BigJohn#3RD Posted June 6, 2013 Share #1 Posted June 6, 2013 Hi Folks, I recently picked up a China War Memorial Medal that is numbered on back. The note that came with it stated that the medal was received at the CBI Hump Pilots Reunion Sept 1977 in Miami Fla. The following is from WW2awards.com http://en.ww2awards.com/award/2212 "The full name of the so-called China War Memorial Medal, is Medal in Commemoration of Victory in the Resistance Against Aggression. It was established by the Republic of China, common known as Taiwan, in 1944 and was first issued in October 1946. It was issued to all servicemen and other people who assisted the Chinese Armies in the war against Japan during World War Two. Both military and civilians could be awarded. The most well known group of recipients were about 200 veterans of the 14th Air Force, the Flying Tigers. It was presented on a special ceremony on August 2nd 1975 in New Orleans. The medal was authorized to wear by Public Law 80-314 for military of the United States Armed Forces for the period from December 7th 1941 through to July 24th 1948. The effective dates for the medal were December 8th 1941 to September 2nd 1945. Between these dates one had to serve for at least 30 days. The obverse shows the Marco Polo Bridge over the Yeng-ding river. It symbolizes the outbreak of the Sino-Japanese war on July 7th 1937, when Japanese military attacked the town of Lukou-Chiao, which means "Marco Polo Bridge". Above the bridge the flags of the Republic of China and her Armed Forces can be found to symbolize the unity of the Chinese people. Between the flag stands a portrait of Chiang Kai-shek as Chairman of the Military Committee of the National Government during the war. In the background a city can be seen. The reverse shows a panel with the notation No. with a space open for a number or a name. Above and below that Chinese characters can be found that say what the medal stands for. The ribbon shows a central stripe bordered on both sides with a blue smaller stripe and a red edge stripe. In the center a Chinese sunburst symbol is placed." Do any of you know if the number on the back N0.A0347 can be traced to a specific Pilot/Crew Member from WW2? I have attached a picture of the Medal and Ribbon for future forum information. Thanks in advance for any info. Regards, John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack's Son Posted June 6, 2013 Share #2 Posted June 6, 2013 Hi John, yours is a very nice example of this medal. I've seen them in groups, but seldom by itself. Nice addition. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigJohn#3RD Posted June 6, 2013 Author Share #3 Posted June 6, 2013 Thanks JS, I have seen them in groups as well and the first I saw by itself and trying to see if this is traceable. Regards, John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
digi-shots Posted June 15, 2013 Share #4 Posted June 15, 2013 Nice looking medal! I think these might be traceable. There are CBI Veterans Associations around the country. Many are run by veterans that are getting on in years but unfortunately, many of these veterans have passed away in recent years. Five or ten years or so ago, the CBIVA was fairly active. They had annual conventions around the country, with individual chapters in almost every state. I'm researching a medal right now and talked to a widow today of one of the gentlemen that was associated with a Florida CBIVA. I'm hoping that whoever had the roster books, etc.. has passed them on to a younger generation and the records will be archived for research. If I learn anything, I'll let you know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firefighter Posted June 16, 2013 Share #5 Posted June 16, 2013 Nice looking medal! I think these might be traceable. There are CBI Veterans Associations around the country. Many are run by veterans that are getting on in years but unfortunately, many of these veterans have passed away in recent years. Five or ten years or so ago, the CBIVA was fairly active. They had annual conventions around the country, with individual chapters in almost every state. I'm researching a medal right now and talked to a widow today of one of the gentlemen that was associated with a Florida CBIVA. I'm hoping that whoever had the roster books, etc.. has passed them on to a younger generation and the records will be archived for research. If I learn anything, I'll let you know. I too would be interested in knowing if you find any information.I also have one.All the ones I have seen have the serial number 'A0***'.Does anybody know if there was a 'B' series or beyond? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
digi-shots Posted June 16, 2013 Share #6 Posted June 16, 2013 I haven't heard anything back yet... I did do some research last night and learned that all the "Hump Pilots Association" memorabilia was dontated to the Museum of Aviation, Robbins, AFB in Georgia. When the Association was preparing to dissolve they searched all over for a museum that could handle and display their collection and not put it in storage as so many museums do. They may know something about these numbered China War Memorial Medals. I haven't been to the museum but I've heard they have a very nice CBI display. I'm hoping on going there later this summer. They have a leather jacket on display that belonged to a former C-46 pilot. He was the co-pilot of a plane and crew that I'm researching. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firefighter Posted June 16, 2013 Share #7 Posted June 16, 2013 Question. We have all seen the above medal and the ribbon below.Were both medals issued for the same time period and service? and was there a medal that came with the ribbon below? