The C-119 Flying Boxcar at Ashiya Unique Design: The C-119 was nicknamed "Boxcar" because of its square fuselage and twin tail booms, designed to facilitate the direct loading of vehicles and supplies from the rear.   Mission in Korea: From Ashiya, these aircraft were vital to the airlift to the Korean Peninsula. They transported everything from medical supplies and ammunition to prefabricated bridges that were airdropped (famously used in the Battle of Chosin Reservoir).   Capacity: It could carry up to 62 fully equipped troops or about 10 tons of cargo.

Here are pics of some variations of the star and arrow backmarks on WW1 vegetable ivory buttons. Pardon the picture quality.  

Guided Missile Group One Det Alpha USS SHANGRI LA (CVA-38) WESTPAC 1956-1957  

Nope,  improving the quality of the ribbon and/or shorter drape like the original will only help the value. 

Lookin good! I like the painted cartridge belt. I have 3 alphas to Bougainville vets.

I agree...I really like that one a lot too.

Thanks Mikie.  My wife thinks I've collected enough items to start a second Smithsonian, lol.  As a matter of fact I collect Oklahoma Highway Patrol items, like pictures, badges, etc.  Same goes for Oklahoma City Police Dept and various other law enforcement agencies in Oklahoma.  Also, I have a fair amount of a gun collection as well although not as many due to the cost.  Names like Colt, Kimber, Smith & Wesson, and Ruger to name a few.  I collect most anything Oklahoma history related if it's old and/or interesting.  I have a collection of interesting and unusual lighting too.  I collect some modern non-military fixed-blade and folding knives as well.  That's all I can think of off the top of my head.   What about you Mr. Mikie?

And the same backmark but with two stars.    I've noticed in the vegetable ivory buttons where it has two stars instead of a star and an arrow, one of the star has a line going towards the center. I guess that line or the arrow are to direct the placement of the shank.  

Thanks for all the tips guys! I can see the difference in the ribbon colors. The photos are excellent including the 360 view of the rim. I'll also add that your research brought this apparently unknown reverse to light, so big kudos.  I do plan to order his files. I'll check Ancestry again, but hadn't had any luck narrowing him down. I usually do very little restoration work on my pieces, not wanting to do harm them. But if this is a replacement ribbon, I supposed it doesn't alter value, no?  Thanks again for all. So much appreciated!

For me, that last one is the 'eye candy' of the lot