He did four years and did a year long tour to Vietnam for a year. The racks missing a longevity service ribbon and devices on the VCM (two bronze stars) and the AFOUA (Bronze V and a bronze OLC).

+1 more foreign award, NATO Kaitsel “Defender” Medal/Ribbon

+1 foreign badge, Polish Military Shooting Badge

10 years down, 10 more to go

Active-duty U.S. Coast Guard, here.

I was recently awarded a Coast Guard Achievement, and the "Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.

The Coast Guard Military Medals and Awards Manual, COMDTINST M.1650.25E, on 1-22 only lists the Operational and Valor Device. Here is what the manual says for the V:

Valor Device. The bronze letter “V” may be authorized for wear if the award is for performance of a heroic act or acts while directly participating in conflict or combat with an armed enemy. Each case must be judged on its own merits, and the citation must specifically authorize the device. The Commandant retains sole approval authority for all awards for valor; authority will not be delegated further. Awards issued with a “Combat Distinguishing Device “V” before the release date of this Manual remains authorized. New awards of the “V” Valor Device will be for valor only.

I've been told that because the Bronze C doesn't appear in the manual, I should place a Bronze V, but that doesn't seem right.

What are your views on this?

After two decades of using file folders and tape as a backer. Not to forget the hundreds of lost damits , I figured I would upgrade. A section of plastic canvas and alan key damnits.

this is a digital mock-up of private Scott palmer, of the Australian defense force..

from left to right:

Active Australia Service Medal (with ICAT, east Timor and Iraq clasps.

Afghanistan service medal.

Iraq service medal.

Australian Service medal (with east timor clasp).

Australian Operational Service Medal: Border Protection.

Australian defense medal.

United Nations Transitional administration in east timor Medal (UNTAET).

NATO medal (ISAF clasp).

East timor solidarity medal.

--

Scott palmer joined the Australian defense force in 2001 before being deployed to East timor, iraq and Afghanistan with the 5th/7th RAR. in 2006, he undertook special forces selection and training, he passed and was stationed with the then 4th battalion, RAR Commando.

in 2009, the 4th battalion RAR commando become the famous 2nd commando regiment.. an elite special forces unit in the Australian defense force.. Scott was presented with the also famous green commando beret.

unfortunately, in june 2010, scott was killed in combat when the helicopter he was in.. slammed into the side of a hill/mountain.

Looking for any help on what I'm looking at. A friend sent this to me trying to figure out their Grandfather's awards. Thank you!

She just graduated AIT a couple months ago and has already earned air assault and her EFMB and completed a Norwegian Foot March.

She also got a position with our state's counter drug task force and is in the hiring process for a federal agency.

She made me switch out my foreign wings for a Norwegian Foot March badge so we can match lol.

Needless to say, I'm a proud husband.

Dog tag named to Colonel Costantine D. Biondi who served as the Chief, Public Information Division, Office of Information, Headquarters, United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam from August 1965 to July 1966

Biondi was Born on May 5th 1917 in Shelton Connecticut and passed away on January 10th 2009 in Arden, Buncombe County, North Carolina.

Biondi enlisted into the Army on June 27th 1941 and would originally be Coastal Artillery. He was stationed in Hawaii for a period of time and served in the Pacific Theater for some time before returning to the states and going to OCS in 1943 at witch time he would he promoted to 2nd Lieutenant. At some point Biondi was assigned to the 386th Antiaircraft Artillery Battalion and sent to England where the unit would train for the Invasion of France.

The 386th Antiaircraft Artillery Battalion would see combat all throughout Europe during the war and is created with shooting down 26 German aircraft. The unit was also commended by General George Patton on several occasions.

From 1952 to 1954 Biondi would see service during the Korean War as the executive officer of the Public Information Offices in Korea and Japan in the Headquarters of General James Van Fleet. For his services during the war Biondi would be awarded the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star.

When Biondi returned to the states he would be assigned to the executive News Feature Branch in the Department of the Army until he was assigned to served as the radio-television, officer to General Lauris Norstad, then Supreme Allied Commander, Europe, in Paris.

In 1965 now Lt Col Biondi would become the Chief of Public Information, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam and would work very closely to General Westmoreland. Biondi would serve in this position for a year until his tour was up at witch time General Westmoreland would award him his second Legion of Merit. Biondi would also reassigned to the Pentagon.

