WW2 Bronze Star

[KK]

Hi All,

 

I am looking to replace my grandfather's Bronze Star. I have posted a photograph .I don't have it to measure. Is it true these were issued in one size? What should I expect to pay for one? I don't need the box.

Any help greatly appreciated. You can read a bit about my grandfather and see part of my collection here: Link

 

hank you.

[KK]

Does anyone have one without a box to offer? Please message me. Thank you.

[KK]

I would like to be able to tell reproductions from the originals. How does this look? The finish appears different than my grandfathers but that could just be storage methods/age. Did these all come in one finish? I would think so. I have learned they are all the same size. Weight I would be interested in. My grandfather's (last photo) does not have the ribbon so that is OK. This is being offered for $25. Does seems right? I have read here these things are common and should be about $20? Does the price reflect the missing ribbon? Or is this a fake?  I would appreciate a few opinions - in my other groups I always suggest posting for review by many others before any purchase is made - I think that would apply here as well. I know tiles, glass and Kodachrome  etc., but medals are totally new to me. What I buy must be from WW2.

Thank you in advance for any help. It is greatly appreciated.

 

Using what I know from other areas, I would think this example below is modern creation?

 

 

 

 

 

 

[VietnamCollectors2823]

Hi, KK! This one looks WWII or later, but they didn't change in variation at all throughout the years, and unless it had the ribbon I couldn't be sure. $20 is fine, but judging that it's missing the ribbon, I bet you could find a better price for sure. There can't necessarily be a 'reproduction' bronze star IMO, since they are still made today.

[KK]

Thank you for very much for responding. So, without the ribbon and how it is attached (crimped etc.) these (1944 19,45) are indistinguishable from more recent versions (1950's?)?

With the ribbon and box intact, is $50 too much? Someone has offered me that, but I have yet to see images. What should a 1944 or '45 ribbon and box look like?

Point well taken re reproductions.

[VietnamCollectors2823]

8 minutes ago, KK said:

Thank you for very much for responding. So, without the ribbon and how it is attached (crimped etc.) these (1944 19,45) are indistinguishable from more recent versions (1950's?)?

With the ribbon and box intact, is $50 too much? Someone has offered me that, but I have yet to see images. What should a 1944 or '45 ribbon and box look like?

I'm not sure what you are trying to ask in the first question, but I'd say $50 is a great deal with the box. The standard for WWII issue medals should be a slot brooch or a wrap brooch if earlier, with a leather coffin case, which would be WWII issue as well. If all checks out, that'd be a pretty good deal. Feel free to send pictures.

[VietnamCollectors2823]

And yes, without the actual ribbon, I am not sure how you would check, or if you can at all. One of the most common ways is looking at the brooch on the back of the medals.

[Blacksmith]

15 minutes ago, KK said:

Thank you for very much for responding. So, without the ribbon and how it is attached (crimped etc.) these (1944 19,45) are indistinguishable from more recent versions (1950's?)?

With the ribbon and box intact, is $50 too much? Someone has offered me that, but I have yet to see images. What should a 1944 or '45 ribbon and box look like?

Point well taken re reproductions.

Hey, pal - What are you trying to do?

 

Your grandfather was in the Air Corps during WWII, and you're trying to replace his Bronze Star Medal - do you want just the planchette, with no broach / ribbon, or a complete WWII example? 

[KK]

I am just trying to replace what was given to my brother as it was given to him. There is also a ring given to me that I gave top him from my Grandfather. What I have from my grandfather is in this image - photographs and documents. The lighter was not his, the Kokura souvenir handkerchief was not his, or the Atomic Game etc..

If I can get period appropriate boxed example I might select that. I don't know the values - I am just starting learning about these things now. I shall start by looking at how this all appeared when my grandfather received it. So if anyone can share a photograph, I would appreciate it!

 

 

[KK]

One thing is clear - there is no rush. 

"I am just trying to replace what was given to my brother as it was given to him." -  I meant as my brother has it now. He took the photo I showed of the Star my grandfather was given. I have no idea what happened to the box or the ribbon.

 

[KK]

PS - Here is the ring I mentioned. Unfortunately I can't get any additional photographs. Apologies if it is not oriented correctly. I have not seen it in 25+ years at least. I think I gave it to my brother in 1995/96 or so.

It is my guess this ring came with the certificate on the wall? Or perhaps a generic ring, maybe from the end of the war?

