Medals and Badges Earned

When veterans returned home from World War II there were no Campaign or Victory medals to award them. There were only ribbon bars for their uniforms since all brass had gone for ammunition. Only after the war did veterans' medals become available, some not for 20 years.

Bronze Star

Established by order of the President on February 4, 1944, awarded to personnel of the US Armed Forces, who on or after December 7, 1941, distinguished themselves:

"For Heroic or Meritorious Achievement of Service, not involving aerial flight, in connection with Operations Against an Opposing Armed Force."

Bronze "V" device worn to denote Valor/Heroism.

Purple Heart

Originally established by General George Washington on August 7, 1782, at Newburgh on the Hudson, New York, as an award for outstanding military merit, or the 'Badge of Merit'. The decoration was in the form of an embroidered, heart-shaped badge of purple cloth and only three non-commissioned officers received the Order at that time. Though never officially abolished it was not again awarded for almost one hundred and fifty years.

In 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued an Executive Order which provided that the Purple Heart would be made available to members of all the US Armed Services who were wounded in action. Since then the Purple Heart has become one of the most highly respected decorations of the US Armed Forces. The decoration holds a very unique position in that it can be earned in only one way, by being wounded. An attendant requirement is that the wound must have been received as a direct result of enemy actions.

Second and subsequent awards are denoted by bronze Oak Leaf Clusters.

Good Conduct Medal

Established by order of the President June 28, 1941.

"For enlisted personnel who, on or after August 27, 1940, had or shall have honorably completed three years of active federal military service, or who, after December 7, 1941, have or shall have honorably served one year of federal military service while the United States is at war."

European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal

For service in the US Armed Forces within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations from December 7, 1941 to November 8, 1945.

One bronze service star may be worn for each campaign; one silver service star in lieu of five bronze stars:

• Egypt-Libya -- Jun 11, 1942-Feb 12, 1943

• Air Offensive, Europe -- Jul 4, 1942-Jun 5, 1944

• Algeria-French Morocco -- Nov 8-11, 1942

• Tunisia -- Nov 17, 1942-May 13, 1943

• Sicily -- Jul 9, 1943-Aug 17, 1943

• Naples-Foggia -- Aug 18, 1943-Jan 21, 1944 (Air); -- Sep 9, 1943-Jan 21, 1944 (Ground)

• Anzio -- Jan 22, 1944-May 24, 1944

• Rome-Arno -- Jan 22, 1944-Sep 9, 1944

• Normandy -- Jun 6, 1944-Jul 24, 1944

• Northern France -- Jul 25, 1944-Sep 14, 1944

• Southern France -- Aug 15, 1944-Sep 14, 1944

• Northern Apennines -- Sep 10, 1944-Apr 4, 1945

• Rhineland -- Sep 15, 1944-Mar 21, 1945

• Ardennes-Alsace -- Dec 16, 1944-Jan 25, 1945

• Central Europe -- Mar 22, 1945-May 11, 1945

• Po Valley -- Apr 5, 1945-May 8, 1945

American Defense Service Medal

Established by order of the President on June 28, 1941, for service in the US Armed Forces for one year during the 'Limited Emergency' proclaimed by the President on September 8, 1939, or during the 'Unlimited Emergency' proclaimed by the President on May 27, 1941.

The Combat Infantryman Badge

The Combat Infantryman Badge is awarded to Infantry members for satisfactorily performing their duty during active ground combat with the enemy. The recipient must have been personally present and under hostile fire to be eligible for this badge.

Honorable Discharge Emblem "Ruptured Duck"

According to Circular No. 454 dated 29 Nov 1944, the War Department adopted an honorable discharge emblem for wear on the uniform of all military personnel who are discharged or separated from the service under honorable conditions. The emblem will be worn as a badge of honor indicative of honest and faithful service while a member of the Armed Forces. At the time of honorable discharge or separation from the service, the emblem will be permanently affixed on the right breast of all the outer clothing centered immediately above the pocket.