u/Current_Shelter_55

Here’s one of the craziest enlisted ribbon bars I have had. Unfortunately it’s not named but I believe that with his length of service and his awards that there’s a slight chance I can put a name to it.

This ribbon bar was to a 30 year enlisted Air Force veteran who most likely served from 1953-1954 to 1983-1984 and saw quite a bit of action during the Vietnam war but never went overseas again after 1980. If he would've stayed in past 1986 there would be at least one other ribbon bar thats not present and that's the Air Force Basic training ribbon.

In December 1986, the criteria expanded and authorized the ribbon to anyone who was on active duty in December 1986, regardless of when they completed initial accession training.

He has the following awards

Bronze star with oak leaf cluster

Meritorious Service Medal with 2 oak leaf clusters

Air Force Commendation with oak leaf cluster

Presidential Unit Citation

Air Force Outstanding Unit Citation with V device 1 silver and 2 Bronze oak leaf clusters

Air Force Combat Readiness Medal

Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 1 Silver and 1 Bronze oak leaf clusters for 21 years of service

Army Good Conduct Medal with 3 knots for 9 years of service

National Defense with 1 star

Armed Forces Expeditionary ribbon

Vietnam Service Ribbon with 1 Silver Star

Air Force longevity ribbon with 1 Silver and 1 Bronze oak leaf cluster for 28 years of service

Air Force NCO ribbon

Air Force Small Arms Expert

Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with palm

Vietnam Campaign

Dog tags and leather Colonel insignia to Air Force Colonel Harrison R Christy Jr.

Christy was born on July 30th, 1916, in Oklahoma City, and would pass away on December 2nd, 2002, in Dothan, Alabama.

Christy would enlist in the Army Air Corps on September 10th, 1940, and would become an Aviation Cadet. On April 25th, 1941, Christy would be commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Air Corps.

During WW2, Christy would become the commanding officer of the 756th Bombardment Squadron, 459th Bombardment Group, 15th Air Force, from March 1944 to August 1944 and then from October to December 1944.

During Ww2, Christy would earn the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with 8 oak leaf clusters, the Presidential Unit Citation, and the French Croix de Guerre with palm, which was presented to him in 1949.

After WW2, Christy would hold a number of different positions throughout the Air Force, including commanding several different Air Force bases and installations, including Godman Air Force Base,Whiteman Air Force Base and MacDill Air Force Base.

On February 20th, 1968, Colonel Christy became the Base Commander at Whiteman Air Force Base and held the position until September 30th, 1969.

Colonel Christy retired from the Air Force on September 30th, 1969 after 30 years of service

Among numerous his decorations are the following

Distinguished Flying Cross

Air Medal with 8 oak leaf clusters

Presidential Unit Citation

French Croix De Guerre with Palm

American Defense

American Campaign

European Campaign

Ww2 Victory

(French Croix De Guerre with Palm Citation)

The citation reads, on order of the Air Force of the Republic of France, by authority of the Minister of National Defense, that there is prevented herewith to Lt Col Harrison Randolph Christy Jr the Croix de Guerre (Cross of War of 1939-1945 with palm). This decoration is awarded to Lt Col Christy for services as a member of the 459th Bombardment Group of the 15th Air Force.

His extreme heroism while participating in operations of the Allied Forces in France merits the highest praise. He particularly distinguished himself while participating in air raids, which assured the success of the Allied debarkation on the Mediterranean Coast and hastened the liberation of the French National Territory.

This citation authorizes Lt Col Christy to wear the Cross of War of 1939-1945 with palm. Signed by Paul Ramadier in Paris on the 15th of April 1949. Countersigned by Brigadier General Venot, Chief of Personnel, Air Force of the Republic of France, in Paris on the 8th day of July 1949.

https://www.usafunithistory.com/PDF/0700/756%20AIR%20REFUELING%20SQ.pdf

One of my newest purchases. It's been a minute since I found a cool and interesting ribbon bar like this.

Unfortunately this ribbon bar isn't named at the moment however I'm going to say there's a small chance it could be.

Whoever this Airman was he was definitely a high ranking enlisted guy most likely a E7 or E8 who served for 33 years according to his good conduct medals.

His Air force longevity ribbon is correct with 1 Silver oak leaf cluster for 24 years and 1 additional bronze oak leaf cluster for an additional 4 years of service totaling 30 years.

The Air Force longevity ribbon is only award after 4 years of service so if he would have stayed in another year he would most likely have gotten another bronze oak leaf cluster.