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigJohn#3RD Posted June 19, 2013 Author Share #8 Posted June 19, 2013 I do not think so. The Chinese Medals and ribbon were issued in the late 70s. The ribbon you posted was issued in 45 thru 46 but I believe it was discontinued when the Occupation Medal and Ribbon were issued. I could be wrong but that is my SWAG. John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmar Posted June 19, 2013 Share #9 Posted June 19, 2013 Hi John, I hope you've been doing well. Thank you for sharing the pics and info on your recent (and very fine) addition. This is a piece that has always eluded me, and as JS noted, I've seen them in groups (usually big $$$ and out of my league), but never been at the right place to pick up a solo medal. Your medal is a beautiful example and the ribbon bar just killer! Great post! Best wishes to you! Joe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigJohn#3RD Posted July 10, 2013 Author Share #10 Posted July 10, 2013 Joe, Thank you for your kind comments; I am doing well. The group is nice and I wish I had found it back when I had some Hump Pilot's group and it is a very striking medal. I was just trying to see if it might be identified but I guess not. That is the way it goes some times. Hope you are doing well and enjoy your summer as well. Regards, John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GIl Sanow Posted July 10, 2013 Share #11 Posted July 10, 2013 My late next door neighbor received his medal and I have it, along with his uniform. He was an adviser with the Chinese Army and came down the Ledo Road. If I recall correctly, he first received a letter from the embassy of the Republic of China (i.e. Taiwan) confirming he was that officer, and a short time later the medal arrived along with a letter thanking him for his service. (I do not have the letter.) I would suggest it might be possible to contact the ROC embassy in DC and ask if they have the numbers. G Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigJohn#3RD Posted July 29, 2013 Author Share #12 Posted July 29, 2013 Gil, Just so this reply good recommendation. I will start a query shortly and let y'all know what I find out. Thanks John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmerc20 Posted September 20, 2013 Share #13 Posted September 20, 2013 John, did you ever find anything out about tracing? I have a single medal not in a grouping and might pick up a group from the family of a vet that actually has two of them. Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigJohn#3RD Posted October 21, 2013 Author Share #14 Posted October 21, 2013 Mike, Fell off my plate for awhile but I have just contacted the Taiwanese Embassy request information on the former owner of this medal and a list of all recipients. If they oblige with a complete list I will post it on the forum. John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GIl Sanow Posted October 21, 2013 Share #15 Posted October 21, 2013 Great -- I am curious to see if my neighbor is listed. If I recall correctly, about the time he got his medal, there was a big push to kick the ROC off the UN Security Council and perhaps from the UN itself. I suspect it was a public relations thing, but it did not work in the long run. G Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigJohn#3RD Posted February 13, 2014 Author Share #16 Posted February 13, 2014 Hello All, Have sent several email to the folks at the Republic of China's Embassy but no luck so far. Will try one more time. John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Nier Posted February 13, 2014 Share #17 Posted February 13, 2014 There was an in-depth article by John Lelle published in the December 1975 issue of OMSA's "The Medal Collector". Some interesting points from its text: 1. The "A" prefix numbered medals were made for award to Americans. They were made by the Kuan Hsin Enterprise Co. in Taipei, Taiwan. 2. There were civilian versions of this medal fitted with narrower ribbons (30 - 31 mm wide), versus the military ribbons (31+ to 35 mm wide). 3. The military medals included a ribbon bar. Each bar had a brass backplate stamped with the same number as the medal. 4. The first presentatiion of the "A" medals was at the 1975 Annual Convention (New Orleans) of the Flying Tigers - 14th Air Force Association. About 200 member veterans received their medals on that occasion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluejacket Posted February 13, 2014 Share #18 Posted February 13, 2014 Thanks for posting that Tom. I have a medal in the 07XX range presented to a US Navy Chief Radioman. His qualifying service was with the SACO Fleet Radio Unit 1943-1945. I know he was an avid reunion attendee and got his sometime before his last reunion around 1980. The family always said there had been a certificate or letter that came with it, but it was never found, if it even existed. Bluejacket Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ViewfinderGyrene Posted November 25, 2014 Share #19 Posted November 25, 2014 Very interesting thread. I just picked up a group with one of these included. Also numbered. He was a Marine combat veteran who was sent to Tientsin with 2nd Batttalion, 5th Marines after serving on Okinawa. I had never even heard of it before, many thanks for starting the discussion! ViewfinderGyrene Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigJohn#3RD Posted November 21, 2015 Author Share #20 Posted November 21, 2015 There was an in-depth article by John Lelle published in the December 1975 issue of OMSA's "The Medal Collector". Some interesting points from its text: 1. The "A" prefix numbered medals were made for award to Americans. They were made by the Kuan Hsin Enterprise Co. in Taipei, Taiwan. 2. There were civilian versions of this medal fitted with narrower ribbons (30 - 31 mm wide), versus the military ribbons (31+ to 35 mm wide). 3. The military medals included a ribbon bar. Each bar had a brass backplate stamped with the same number as the medal. 