 

 

 

 

[USMCR79]

Not sure if you have this or not but here is the Air Force Record Card for your Grandfathers Bronze Star Medal.

 

General Order 68  20th Air Force of September 19, 1945 covered awards for various individuals... Pilots, Air Crew, etc. who were associated with the dropping of the A Bomb on Hiroshima.

 

If it was me I would look at obtaining a replacement ribbon drape and broach and refurbishing his original medal since it has family and historical significance.

 

Bill

 

 

[Josh B.]

2 hours ago, VietnamCollectors2823 said:

I'm not sure what you are trying to ask in the first question, but I'd say $50 is a great deal with the box. The standard for WWII issue medals should be a slot brooch or a wrap brooch if earlier, with a leather coffin case, which would be WWII issue as well. If all checks out, that'd be a pretty good deal. Feel free to send pictures.

Just to clarify, a bronze star with a wrap brooch indicates production for the sea services by the US Mint.  This type would be much more expensive to procure and is also inappropriate for rebuilding a group to an Army soldier or airman.

[USMCR79]

The Bronze Star Medal shown looks like an AE Company Product from 1944 that was manufactured with the closed loop and fitted with the slot broach.

 

Bill

[Blacksmith]

So then, you are looking for something like this?:

[KK]

I have not had a chance to digest all of the posts above but yes, I think so.

[KK]

3 hours ago, USMCR79 said:

Not sure if you have this or not but here is the Air Force Record Card for your Grandfathers Bronze Star Medal.

 

General Order 68  20th Air Force of September 19, 1945 covered awards for various individuals... Pilots, Air Crew, etc. who were associated with the dropping of the A Bomb on Hiroshima.

 

If it was me I would look at obtaining a replacement ribbon drape and broach and refurbishing his original medal since it has family and historical significance.

 

Bill

 

 

 

Thank you. I did not know that.

[Blacksmith]

37 minutes ago, KK said:

I have not had a chance to digest all of the posts above but yes, I think so.

Ok.  If you decide it’s what you want, please PM me.  

[KK]

Thank you! I read that this also came with a "bar" or "ribbon" - these below? Are these even Army?

 The box will overtake my table and artifacts.\ but the additional ribbon would be great. The National Archives seems down in this respect - how can I find out what additional medals and awards he received?

 

Example A

Example B

 

[KK]

Thank you to everyone who helped me with this Star, shared information or commented on my collection. Thank you!

[USMCR79]

8 hours ago, KK said:

Thank you! I read that this also came with a "bar" or "ribbon" - these below? Are these even Army?

 The box will overtake my table and artifacts.\ but the additional ribbon would be great. The National Archives seems down in this respect - how can I find out what additional medals and awards he received?

 

Example A

Example B

 

Example B - The wider ribbons were used by the Navy & Marine Corps.

 

He should be entitled to the Army Good Conduct Medal, American Theatre Medal, Pacific Theatre Medal, WWII Victory Medal and since he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal he should receive the New York State Conspicuous Service Cross Medal & Certificate, and the WWII Honorable Discharge Button. Possibly the Army Presidential Unit Citation, The Philippine Liberation Ribbon/Medal (Philippine Government.), and Aircraft Mechanics Badge.

 

Bill

 

 

[USMCR79]

On 1/25/2025 at 4:12 AM, KK said:

Hi All,

 

I am looking to replace my grandfather's Bronze Star. I have posted a photograph .I don't have it to measure. Is it true these were issued in one size? What should I expect to pay for one? I don't need the box.

Any help greatly appreciated. You can read a bit about my grandfather and see part of my collection here: Link

 

hank you.

Please take this medal off the screw...it is a historical artifact and should be treated as such.

 

Bill

[USMCR79]

23 hours ago, KK said:

PS - Here is the ring I mentioned. Unfortunately I can't get any additional photographs. Apologies if it is not oriented correctly. I have not seen it in 25+ years at least. I think I gave it to my brother in 1995/96 or so.

It is my guess this ring came with the certificate on the wall? Or perhaps a generic ring, maybe from the end of the war?

 

 

 

 

May be a High School Ring.

[atb]

22 minutes ago, USMCR79 said:

May be a High School Ring.

The ring shows the Distinctive Unit Insignia of the 166th Infantry Regiment. So, not a high school ring.

[USMCR79]

2 minutes ago, atb said:

The ring shows the Distinctive Unit Insignia of the 166th Infantry Regiment. So, not a high school ring.

Good Catch!!