His major awards are the following

Bronze Star with oak leaf cluster

Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters

Air Force Commendation with oak leaf cluster

Presidential Unit Citation

Air Force Outstanding Unit Citation with V Device 1 Silver and 2 bronze oak leaf clusters

Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation

This has to be one of the best dog tag sets I have ever owned. These Tags and stamp are named to Air Force Colonel Charles W Turke.

Turke was Born on January 2nd 1931 in Westernville New York and passed on August 23rd 2021 in El Paso, Woodford County, Illinois.

Charles is a graduate of Holland Patent High School and also attended San Bernardino College in California before joining the Air Force sometime in 1950-1951 to become a fighter pilot.

I am uncertain of what he did during or after the Korean war leading up to the Vietnam War however at some point he was a F-104 pilot assigned to 434th tactical fighter squadron 479th Tactical Fighter wing.

Sometime in 1965 Charles would go to Vietnam for the first time as a F-105 pilot. During this period of time then Major Turke would earn the Distinguished Flying Cross as well as the Airman's Medal.

I am not sure what he did after his first Vietnam tour however on November 4th 1971 Turke would be put in command of the 13th Fighter Squadron flying F4 Phantoms out of Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base,Thailand. He would be in that position until March 13th 1972.

At some point upon his return to the United States he would be assigned to Langley AFB VA as Chief of the Tactical Air Control System. I am not sure how long he was there because would then became the Commanding Officer for the 4552nd Airborne Warning and Control Squadron at Tinker AFB OK from which I would presume he would retire from the Air Force sometime in the late 1970s or eary 1980s.

I am still working on gathering more information on Colonel Turke. I have put in a National Archives records request for a list of his awards and his award citations. I know he most definitely earned more awards then what I have found mentioned especially since he was a fighter pilot who did at least 2 tours in Vietnam and most definitely flew dozens of combat missions.

Korean war Officer's dog tag set to Colonel Paul Leroy Carroll.

Carroll was born on November 20th in Oil City Venango County, Pennsylvania and passed away on September 27th 1991 in San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.

In June 1921 Carroll would enlist into the army but would get accept into the United States Military Academy (West Point) on July 1st 1922 and would graduate on June 12th 1926 as a 2nd Lieutenant Infantry.

Carroll would spend his early years in the infantry however at some point he switched to the Quartermaster Corps and would remain there until his retirement.

During Ww2 he bounced around to a few didn't positions however In 1946 Carroll would go to Vienna Austria where he served with the Allied Commission for Austria from April 1st 1946 to March 15th 1947.

During the Korean War Carroll would become the Commanding Officer of the 55th Quartermaster Base Depot in Pusan South Korea from 1952 to 1953 where he would earn the Legion of Merit. For a brief period of time Carroll also served with Headquarters Detachment of the Central Command in Yokohama Japan before his retirement from the Army in 1954 after 28 years of service.

Under the provisions of AR 600-45, as amended, and pursuant to authority contained in Circular No. 89, Headquarters NATOUSA, 10 July 1944, the Silver Star is awarded the following named officer, residence and citation as indicated:

DEAN C. STROTHER, 0-18495, Brigadier General, United States Army. Headquarters, 306th Fighter Wing. For gallantry in action as pilot of a P-51 type aircraft and Task Force Commander of the Italy-Russia operation from 22 July 1944 to 26 July 1944. Through his expert planning and active participation in aerial combat, General Strother enabled the Air Force to provide effective support to our Russian Allies by inflicting grave damage to enemy equipment and supplies, contributing immeasurably to the success of the Russian offensive then in progress. This Task Force, headed by General Strother, consisting of one hundred-eighteen fighter aircraft, destroyed one hundred-twenty enemy aircraft in the air and on the ground, probably destroyed eighteen and damaged thirty-eight. In addition four locomotives and nineteen motor vehicles were destroyed or damaged. Through his outstanding gallantry and tactical skill throughout this operation which covered a distance of over 1250 miles over some of the most heavily defended enemy territory in Europe, our losses were far below the normal expectancy for this hazardous operation. By his superior and inspiring leadership, professional skill and devotion to duty, General Strother has reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States of America. Entered the United States Military Academy from: Winfield, Kansas.

I am looking to sell this Wounded In action dog tag to Pvt. Lee O. Walker.

I am asking $85 Shipped within the United States. I accept PayPal, Cash App and Venmo.

