Posted on 04/28/2010 8:30:23 AM PDT by TexasBarak
Holy Cow!
After seeing the photo in post 5:
Your Dad had himself one fine career! For one person to earn all those medals is beyond something.
I wish I could have met him to just say “Thank you” and shake the hand of a great soldier and American.
Top row far left appears to be the Air Medal. That would fall behind the Bronze Star in order of precedence. Top row far right is the National Defence Service Medal. Second row is the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Next to that is the Vietnam Service Medal. Then the Combat Infantryman’s Badge. Then I don’t know. Then the UN Korean Service Medal. Below the CIB look like some sort of Army Wings - I assume he was an aviator? Below those are the Infantry crossed rifles with regimental numbers and other arms insignia. And I’m afraid that’s about the best that this old sailor can help with.
Pat? Is that you? I wasn’t aware that you knew my father- or that you are a Freeper (although that last doesn’t surprise me :)
Starting at the top row left to right:
Row 1: Air Medal, Purple Heart, Distinguished Flying Cross, Silver Star, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal
Row2: Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Korea Service Medal, UN Service Medal, Korea
Badges down the center: Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Senior Aviator Badge, Aviator Badge, Infantry crossed rifles (155th Infantry Regiment, Mississippi NG), Infantry crossed rifles, 22d Infantry Regiment, Infantry Crossed rifles, 29th Infantry Regiment, Infantry crossed rifles, Field Artillery, Air Defense Artillery
Marksmanship Badges (on left) The three round ones with bars on top are National Rifle Association badges, not military. The cross with the wreath is the expert marksmanship badge with four bars for four weapons, can’t read which ones. The shield with the PR on it is a Pershing Rifles insignia (ROTC honor unit). The round insignia with the eagle on top is Quartermaster branch insignia. The patch is the 7th Infantry Division
On right side. Two U.S. lapel insignia (officer). Name tags and a dog tag. The insignia with the U.S. shield on it is the Distinguished Military Student badge (ROTC)I have no idea what the thing above the dog tag is, doesn’t look like U.S. military insignia
Across the bottom are distinctive unit insignia (DUI), sometimes incorrectly called unit crests. Worn by members of that unit. They are:
1st Infantry Division (Big Red One), 32d Field Artillery, 155th Infantry, 32d Infantry (upside down), 7th Field Artillery, 29th Infantry (upside down)
Hope that helps. Your father soldiered long and well, God bless him.
I am sorry for your loss. We are very grateful for your father’s service to our country.
Yeah, I'm good.
And another example of those who do the most brag the least.
You, my FRiend, Rock! I’ve printed out your reply for my family. I’m frankly amazed that you were able to identify all of these items apparently off the top of your head! Many Thanks!
So sorry to hear about your father. I’m feeling a little melancholy myself today, as today is the second of her birthdays without her - and she was a WAAC in World War II.
Might be a Silver Star to the left of the obvious (to me, anyhow) Bronze Star at the top....
Your dad must have had a nice look’n ‘fruit cocktail’.
Freepers are the best!
there are places that if you send them a copy of his DD214 they replace all medals & ribbons, unit insignia etc and have them mounted in a very nice showcase.....can get expensive but well worth it :)
Glad to help. All of these tell a story, and for those who can read the story of this collection, it is a tale of duty to country and distinguished combat service in two wars.
Not my dad. TexasBarak’s
Contact your US Rep in writing not email, you will need a copy of the DD214, and hopefully your Dad used the VA or the records will have been destroyed in that fire that destroyed many Veterans records. They will provide you will a whole bundle of info on your Dad. It takes awhile but they do find what they can.
The patches look to be unit patches. Like Top Hatters. (only one I can think of off the top of my head).
I did it when my step Dad died, he was WW2. Took awhile as they had to wait until his Bronze Star was engraved with his name on the back to send me the medals and papers.
I suggest you have them displayed in a special case. They are very precious memories.
Although I served in the USMC, I can help with a few of your fathers medals. From top row, left to right;
Air medal (20 combat missions, each award).Purple heart (wound sustained in combat). Distinguished Flying Cross. Silver Star (Combat valor). Bronze Star (same). Unknown. National Defense medal.
Second row; Republic of Vietnam issued Medal of Valor. US Republic of Vietnam Service Medal. Second row, middle; Combat Infantry device, below it, two Avaitor Wings Devices. To the right on middle; US Korean Service medal and last of second row; UN Korea Service Medal.
I will let Army types correct me and/or fill in my blanks.
One way or the other, your father was a cut and dryed warrior, a man who’s service to our Country was heroic. I hope you are proud of him. I wish I’d known him.
What plane did he fly? See the following picture.
![](http://i43.tinypic.com/296ixdt.jpg")
You should be very proud.
I wish I had my father’s medals.
R.I.P. Lt. Kreitler
God bless you and your family’s service to our great republic.
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