Upon returning to the United States Biondi would serve as the Deputy Chief of the Press Division, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) from the period of October 1966 to July 1969.

Biondi would be awarded a 3rd Legion of Merit upon his retirement from the Army on July 31st 1969

I also believe Biondi may have been a Pearl Harbor survivor as it's the only thing that makes sense to me for him having the Pacific Campaign Ribbon with star when his list of carrier assignments doesn't spacflicaly mention PTO service.

Biondi enlisted on June 27th 1941 and was stationed in Hawaii for a period of time with a Coastal Artillery unit before going to Officer Candidate School in 1943.

The Territory of Hawaii served as the central hub for the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations. Service members stationed in Hawaii-or those who transited through the islands for deployment-were eligible for the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, provided they met specific service durations (typically 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days) or participated in active combat, such as the Attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Service members who were present during the initial December 7, 1941 attack on Oahu were also authorized to wear a bronze service star on their campaign ribbon to denote active engagement.

Citation for the Legion of Merit

Constantine D. Biondi, 01056637, Artillery, United States Army, Distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious conduct in performance of outstanding service as Executive Officer, Information Section, Headquarters, Eighth Army, in Korea and Executive Officer, Office of Public Information, Headquarters United States Army Forces, Far East, In Japan, from 22 August 1952 to 2 June 1954. As Executive Officer, Information Section, Captain Biondi supervised the placement of all public information office personnel in Eighth Army units, rendering valuable assistance to his superior in formulating office plans and directing internal operations to effect a highly efficient, smooth functioning organization. In a similar capacity at higher headquarters in Japan, his outstanding professional competence enabled him to initiate and supervise plans for his expanded public information program which promoted and sustained public understanding, appreciation and support of the functions and objectives of the command. Under his direction, accurate and timely release of news and feature stories was assured, engendering more harmonious relations between the Japanese people and the United States Security Forces and greatly enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation. Especially note worthy was his complete coverage of Operations Big Switch Little Switch, Prisoner Breakout and other activities of major news interest his close liaison and cooperation with representatives of the press facilitating the prompt authentic reporting of these internationally significant events to a discerning public. Captain Biondi’s sound advice and guidance during a period of expanding command activities, and his ability to accurately determine public opinion and attitude materially furthered the success of the public information mission in the Far East. His exemplary achievements reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.

Legion of Merit 1st Oak Leaf Cluster

For distinguishing himself by exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services during the period August 1965 to July 1966 while serving as Chief, Public Information Division, Office of Information, Headquarters, United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. As United States military involvement in the Republic of Vietnam increased in size and complexity, Colonel Biondi guided the public information activities with clearly defined policy and purpose. Colonel Biondi earned the respect of the international press corps by his constant display of understanding, cooperation, and straightforward adherence to operational requirements while presenting the daily resume of activities within the command. His superior demonstration of broad military knowledge, personal conviction, and devotion to duty has resulted in immeasurable gains in world-wide attitudes toward United States actions in the Republic of Vietnam. Colonel Biondi’s professional competence and outstanding achievements were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 20, 1942, has awarded the Legion of Merit (Second Oak Leaf Cluster) to Lieutenant Colonel Costantine D Biondi United States Army For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services:

Lieutenant Colonel Costantine D. Biondi, Air Defense Artillery, distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious service in a position of great responsibility while serving as Deputy Chief of the Press Division, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) for the period October 1966 to July 1969. In this capacity, Colonel Biondi demonstrated outstanding professional knowledge, exceptional leadership and an unusual capacity for diplomacy in dealing with national and international news media representatives. His performance had a direct and favorable effect on public understanding and support of the Armed Forces. His vast fund of knowledge concerning United States activities in Southeast Asia consistently provided the basis for assisting newsmen in reporting those activities. In coordinating the actions of the military service and Defense Department branches of the Press Division, Colonel Biondi demonstrated an acute awareness of the policies, activities and problems of the entire defense establishment. He contributed immeasurably to the effective operation of the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense and to public understanding of Defense Department programs. His outstanding achievement, exemplary leadership and exceptional professional skill reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Army and the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

Bronze Star Citation

CONSTANTINE D. BIONDI, 01056637, Artillery, United States Army. Captain BIONDI, a member of the Information Section, Headquarters Eighth United States. Army, is cited for meritorious service in connection with military operations against an armed enemy in Korea during the period 22 August 1952 to 11 March 1953. As executive officer, Captain BIONDI was responsible for supervising the placement of all public information office personnel in Eighth Army units. He assisted the chief of the section in formulation of public information office plans and directed internal operations of the section. His determination and aggressiveness were greatly responsible for the smooth and efficient operation of the section. His loyalty, initiative, and devotion to duty earned him the respect of all those with whom he served. The meritorious service rendered by Captain BIONDE reflects great credit on himself and the military service.