Walker was born on August 15th 1889 in Keno, Klamath County, Oregon amd passed away on June 22nd 1923 In Gold Hill, Jackson County, Oregon.

During Ww1 Walker would serve with Company D, 364th Infantry Regiment, 91st Infantry Division, and would be severely wounded in action by a German gas attack on September 28, 1918, during the third day of the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. Lee was honorably discharged on April 24, 1919. Unfortunately, Lee would live only about four years after WWI, as he passed away on June 22, 1923, of a cerebral hemorrhage from pulmonary tuberculosis caused by being gased.

On September 28th, 1918, the 364th Infantry Regiment (part of the 91st "Wild West" Division) fought in the grueling Meuse-Argonne Offensive. On this specific day, the regiment successfully pushed through heavy artillery and machine-gun fire to secure and recapture the heavily contested French village of Eclisfontaine.

Large Grouping I picked up yesterday at a yard sale named to Chief Aviation Electronics Technician Angelo A. Morotti.

Angelo A. Morotti was born on August 8th 1923 In Colfax, Placer County, California and passed away in Stockton, San Joaquin, California on December 8th 2004.

In January of 1942 Morotti would enlist into the United States Navy and became a aviation radio technician as well as a instructor during Ww2. I believe he was State side for the majority of Ww2 but did see some service overseas.

After Ww2 Morotti would become a Aviation Electronics Technician and would eventually go to Korea where he served aboard the Aircraft Carrier USS Philippine Sea where he was attached to Fighter Squadron VF-113.

After the Korean war is where I am not really sure what he did I know he was with Navy Fighter Squadron VF-193 for a period of time in the early 1960s but that's about it.

Morotti would retire from the Navy as a Chief Aviation Electronics Technician on November 1st 1971 after 29 years of service.

Any additional information is greatly appreciated.

The group did come with a bunch of other stuff including

paperwork that's not pictured but most of the paper work isn't military related or it doesn't give me details on his carrier unfortunately.

Ww2 Officer's Dog tag to Colonel George Jacob Mulick who served with Headquarters Battalion, 2nd Military Railway Service during Ww2 and was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service. He was also a high level railroad executive before and after Ww2 serving with both the Union Pacific and Rock Island railroads.

Col. George J. Mulick, of Omaha, Neb.. assistant to general manager in 2nd Hq.. and once general superintendent on the Union Pacific at Omaha, was cited for "his aid in coordinating and planning the efforts of M. R. S. units both before and after the invasion of France, culminating in the establishment and maintenance of reliable supply lines from all major continental ports to front line depots."

Picked up this Named Air Force Commendation medal and pictures to Lieutenant Colonel Lieutenant Colonel Lynwood Alva MacLean Jr yesterday at a antique store. Unfortunately I haven't been able to find a lot of information on him but heres what I do know. He was born on July 30th 1917 in Alabama and enlisted into the Army Air Corps on October 10th 1942 and was enlisted up until May 23th 1943 when he accepted his commission as a 2nd LT. He would serve in the Pacific Theater for a period of time during the war. I don't know what he did after Ww2. At some point in the late 1950s or eary 1960s MacLean would find himself at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton Ohio where he would eventually become Chief of the Product Management Branch of the Air Force Logistic Center. MacLean would retire from the Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel on June 1st 1967.

I believe he may have been awarded the air force commendation medal at least twice. In the group there are two different pictures of him being awarded the AFCM I do know he was awarded one in 1965 as that's the date on the newspaper article I found that says he has been awarded the medal. I also know he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal some time before his picture was taken at least the one I have as he is whereing the ribbon on his uniform and the picture is of him as a Major taken on March 24th 1960 so just a little over 7 years before he would retire. Now thier is a picture of him being awarded the Army Commendation Medal but theirs no date on it.

I am still working on gathering more information and plan on putting in a request to the National Archives however if anyone can find more information on him it would be appreciated.

Newest ribbon in my collection. Got this one in a trade from a fellow collector. Also please dont comment Nasty or Negative things if you dont like my post for whatever reason then move along.

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It's been a minute since I have had a ribbon with bullion devices like this one. Unfortunately it doesn't have a name attached to it however there's a few things I would like to point out.

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1 They were a officer in the Army Airforce and Air Force and served at minimum 22 to 23 years 1942-1943 to 1966-1967.