4. The first presentatiion of the "A" medals was at the 1975 Annual Convention (New Orleans) of the Flying Tigers - 14th Air Force Association. About 200 member veterans received their medals on that occasion. Here is the link to the OMSA article that Tom mentioned above. http://www.omsa.org/files/jomsa_arch/Splits/1975/90216_JOMSA_Vol26_12_04.pdf Still on my quest to see if there is a list of recipients to the medal. Here is a link to Ex-CBI Roundup publications that might be on interest and help to those looking for information about US CBI Veterans. http://www.ex-cbi-roundup.com/links.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captainofthe7th Posted May 22, 2018 Share #21 Posted May 22, 2018 This might be useful information to add to this topic. I just received a DD214 to a veteran who served with the 315th Depot Supply Squadron as a supply clerk. In his awards and decorations is listed: China War Memorial Badge and Ribbon Cir #188 HQ USF CT 31 Oct 45 I had never seen one on official records before and always assumed it was more of a commemorative thing, but if we can track down the original document it would prove interesting. That's Circular #188 Headquarters, U.S. Forces China Theater. Rob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gerradtgrant Posted April 16, 2020 Share #22 Posted April 16, 2020 Hi Folks, I recently picked up a China War Memorial Medal that is numbered on back. The note that came with it stated that the medal was received at the CBI Hump Pilots Reunion Sept 1977 in Miami Fla. The following is from WW2awards.com http://en.ww2awards.com/award/2212 "The full name of the so-called China War Memorial Medal, is Medal in Commemoration of Victory in the Resistance Against Aggression. It was established by the Republic of China, common known as Taiwan, in 1944 and was first issued in October 1946. It was issued to all servicemen and other people who assisted the Chinese Armies in the war against Japan during World War Two. Both military and civilians could be awarded. The most well known group of recipients were about 200 veterans of the 14th Air Force, the Flying Tigers. It was presented on a special ceremony on August 2nd 1975 in New Orleans. The medal was authorized to wear by Public Law 80-314 for military of the United States Armed Forces for the period from December 7th 1941 through to July 24th 1948. The effective dates for the medal were December 8th 1941 to September 2nd 1945. Between these dates one had to serve for at least 30 days. The obverse shows the Marco Polo Bridge over the Yeng-ding river. It symbolizes the outbreak of the Sino-Japanese war on July 7th 1937, when Japanese military attacked the town of Lukou-Chiao, which means "Marco Polo Bridge". Above the bridge the flags of the Republic of China and her Armed Forces can be found to symbolize the unity of the Chinese people. Between the flag stands a portrait of Chiang Kai-shek as Chairman of the Military Committee of the National Government during the war. In the background a city can be seen. The reverse shows a panel with the notation No. with a space open for a number or a name. Above and below that Chinese characters can be found that say what the medal stands for. The ribbon shows a central stripe bordered on both sides with a blue smaller stripe and a red edge stripe. In the center a Chinese sunburst symbol is placed." Do any of you know if the number on the back N0.A0347 can be traced to a specific Pilot/Crew Member from WW2? I have attached a picture of the Medal and Ribbon for future forum information. Thanks in advance for any info. Regards, John I just picked this one up. I was wondering if the box yours is in is original to the medal? Mine came on a card that seems original to the medal, but there was no box. Was also wondering if you had found anything else out about potentially identifying the medals that are numbered? Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gerradtgrant Posted April 16, 2020 Share #23 Posted April 16, 2020 Here is the link to the OMSA article that Tom mentioned above. http://www.omsa.org/files/jomsa_arch/Splits/1975/90216_JOMSA_Vol26_12_04.pdf Still on my quest to see if there is a list of recipients to the medal. Here is a link to Ex-CBI Roundup publications that might be on interest and help to those looking for information about US CBI Veterans. http://www.ex-cbi-roundup.com/links.html According to the article in the link that BigJohn posted mine would have been presented to the Fourteenth Air Force if I am reading that right. If it wasn't for the original card being present, I never would have know that. Do we know how many Soldiers served in the Fourteenth during WWII? Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gerradtgrant Posted April 16, 2020 Share #24 Posted April 16, 2020 Oops posted one pick twice in previous reply. The back of the card showing manufacturer info. Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GAZOO Posted March 2, 2023 Share #25 Posted March 2, 2023 I see this is an Old thread but wanted to post an interesting example that seems to DIFFER from the OMSA Info as to Manufacture of the AMERICAN Issued version In the OMSA Article it states the AMERICAN medals were ALL by the above KUAN HSING INTERPRISE CO. and the company name is on the back, written at the bottom AFTER Looking at the above helpful post that has the NAME written IN BOTH Chines and American on the WHITE CARD I was able to look and see INDEED the bottom line on the back of the medal is the actual company name written in Chinese. EXCEPT I can now see the medal I just picked up Matches the ribbon and Planchet Dimensions of the Military Award and also has THE A indicating award to American. BUT NOT the KUAN HSING INTERPRISE CO. name ? Apparently different manufacture from the two posted prior So it appears there may have been another manufacturer of these American Issued No A versions If you compare the bottom line on the back you will notice its different than the above posted medals Anyone read Chinese ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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