Lamh Foistenach Abu!
I'm familiar with the Purple Heart, Silver Star and Bronze Star (all of which he earned as a butterbar Lt. in Korea), as well as the Distinguished Flying Cross (earned in Vietnam).
I don't know the others across the top half. I'm also a bit curious about the name tag with the skull-and-crossbones. I thought that it surely wasn't part of his uniform, but my Mother has a picture of him in a uniform with this very nametag.
Dad retired from the Army in 1972 (when I was 8). He always claimed that the only thing he was famous for in the Army was the ability to break rules and get away with it.
For the last few years, Dad lurked on Free Republic, and enjoyed it very much.
Any Freepers who were involved in Army Aviation in the late fifties and sixties might have known, or heard of him- Lt. Colonel Clark F. Kreitler.
Thanks, all!
Lamh Foistenach Abu! I’m gonna have to go back and review how to post pics and links on here- I can’t even get it to show a live link.
There are online places to get a picture of every single medal and ribbon.
And thank you for your dad’s service to our country.
Like most, he hid his light under the bushel basket.
You posted this at the right place ping.
Dear God, that man SERVED!
What are you willing to tell us about him?
Tell us about your dad.
At least point us to his obituary.
Incredibly impressive!
I can’t tell you anything as you provide no pictures.
There are sites online that will help you determine what they are. They should also have citations or letters recommending or confirming his presentment.
I had to identify the medals of a friend who passed away 5 years ago, before I realized the letters of recommendation of confirmation where sitting right in front of me.
This link might help you, too. From the Army’s Institute of Heraldry:
http://www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil/Awards/dec_awards_military.aspx
On the far left and left center there are round medals with crossed rifles in the center, and the center medallion is hanging by chain links from top panels. Those are civilian NRA marksmanship medals. I used to have some of them when I was in junior high school. I had the far left medal with 8 bars hanging under it.
Others are way ahead of me giving you the links you need. My WWII Veteran Dad passed away in 2003 and I had to do the same homework you are doing to make sure at his memorial all his medals, ribbons, and unit awards were all on display. I had to order a few that were lost.
God Bless all of our fallen Heroes.
I can honestly say your father was one of the most quiet and genteel of men when I knew him. I will miss him greatly.
It appears the second down on the left is a service medal for Republic of Vietnam in 1960. That’s about as much help as I can provide.
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.
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.