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2 His highest awards are the Air Medal with 5 oak leaf clusters for a total of 6 awards and the Presidential Unit Citation with oak leaf cluster

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3 He served in 5 Pacific war campaigns 2 Korean war campaigns

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4 He has the Armed Forces Expeditionary ribbon so he he Served in the U.S. Armed Forces after July 1, 1958, and participated in U.S. military operations, U.S. operations in direct support of the United Nations, or U.S. operations of assistance for friendly foreign nations.

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5 At some point he switched to the Reserves and did at minimum 20 years in the reserves since he was 1 bronze hourglass device witch represents 20 years.

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The hourglass rules changed after August 6th 1996 in witch 1 hourglass was for 10 years.

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6 He has a star on his National Defense Ribbon for Vietnam time period witch started on January 11th 1966 and was back dated to December 30th 1960.

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7 He has 1 Silver oak leaf cluster on his Air Force longevity ribbon witch represents 24 years of service as it's awarded every 4 years of credible service and the Ribbon itself counts for 4 years.

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The ribbons on the bar are the following

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Air Medal w/1 Silver oak leaf cluster

President Unit Citation w/1 oak leaf cluster

Air Force Outstanding Unit Citation

American Campaign

Pacific Campaign W/1 Silver Star

Ww2 Victory

National Defense w/1 Star

Korean war Campaign W/2 stars

Armored Force Expeditionary

Air Force Longevity w/1 silver oak leaf cluster

Armored Force Reserve with Bronze Hourglasses

Air Force Small Arms Expert

Korean Presidential unit citation

United Nations Ribbon

Newest ribbon in my collection. Got this one in a trade from a fellow collector.

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It's been a minute since I have had a ribbon with bullion devices like this one. Unfortunately it doesn't have a name attached to it however there's a few things I would like to point out.

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1 They were a officer in the Army Airforce and Air Force and served at minimum 22 to 23 years 1942-1943 to 1966-1967.

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2 His highest awards are the Air Medal with 5 oak leaf clusters for a total of 6 awards and the Presidential Unit Citation with oak leaf cluster

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3 He served in 5 Pacific war campaigns 2 Korean war campaigns

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4 He has the Armed Forces Expeditionary ribbon so he he Served in the U.S. Armed Forces after July 1, 1958, and participated in U.S. military operations, U.S. operations in direct support of the United Nations, or U.S. operations of assistance for friendly foreign nations.

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5 At some point he switched to the Reserves and did at minimum 10 years in the reserves since he was 1 bronze hourglass device witch represents 10 years.

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The hourglass rules changed after August 6th 1996 in witch 1 hourglass was for 20 years and the Ribbon was for 10.

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6 He has a star on his National Defense Ribbon for Vietnam time period witch started on January 11th 1966 and was back dated to December 30th 1960.

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7 He has 1 Silver oak leaf cluster on his Air Force longevity ribbon witch represents 24 years of service as it's awarded every 4 years of credible service and the Ribbon itself counts for 4 years.

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Dog tag set to Air Force Colonel John William Hand.

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John was born on December 18th 1932 in Shenandoah Pennsylvania.

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John graduated from Lemoyne PA High School in 1950 and from the Pennsylvania State University in 1955 with a BS Degree in Electrical Engineering. He also graduated with a commission as a second lieutenant in the US Air Force following his successful completion of the Air Force ROTC program.

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John would serve in the Air Force from May 7th 1955 to June 30th 1985.

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Here's some of his most important assignments during his career.

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C-130 Air Operations Officer for the 315th Air Division in Vietnam

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U.S. Air Attache in Austria for 3 years

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Vice Commander of the Civil Air Patrol, USAF, Maxwell AFB from 1979 to 1981.

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U.S. Defense/Air Attache in Hungary from 1982 to 1986.

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Johnson military awards are the following

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Legion of Merit

Meritorious Service Medal w/2 oak leaf clusters

Air Force Commendation Medal W/1 oak leaf cluster

National Defense

Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal w/1 star

Vietnam Service Medal w/2 stars

Air Force long tour ribbon

Air Force longevity ribbon w/1 silver and 1 bronze oak leaf clusters for 28 years of service

Air Force Small Arms Expert ribbon

Vietnam Campaign Medal

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John was also a command pilot with 8,700 flying hours

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John passed away on March 31st 2019 in Cornwall, Lebanon County, Pennsylvania.

