaman dies from the wounds or injuries before the award can be made to him, the medal may he presented to the person named in the War Risk Policy as his beneficiary.
Mariners Medal
Awarded to World War II veterans held prisoners of war during the period December 7, 1941 to August 15, 1945. The medal recognizes the special service prisoners of war gave to their country and the suffering and anguish they endured while incarcerated.
WW2 Victory Medal
Authorized on 6 July 1945, for members of the United States Armed Forces for at least 1 day service between 7 December 1941 to 31 December 1946.
American Campaign Medal
Authorized on 6 November 1942, for members of the United States Armed Forces for service between 7 December 1941 to 2 March 1946 for service within the American Theater.
Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal
Authorized on 6 November 1942, for members of the United States Armed Forces for service between 7 December 1941 to 8 November 1945.
European African Middle Eastern Campaign
Authorized on 6 November 1942, for members of the United States Armed Forces for service in this these theaters between 7 December 1941 to 8 November 1945.
American Defense Medal
Authorized on 28 June 1941, for members of the United States Armed Forces for service between 8 September 1939 to 7 December 1941.
Army of Occupation
Authorized in 1946, for members of the United States Army and Air Corps. for 30 consecutive days while assigned to any of the following: Germany between 9 May 1945 to 5 May 1955, Austria between 9 July 1945 to 27 July 1955, Berlin between 9 May 1945 to 1990, Italy between 9 May 1945 to 15 September 1947, Japan between 3 September 1945 to 27 April 1952.
Philippine Liberation Medal
Authorized in 1945, to members of the Philippine and United States Armed Forces, for service in the liberation of the Philippines between 17 October 1944 and 3 September 1945 and in the landing operations on Leyte and adjoining islands, engagement of the enemy during the Philippine Liberation Campaign and/or service on vessels in Philippine waters for not less than 30 days between the above dates.
Womens Army Corps Service Medal
Awarded to any service member who was a member of the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps between July 10, 1942, and August 31, 1943 or the Women's Army Corps between September l, 1943, and September 2, 1945.
Air Medal
The Air Medal was authorized by President Roosevelt by Executive Order 9158, dated 11 May 1942, and established the award for "any person who, while serving in any capacity in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard of the United States subsequent to September 8, 1939, distinguishes, or has distinguished, himself by meritorious achievement while participating in an aerial flight."
Bronze Star
The Bronze Star Medal is awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity in or with the military of the United States after 6 December 1941, distinguished himself or herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight, while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party. Later, those that were awarded the Combat Infantry Badge were also eligible for the Bronze Star.
Silver Star
The Silver Star is awarded to a person who, while serving in any capacity with the U.S. Army, is cited for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force, or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party. The required gallantry, while of a lesser degree than that required for award of the Distinguished Service Cross, must nevertheless have been performed with marked distinction. Soldiers who received a citation for gallantry in action during World War I may apply to have the citation converted to the Silver Star Medal.
Purple Heart
The Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the President of the United States to any member of an Armed Force who, while serving with the U.S. Armed Services after 5 April 1917, has been wounded or killed, or who has died or may hereafter die after being wounded.
Distinguished Flying Cross
The Distinguished Flying Cross is awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States, distinguishes himself by heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. The performance of the act of heroism must be evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty. The extraordinary achievement must have resulted in an accomplishment so exceptional and outstanding as to clearly set the individual apart from his comrades or from other persons in similar circumstances. Awards will be made only to recognize single acts of heroism or extraordinary achievement and will not be made in recognition of sustained operational activities against an armed enemy.