Virtual Grenadier - Top
Display your banner here
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 29

US Medal Reference Thread

Article about: Hi All, I notice quite a few reference threads on the forum related to other areas of collecting, and thought it may be helpful to post one related to US medals. All medals in the photos bel

  1. #1
    ?

    Default US Medal Reference Thread

    Hi All,
    I notice quite a few reference threads on the forum related to other areas of collecting, and thought it may be helpful to post one related to US medals.

    All medals in the photos below are in my collection. I of course don't own every US medal out there so I am hoping others will share their examples in this thread, thus creating one main point of reference for all (or most) things US medal related.

    The only thing I do ask is if you add a medal to this thread, please do not post an example that has already been posted, unless the purpose is to reference a different production type or other characteristic not already posted (crimp, slot or wrap brooch, different engraving type, different issue case, etc.).

    Additionally, I ask that the photos be clear and well lit so we know what we're looking at.

    Thanks and I look forward to seeing this thread grow!

  2. #2
    ?

    Default

    Before I jump into photos of medals, the first thing you need to know before collecting US medals is the brooch type. Knowing the brooch types will help in estimating the period in which the medal was issued or even under which branch of military the medal was manufactured for.

    Full-Wrap Brooch
    This brooch type is indicative of medals issued prior to WWII, although WWII examples of USN, Army and USMC contract medals will contain this brooch type. Most common example of this brooch type is that found on the US WWI Victory Medal.

    US Medal Reference Thread

    Split-Wrap Brooch
    Similar in period to the Full-Wrap brooch in that it is indicative of medals produced prior to WWII, however also found in use during WWII.

    US Medal Reference Thread

    Slot-Brooch
    Found on WWII production medals, however some medals produced during WWII with this brooch can be found issued into Vietnam and beyond. Examples would be the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

    US Medal Reference Thread

    Slot-Crimp Brooch
    Found on medals typically issued in the 50’s through Vietnam

    US Medal Reference Thread

    Crimp Brooch
    Found on medals issued post-WWII and is the standard brooch type used by all branches of the military today.

    US Medal Reference Thread

  3. #3
    ?

    Default

    Slot-Brooch Silver Star

    US Medal Reference Thread

  4. #4
    ?

    Default

    Legion of Merit

    Presentation (Coffin) Case

    US Medal Reference Thread

    Full-Wrap Brooch

    US Medal Reference Thread

    Crimp Brooch

    US Medal Reference Thread

  5. #5
    ?

    Default

    Slot-Brooch Distinguished Flying Cross

    US Medal Reference Thread

  6. #6
    ?

    Default

    Bronze Star

    Presentation Case

    US Medal Reference Thread

    Slot-Brooch

    US Medal Reference Thread

    Slot-Brooch w/Vietnam Era Government Engraving

    US Medal Reference Thread

  7. #7
    ?

    Default

    Purple Heart

    Presentation Case


    US Medal Reference Thread

    Slot Brooch

    US Medal Reference Thread

    Split-Wrap Brooch w/WWI Government Issue Engraving (after 1932)

    US Medal Reference Thread


    Slot-Brooch w/WWII Government Issue Engraving


    US Medal Reference Thread

    Slot-Brooch w/Vietnam War Government Issue Engraving

    US Medal Reference Thread

    Rim Numbering (Pre-WWII - Early WWII examples)

    US Medal Reference Thread

  8. #8
    ?

    Default

    Air Medal

    Presentation Box

    US Medal Reference Thread

    Crimp-Brooch

    US Medal Reference Thread

  9. #9
    ?

    Default

    Army Commendation Medal

    Presentation Case (circa 1950's)


    US Medal Reference Thread

    Crimp-Slot Brooch


    US Medal Reference Thread

  10. #10
    ?

    Default

    Army Good Conduct

    Issue Box

    US Medal Reference Thread

    Slot-Brooch

    US Medal Reference Thread

    Crimp-Brooch w/Modern Government Engraving

    US Medal Reference Thread

Page 1 of 3 1 2 3 LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. Der Stahlhelm Photo Reference Thread

    In Weimar Soft Headgear
    11-07-2023, 11:33 PM
  2. Foreign Volunteers Insignia-Reference Thread

    In Heer, Luftwaffe, & Kriegsmarine Uniforms of the Third Reich
    11-29-2020, 03:27 PM
  3. 12-01-2011, 02:52 PM
  4. 08-13-2011, 05:42 PM
  5. Important! The Useful Reference Links Thread.

    In Orders & Decorations of the Third Reich
    04-10-2011, 10:46 PM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
Wardmilitaria - Down
Display your banner here