I have always been interested in WWII. I have only recently began exploring that interest through books and documentaries. My grandfather died in 2002 when I was only 12, so I never got the chance to ask much about it. I visited my grandmother this weekend and she didn't know much about the specific medals. Could someone point me in the right direction to figure these out? If there are any you recognize and would like to call out, I would greatly appreciate it. He had a trunk full of all of his other "souvenirs" and uniform and stuff, but unfortunately my uncle took it without my grandmother knowing :/....I am working on that.
I digress, any help at all would make my day. Thanks!
edit: let me know if I am in the wrong sub
You've got quite a collection here!
9th Armored Division unit patch
Driver and Mechanic Badge, for those men who have attained a high degree of proficiency in the operation and maintenance of motor vehicles. Your grandfather's badge has a "T", which denotes a tracked vehicle driver. Maybe the 9th Armored Division patch has something to do with that?
United States Army Air Forces patch
United States Air Force Staff Sergeant rank insignia
Honorable Service Lapel lozenge and pin, sometimes called the "Ruptured Duck" The small gold "duck" pin below the lozenge can also be worn on the uniform. Possession of the lozenge or pin allowed returning veterans permission to wear their uniform up to 30 days post-discharge. Even back then, laws regarding the wear of military uniforms by civilians or even honorably discharged combat veterans were still very restrictive.
Advance Section, Communications Zone patch ADSEC was essentially the forward forces of the COMZ for the US armies advancing in Europe during WWII; they rehabilitated port and rail facilities, brought up supplies, conducted various engineering jobs, and controlled field hospitals and blood banks; they were always on the move, following the front lines.
Marksmanship Expert Badge with carbine clasp (in the picture, rifle)
US Army Staff Sergeant rank insignia
Overseas Service Bars, indicating 2 1/2 years spent overseas in WWII. Each bar represented six months
The diagonal stripe is a service stripe, which denotes three years' service in the US Army
US Army Distinguished Unit Citation ribbon
Row of medals with corresponding ribbons along the bottom (Left to right) The ribbons atop the medals were worn in lieu of them on the uniform; in many cases, the ribbon was distributed first because the final design of the medal was not actually approved until after the war was over
US Army Good Conduct Medal: Awarded for a demonstration of exemplary behavior and efficiency during three years of service. If a service member commits an infraction worthy of discipline, the three years "resets" and starts again. In a time of war, this is reduced to one year.
American Campaign Medal: Awarded for service within the American Theater (continental US and vicinity) between December 7, 1941 and March 2, 1946
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with two bronze stars: This indicates your grandfather served in Europe, North Africa, or the Middle East between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946. The two bronze stars indicate campaigns served.
Campaign Streamers in chronological order:
| Campaign | Dates |
|---|---|
| Egypt-Libya | June 11, 1942 - February 13, 1943 |
| Air Offensive, Europe | 4 July 1942 - 5 June 1944 |
| Algeria-French Morocco | 8 - 11 November 1942 |
| Tunisia | 17 November 1942 - 13 May 1943 |
| Sicily | 9 July - 17 August 1943 |
| Naples-Foggia | 9 September 1943 - 21 January 1944 |
| Anzio | 22 January - 24 May 1944 |
| Rome-Arno | 22 January - 9 September 1944 |
| Normandy | 6 June - 24 July 1944 |
| Northern France | 25 July - 14 September 1944 |
| Southern France (for the units that invaded Southern France) | 15 August - 14 September 1944 |
| North Apennines | 10 September 1944 - 4 April 1945 |
| Rhineland | 15 September 1944 - 21 March 1945 |
| Ardennes-Alsace | 16 December 1944 - 25 January 1945 |
| Central Europe | 22 March - 11 May 1945 |
| Po Valley | 5 April - 8 May 1945 |
World War II Victory Medal: Awarded to any member of the United States or Philippine armed forces who were on active or reserve duty between December 7, 1941, and December 31, 1946.
Army of Occupation Medal with Germany clasp: Indicates that your grandfather served at least 30 consecutive days of duty in the German occupation zone during any time from May 9, 1945 to May 5, 1955.
The two-toned blue ribbon above this is the Air Force Longevity Service Award, given for four years of meritorious service in the Air Force. It was retroactive after its creation in 1957, and was hence given to members of the US Army Air Forces who were still in that service (for at least four years) after the date when the Air Force was created as a separate entity, on September 18, 1947.
Sources:
US Institute of Heraldry, part of the Office of the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army
Hiya! This sub is fine; loads of people here can help with identifying medals. We also have some handy links in our wiki if you'd like to get started with some digging on your own: check it out here