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CITATION TO ACCOMPANY THE AWARD OF THE MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL TO

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JOHN W. HAND

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Lieutenant Colonel John W. Hand distinguished himself in the performance of outstanding service to the United States as Aircrew Training Devices Officer, Directorate of Training, Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations Headquarters Military Airlift Command, from September 5, 1968, to August 1, 1972. During this period, the exemplary ability, superior leadership, exceptional staff skills, and devotion to duty of Colonel Hand were instrumental in producing many cost-reducing changes in the aircrew training program, which have immeasurably advanced the training of all Air Force aircrews. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Hand reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

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CITATION TO ACCOMPANY THE AWARD OF THE MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL

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(FIRST OAK LEAF CLUSTER) TO

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JOHN W. HAND

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Lieutenant Colonel John W. Hand distinguished himself in the performance of outstanding service to the United States as systems management officer and chief of the operations center, Directorate of Command and Control, Headquarters Twenty-First Air Force, McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey, from July 15, 1973, to May 15, 1975. In these extremely important responsibilities, his extensive knowledge of Military Airlift Command airlift systems aided in the accomplishment of important worldwide Department of Defense and high-level interest special assignment missions. Colonel Hand's untiring efforts and devotion to duty throughout this period contributed greatly to enhancing the Command and Control function, the success of the Supervisor of Flying program, and the effectiveness and efficiency of airlift operations. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Hand reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Newest ribbon bar added to my collection. Unfortunately there's no name attached to it at the moment however based upon his length of service and his awards it's safe to say they were at least a LTC or Higher.

The ribbons are the following

Legion of Merit

Meritorious Service Medal with 2 Bronze oak leaf clusters

Joint Service Commendation Medal

Air Force Commendation Medal

Air Force Organizational Excellence Award

National Defense

Air Force short tour ribbon

Air Force long tour ribbon

Air Force longevity ribbon with 1 Silver and 1 bronze oak leaf cluster for a total of 28 years of service

Air Force Training Ribbon

Ww1 dog tag to Pvt Pieter Maene who served with Company L 18th Infantry Regiment 1st Infantry Division during Ww1 and possible eared the Silver Star. He left for France on September 20th 1918 and arrived just in time for the beginning of the Meuse-Argonne offense witch the 18th Infantry Regiment took part in. He left France on August 23rd 1919 on the Uss Santa Teresa and arrived back in the United States on September 4th.

To note his name on the dog tag is missspelled witch was actually fairly common back then.

I am looking for additional information on him especially regarding if he actually eared the Silver Star I don't know what else SS would mean on his grave marker other then that especially regarding a Ww1 vet. Also he was born in Belgium.

Ww2 Dog Tag to Private First Class Catlett M Helm

Catlett was born on June 30th 1924 in Hickman,Fulton County Kentucky and passed away on October 27th 2009 in Hamilton,Butler County Ohio.

Catlett is a 1943 Graduate of Greenhills high school and upon his graduation would enlist into the Army Air Corps on June 26th 1943. At some point Catlett would be transferred to the Infantry and would be sent to France. Upon his arrival Catlett would be assigned to Company K 317th Infantry Regiment 80th Infantry Division and on November 9th 1944 Catlett would be wounded in action due to shrapnel to his right leg and thigh and would be sent to a hospital in England to have surgery and recover. At some point he was transferred back to the Air Corps amd would be discharged on November 17th 1945.

Catlett was awarded the Purple Heart by General Orders #56 Headquarters 109th Evacuation Hospital on November 10th 1944.

I am still working on gathering more information on Catlett.

Also I am 100% sure on his awards besides the Purple Heart so the other awards are my best guess as to what he most likely earned.

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Back at the beginning of the year I purchased this Signed picture of Rear Admiral James G Prout III who unfortunately would be the last US Navy Flag officer to killed in the line of duty. I was curious about his citations so I put in a request to NARA and received almost all of his award citations a few day's ago however I have only chosen his most important ones to put in this post.

Prout was born on January 21st 1944 in Boston Massachusetts and Passed away on May 17th 1995 in Taos, New Mexico.

In 1961 Prout entered the United States Naval Academy and graduated with the class of 1966.

During the Vietnam War Prout served with Navy Seals with Mobile Suport Team 2 during operation game warden where he would be wounded in action due to shrapnel to the neck. Prout would also earn 2 Bronze Stars one for Valor during his time in Vietnam.

After Vietnam Prout served in multiple positions ultimately concluding in him being the Commanding Officer of Cruiser Destroyer Group 3, Carl Vinson Battle Group.

