Ribbon ID assist needed

[M1A1-1944]

Having trouble ID’ing the last 4 ribbons on this bar.  Any help would be appreciated.  Thanks

 

 

[collectsmedals]

The last ribbon is for the 1939 - 1945 French Croix de Guerre with bronze palm.

 

The bronze palm is for those who had been mentioned in dispatches at the army level.

 

 

 

[collectsmedals]

The light blue ribbon with the red, blue, and white center stripes is the National Reserve Officer's Association Award.

 

[atb]

The first ribbon is for the British Africa Star with "1" device indicating the British First Army.

[M1A1-1944]

Appreciated, thank you!

[Hermanus]

The bottom row, middle ribben could be the Italian Order of the Crown, knight degree.

 

regards

Herman 

[M1A1-1944]

This is the shadowbox containing the ribbons I inquired about. This was obtained at an estate auction, the last name being Casto, from the Parkersburg, West Virginia area.  Not sure if it was from a member of that family or not.  I found a citation for a silver star to a Virgil C Casto, but per the citation and information he was a private.  Anyone have any insight to that or the Ribbon grouping in general?  It’s my first time seeing the ribbons I inquired about.

 

[Marshallj]

On 4/28/2024 at 7:10 PM, atb said:

The first ribbon is for the British Africa Star with "1" device indicating the British First Army.

How does an American rate the Africa Star? 

[M1A1-1944]

My thinking as well.

 

[atb]

I've seen American ribbon groups with the British Burma Star, too. I wonder if the British.made honorary awards of their campaign stars and medals, and the American recipients took it to heart. Unofficially, of course.

[Marshallj]

I feel as though he may have taken some liberty with his rack. I’m not sure what he could wear after the ETO ribbon. 

[Hermanus]

At least a WW2 Victory Medal and very often a Occupation Medal

20 hours ago, Marshallj said:

I feel as though he may have taken some liberty with his rack. I’m not sure what he could wear after the ETO ribbon. 

 

[Primoris Scio]

On 5/18/2024 at 3:56 PM, Marshallj said:

How does an American rate the Africa Star? 

Is it possible it was awarded to US officers?

 

“It (The First Army) was formed to command the American and British land forces which had landed as part of Operation Torch, the Allied invasion of French North Africa, in Morocco and Algeria on 8 November 1942... The First Army initially consisted of American and British formations only.”

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Army_(United_Kingdom)

[Jimnz]

From memory I think only Ike and MacArthur got British campaign medals officially. But as you guys say there were unofficial awards. It went the other way too I  saw pictures of British officers with US  campaign ribbons and they even later added full size medals for their groups! A small group of British officers did get official US  awards though. It's quite an interesting story  in that both countries didn't want a mass award of each others campaign medals and I  think FM Alexander exceeded his authority and presented Ike with a Africa star with a 8 and a 1.....

[Jimnz]

Actually I think it was Churchill that exceeded his authority and gave Eisenhower a Africa star ribbon with an 8 and 1...at the same time Alexander received his unique Africa star ribbon. The King reprimanding him...but letting it stand.

This ribbon bar also illustrates something I was wondering about...when was the silver service star authorized for campaign medals. And when was the ATO ribbon extended to one years US service as I often see it...too often in immediate post WW2 ribbon bars to recipients who couldn't have qualified under the original criteria of service outside US but in the ATO.

Best wishes

Jim