Category Archives: Military News
DD-214 Mistakes??
Does the Government make mistakes on DD214 entries?
I reviewed a DD214 issued to a retired Army Colonel (O-6) two years ago.
The entry on the DD214 was for—KOREA SERVICE MEDAL – for service in Korea during the Korea War.
The Colonel had recently retired and never reviewed his DD214 for accuracy. Well, the Korean Service Medal criteria is:
Korean Service Medal
Service: All Services Instituted: 1950
Criteria: Participation in military operations within the Korean area during 1950-54.
The retired Colonel was NEVER involved in the Korea War. But he did serve in Korea in 1989. This means he is entitled to the Korea DEFENSE Service Medal and NOT the Korea Service Medal.
Criteria for the Korea Defense Service Medal is:
Korean Defense Service Medal
Service: All Services Instituted: 2003
Criteria: For service in the Republic of Korea or adjacent
waters for a qualifying period of time after 28 July 1954.
Air Transport Command – ATC
Air Transport Command Insignia
A Medals of America customer recently asked what the military insignia was on the bottom of the lapel on his father’s World War II Army Air Forces uniform (ATC1) While it was unclear and grainy in the photo, it was identified as the Air Transport Command (ATC insignia) (ATC2). When you look at the image, you’ll see the points of the compass; between that in Morse Code is “ATC.”
Air Transport Command (ATC) was at once an active United States Air Force Unit, but is no longer active. Its job was to quickly provide reinforcement for the US military bases during WWII as well as provide worldwide air transportation for military personnel. Air Transport Command eventually became the Military Air Transport Service and later renamed Military Airlift Command in 1948 and again in 1966 to today’s Air Mobility Command.
Air Transport Command Patch
Naval Reserve Medal
Service: Navy
Instituted: 1938 Dates 1938-1958
Criteria: Awarded for 10 years of honorable service in the U.S. Naval Reserve.
Devices: Bronze Star
Naval Reserve Medal
Notes: The earlier ribbon version was a deep reddish-purple shade (the so-called: “plum” version). The medal was superseded by the Armed Forces Reserve Medal.
Naval Reserve Medal – History
Naval Reserve Medal
Medals of America coins for WWII service honored at annual Marblehead Veterans Day service
Medals of America’s products were in the news once again. This time for a challenge coin that we provided for the Town of Marblehead Veterans Services. This article was originally posted here.
_____
The annual Veterans Day service at Abbot Hall in Marblehead proved to be an emotional day for those attending, and particularly for those participating.
This year’s program was different from previous years’; town officials decided to honor WWII veterans with a commemorative coin. Surviving veterans or spouses of those deceased stood individually before a packed meeting hall to receive a very warm applause from appreciative residents as they accepted Marblehead’s token of gratitude. The coin was really just a small memento; the real idea was to give a heartfelt thanks to the “greatest generation” that ever lived.
Many Veterans Suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, a Disorder that Needs to be Recognized
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, is a very serious disorder that many of our veterans deal with in their lives. While this disorder isn’t always widely recognized, it is important that we support our troops and our veterans. Medals of America is doing its part to raise awareness and support this disorder by offering PTSD merchandise, including PTSD shirts, challenge coins and hats. All PTSD items are great for both active and retired military members helping let all of our soldiers know that they are supported.
While PTSD may not always be widely recognized as a disease or disorder, it is one that is very prevalent, as close to one-third of all soldiers returning home after war suffer from this disorder. Despite being angry, confused and even suicidal, many of these men and women refuse to seek help, as they are afraid it will be seen as a weakness or stigma. However, it is important to remember that it can be through the aid of friends, family, and military leaders that these individuals pull through and can begin the healing process. We all can play a role.