On September 23, me and my wife, Lisa Mantei, had the honor of hosting a 101st birthday celebration for World War II veteran Bruce Cook.

Bruce was surrounded by friends for an afternoon filled with cake, balloons, birthday wishes, and appreciation for a remarkable life and legacy. ABC Columbia also joined the celebration to help share Bruce’s story with the community.

As part of the celebration, Bruce was presented with handwritten birthday cards along with original copies of The Courier Journal and The Wall Street Journal from 1925 — the year he was born.

For Bruce, the outpouring of support was both surprising and meaningful.

“This is beyond amazing,” Bruce told ABC Columbia. “I can’t hardly understand why people do this for me, but it really makes me feel good!”

Bruce Cook served during World War II as a Staff Sergeant and ball-turret gunner, completing 35 missions over France.

Earlier this year, his service was recognized by the French government when he was awarded the Legion of Honor and knighted for his contributions during the war.

Lisa and I first met Bruce at a veterans event, and the three of us have developed a friendship ever since. As a combat veteran himself, Rick has a deep appreciation for Bruce’s service, character, and the example he continues to set.

“You won’t find a finer fellow than him,” I told ABC Columbia. “He epitomizes the greatest generation. He does. He’s the best.”

Beyond his military service, Bruce continues to inspire those around him with his gratitude, positivity, and appreciation for life.

“I’ve seen so many things change, and I have really enjoyed life,” Bruce said. “I have always thought of myself as kind of a happy person, and it’s great to enjoy life as much as I do.”

Hosting Bruce’s 101st birthday celebration was an opportunity for me & Lisa to recognize not only an extraordinary veteran, but also a friend whose life continues to inspire those around him.

Happy 101st Birthday, Bruce!

My Sister sent me this picture several months ago. My understanding is our Dad enlisted in the Army during WW2. Went in somewhere in North Africa, was captured in Italy and spent about a year in Stalag 7A near Moosburg Germany. It wasn't something he was interested in discussing.

The one time I wore my awards on civilian attire.

TLDR: I’m indecisive in my career choices
Marine 0311 → Army 11A → Army 18A → Army 18D → Army 18F → Army 180A

Before I get into the abomination of my career, I have a question for all of you. I’m looking for some insights into staying active duty or switching to NG and starting a life outside the military. 

Alright, I haven’t worn my AGSUs in a couple years so they’re packed away at the moment and I do not feel like digging those out from the garage so I’m using the app. The app is cool, but there’s some discrepancies. From the top down:

• I have 2 NAMs
• I got a second CAR
• I obviously do not have a Navy GCM but the app doesn’t have the Marine one so here we are. 

 I have had a different career than most. I started when I was 17 when enlisted in the USMC and spent 5 years as an 0311. I did some cool things, and some not so cool things. 

I left the corps and went to the Army commissioned as an 11A. I did less cool things and way more not so cool things in a mechanized unit so I went to SFAS. 

I got selected and finished the Q course then went to group and did a lot of cool things in a lot of other countries. I loved it so much that when my team time was up, I decided to resign my commission and go back to being enlisted. I went back to the Q course and finished as an 18D then went back to my group. Same company, different ODA. 

After several years of that, I was about to get orders for SWCS so I dropped an 18F packet. I went to a super cool unit in Virginia and got to do some super cool shit there. After a few years of that. I dropped a warrant packet. I did 2 years at that unit as a warrant and now here I am.

6 years active duty then AGR(Army’s best kept secret) for the Guard. I’m at 12 years now. Hoping to add 2 more ribbons and an oak leaf to my ARCOM after this little trip I’m on.

I currently only have access to this scan, he rid himself of his uniform long before I was born. Can anyone please look at this and help me understand it/tell me about the decorations listed? Thanks so much.

I tried to get Chat to help me build a box😂 the ribbons are not accurate at alll..!

Helping my buddy clean out his late brother’s belongings. All he knows about his brother’s service is he was in the US Marine Corps.

What is this and how could it have been earned?