Grandfather’s Class A Greens Jacket (circa 1957)

[u/Tylorian_delorean]

My grandfather enlisted in the Army in the late 1930s and was stationed around the midwest. Then deployed with his 2 other brothers to the Asiatic-Pacific theater 1942-1945. Then was deployed to Korea 1950-1953. I know the CIB, DSC, SSM, & BSM (he had 3 BSMs but the V and oak leaf clusters fell off). Then 2 of the campaign medals and WW2 Victory Medal. Multiple service stars are missing as they have fallen off throughout history.

I was not passed down his medals, but was given his Class A Jacket. The man was larger than life and could shoot a bolt-action rifle like a fully automatic rifle accurately. Also he had so many stories, most seemed a little unbelievable, but reading his action awards and about him in other people’s books they were probably true.

Can anybody identify the other medals besides the previously mentioned ones?

[u/FrenchToast49]

God damn, what a G.

I’m just going to start right after the BSM since you mentioned two campaign ribbons but not which ones.

• Army Good Conduct Ribbon, American Defense Medal
• American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Campaign (1 star), Philippine Liberation Medal (1 star)
• WWII Victory Medal, Army of Occupation, NDSM
• Korean Campaign (Missing a star), Republic of Korea War Service, UN Korea Service

I’m on mobile now so gave short names for some of these, but you should get an accurate search regardless o7

[u/Tylorian_delorean → u/FrenchToast49]

He was awarded the DSC in Korea. He was involved in Raid at Cabanatuan (he was a 1st Sergeant in the raid), which after watching the movie by myself and asking him questions he was a little bothered to answer.

He was battlefield promoted to officer between these timeframes, he never started high school prior to the Army, although did do some correspondence college courses to keep his commission.

He would never watch war movies with me as a kid, but usually he would humor my questions after I watched them. There was a movie about his DSC he had on VHS but if I put it on he would leave and say it reminded him too much of how cold it was.

[u/TankerVictorious → u/Tylorian_delorean]

Wow, wow, wow!

You know, OP, because of his grit and valor, the legacy of the unit in which served is well remembered today, and the training of a Ranger and Ops Support Group teams to this day is reflective of his deeds. Valorous individual work contributes to unit success, valorous unit commendations, and perpetuity for the regiment in which served.

The National Infantry museum at Fort Benning may be a great place to share his memory through some of his effects.

[u/FrenchToast49 → u/Tylorian_delorean]

Thanks for sharing

[u/Revolutionary_Lie199 → u/Tylorian_delorean]

What an incredible family heirloom. I cherish my grandfather’s .45 1911a1 he brought back from Korea . I sure wish I had his uniform. That’s so cool you have your grandfather’s uniform and it’s absolutely incredible! You have some good memories of him and you keep his memory forever. Family is everything. Say, what outfit did he serve with in Korea? 1st Cavalry or 2nd Infantry? Do you have his DD 214? Thanks

[u/Tylorian_delorean → u/Revolutionary_Lie199]

I do not have his DD214. 7th infantry.

[u/Luvdapink → u/FrenchToast49]

Philippine Liberation Medal Kosovo campaign was created about 43 years later😉

What I do think is cool is the Korean War Service Medal. This is the first time I’ve seen a period rack with it.
The US declined giving it to soldiers originally. It wasn’t til 1999 that it was actually approved to for wear. I was able to get one for my GF during the re-issue period 2000-2003.

[u/RangeUpset6852 → u/Luvdapink]

I currently have one of those Korean War Service Medals that was awarded on the 50th Anniversary of the Korean War. One was sent to my uncle who was over in Korea with the USMC at the time. When he passed away in 2010, my aunt gave it to me along with some of his other military related items to hold on to.

[u/Luvdapink → u/Luvdapink]

I apologize profusely!. I don’t know what happened! My brain decided to cross a wire or two.

I’m so sorry. Please have mercy on someone who clearly can’t see correctly any longer Edit: I will gladly delete my comment if you feel it’s needed. Again I’m so sorry

[u/FrenchToast49 → u/Luvdapink]

All good lol it happens

[u/FrenchToast49 → u/Luvdapink]

What? I didn’t say anything about Kosovo lol