On May 17th 1995 Prout was in the a F/A-18D, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 125, witch crashed in North New Mexico around 10:05, during a training flight from NAS Lemoore, Calif., to St. Louis, Missouri.

On May 18 1995 a Air Force Sikorsky MH-53J Pave Low III discovered the Hornet's wreckage at about 9,700 feet, strewn across three miles of Mogote Ridge, a rugged peak east of Canjilon. Rear Adm. James G. Prout, III, Commander, Carl Vinson Battle Group and Cmdr. Joseph G. Kleefisch, the CO of VFA-25, were killed.

Prout would be the last Navy Flag officer to be killed in the line of duty.

Admirals prouts awards are the following

Defense Distinguished Service Medal

Navy Distinguished Service Medal

Defense Superior Service Medal

Legion of Merit with 2 Gold Stars

Bronze Star with V and Gold Star

Purple Heart

Meritorious Service Medal with 2 Gold Stars

Navy Commendation Medal

Navy Achievement Medal

Combat Action ribbon

Presidential Unit Citation

Navy Efficiency Ribbon with E

National Defense with Bronze Star

Vietnam Service with 3 Bronze Stars

Humanitarian Service Medal

Navy Sea Deployment Ribbon with Bronze Star

Vietnam Civil Action Unit Citation 1st Class

Vietnam Campaign

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to JAMES GREGORY PROUT, III LIEUTENANT (JUNIOR GRADE) UNITED STATES NAVY

For service as set forth in the following citation

“For heroic achievement while serving with Mobile Support Team TWO Detachment Delta engaged in armed conflict against the North Vietnamese “ and Viet Cong communist aggressors in the Rung Sat Special Zone of the Republic of Vietnam. On 21 October 1968, after successfully executing two fire fights with enemy waterborne units, Light SEAL Support Craft 6, with Lieutenant (Junior grade) PROUT as officer in charge and with a SEAL unit on board, was continuing its patrol when it suddenly came under enemy automatic weapons and rocket fire from enemy positions on both banks of a narrow stream. The initial rocket blast wounded five personnel in the boat and knocked everyone to the deck. Lieutenant (junior grade) PROUT, although painfully wounded in the throat, reacted immediately and directed the SEAL unit to return and suppress the enemy fire. He quickly aided the coxswain in regaining control of the swerving craft, further exposing himself to sporadic fire to direct an evasive course to clear the kill zone. Refusing treatment himself, he made rapid contact with the tactical operations center to advise them of the engagement and to call for fire support and medical evacuation helicopters. When United States Navy Seawolf helicopters arrived on the scene, Lieutenant (junior grade) PROUT directed them to the contact area where they made firing runs on the enemy positions. He then directed the coxswain to proceed to a nearby secure position where the more seriously wounded personnel were evacuated. Lieutenant (junior grade) PROUT’s calm professionalism, exemplary leadership and courage under fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Services

The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award to JAMES GREGORY PROUT, III LIEUTENANT (JUNIOR GRADE)

UNITED STATES NAVY

for service as set forth in the following citation

"For meritorious service while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict against the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong communist aggressors in the Republic of Vietnam from August 1968 to February 1969. Lieutenant (junior grade) PROUT served as Officer in Charge of Mobile Support Team TWO, Detachment DELTA in support of SEAL Detachment ALFA'S THIRD and SIXTH Platoons. In that capacity, he participated in seventy-two combat missions carried out mainly at night in the enemy controlled waters of the Rung Sat Special Zone. Under his guidance Detachment DELTA provided vital communications, illumination, fire support and quiet insertion and extractions for SEAL platoons from Mobile Support Team TWO. A typical example of his performance occurred on 11 October 1969 when a SEAL patrol became pinned down by enemy fire. Lieutenant (junior grade) PROUT requested, directed and coordinated gunships, slicks and a medical evacuation, enabling the SEAL patrol to extract successfully. Lieutenant (junior grade) PROUT's professional performance and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.

Here's another interesting unnamed Ww2/Korean War Air Force Officer's Ribbon Bar in my collection.

The ribbons on the bar are the following

Air Medal with 1 bronze oak leaf cluster

Army Commendation

American Defense

American Campaign

European Campaign with 1 Silver amd 2 bronze stars

Ww2 Victory

National Defense

Korean Service with 2 bronze stars

Air Force longevity with 1 bronze oak leaf cluster

Armed Forces Reserve

United Nations

I believe this guy may have been regular army during Ww2 and at some point after the war switched to the Air Force however I could be completely wrong.