Do I detect a blue star on that Navy PUC?

 

Good eye 67Rally!! I never noticed that. There are remnants of blue paint or enamel (can't tell without scraping some off) on the left star and the star on the right also has a blue coating, but it's not nearly as sharp in color as the other. Also, it's obvious that the stars came from different manufacturers.

 

What is the significance of the stars being blue? Thanks for pointing that out.

 

Al

Good eye 67Rally!! I never noticed that. There are remnants of blue paint or enamel (can't tell without scraping some off) on the left star and the star on the right also has a blue coating, but it's not nearly as sharp in color as the other. Also, it's obvious that the stars came from different manufacturers.

 

What is the significance of the stars being blue? Thanks for pointing that out.

 

Al

The blue stars were the first type specified to be attached to the Navy PUC for additional awards. I do not think they lasted too long.

The blue stars were the first type specified to be attached to the Navy PUC for additional awards. I do not think they lasted too long.

 

Thanks atb. Now on to more focused research on those blue stars. If anyone else has info on them, please let me know. Thanks again, Al.

I have a couple bars like this, with the curled lip on one end and the opposite end is round to get the ribbons on easily. They are all marked Pat. Pend. but I want to say they're made by Gemsco.

 

Rob

Thanks atb. Now on to more focused research on those blue stars. If anyone else has info on them, please let me know. Thanks again, Al.

 

I found an old thread on the blue star subject. Very interesting. How do I post a link to it? It was initiated by Tom Nier on 9-12-09. Thanks, Al.

I have a couple bars like this, with the curled lip on one end and the opposite end is round to get the ribbons on easily. They are all marked Pat. Pend. but I want to say they're made by Gemsco.

 

Rob

 

Thanks Captainofthe7th. I see that now. I learn something new every day thanks to you Forummers. Al.

I found an old thread on the blue star subject. Very interesting. How do I post a link to it? It was initiated by Tom Nier on 9-12-09. Thanks, Al.

 

Found it!!

 

http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/ind...amp;hl=navy+PUC

I was looking through the paperwork of one of my WWII 4th Marine Division Marines I just received and indeed it says specifically that he was awarded a PUC with a Blue Star attached. I probably wouldn't have second guessed it if it wasn't for this thread.

 

I can't remember what action he earned it in. I will scan the document tomorrow and post it.

 

Leonardo

I was looking through the paperwork of one of my WWII 4th Marine Division Marines I just received and indeed it says specifically that he was awarded a PUC with a Blue Star attached. I probably wouldn't have second guessed it if it wasn't for this thread.

 

I can't remember what action he earned it in. I will scan the document tomorrow and post it.

 

Leonardo

 

 

Awhile back I went through some of my records and found a couple specifically mentioning award of the PUC with blue star as well and then others also mentioning a star but not specifying blue. I believe the stars are indeed for participation in the specific campaign and the blue ones were "early" ribbon devices before changing to the bronze for second or third awards. I would then assume that a plain PUC ribbon would be worn by a member of the unit only for the duration he was with said unit and I have read that once transferred, etc he could no longer wear the PUC.

Here is the scan, this is from a 4th Marine Division vet who participated in a four Division battles: Roi Namur, Saipan, Tinian and Iwo Jima.

 

I understand that the Division also earned the PUC in Iwo Jima but this one specifically says "Saipan and Tinian". To be honest I didn't even know that the Division even earned a PUC in Saipian-Tinian.

 

I must now ask what happens when one earned a second PUC when one already has received one PUC with a Blue Star previously?

 

Looks like the Blue Star was still being issued through 1944 and not just early war.

 

I'm restoring his jacket so I'm keeping my eyes open for a Blue Star to put on his PUC.

 

Leonardo

Here was one that just sold on ebay:

In the documentation I received for my uncle's naval service, he was awarded a PUC for his service with CTF-16 aboard the Enterprise for most of 1942. The award document states precisely that he was authorized the PUC with 1 (one) blue star. I will scan and post it for reference.

I'm aware that stars were worn on WW2 ribbons as they are today...to denote second, third, etc. awards of the award but I have never been totally clear on the blue stars on the PUC. Were the blue stars used on the ribbon to show the actual participation in the action for which it is awarded or for denoting second and subsequent awrads?

 

 

As the ribbon was awarded in 1942, for a single instance, it was issued WITH a blue star. Subsequent awards would have additional stars.

Here's the letter awarding the PUC to my uncle (last name redacted by me):

 

Here is the scan, this is from a 4th Marine Division vet who participated in a four Division battles: Roi Namur, Saipan, Tinian and Iwo Jima.

 

I understand that the Division also earned the PUC in Iwo Jima but this one specifically says "Saipan and Tinian". To be honest I didn't even know that the Division even earned a PUC in Saipian-Tinian.

 

I must now ask what happens when one earned a second PUC when one already has received one PUC with a Blue Star previously?

 

Looks like the Blue Star was still being issued through 1944 and not just early war.

 

I'm restoring his jacket so I'm keeping my eyes open for a Blue Star to put on his PUC.

 

Leonardo

Is there a thread featuring this uniform Leonardo? Would like to see it.

http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/ind...t&p=1116341

My example from documents.

Is there a thread featuring this uniform Leonardo? Would like to see it.

Yes, I'm still restoring the rack, need a puc with a blue star and a v device.

http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/ind...=Hazen&st=0

Ricardo...you have an amazing collection. I also looked at your website. Really nice third marine group!

 

Thank you!! :thumbsup:

 

BR, Ricardo.

I just received this very nice framed citation for the destroyer USS Nicholas during WW2. Included is an upside down USN Presidential Unit Citation with blue enameled star nailed to the bottom of the frame.

 

The USS Nicholas earned 30 battle stars over three conflicts making it the most campaigned USN ship according to Wikipedia.

 

Jeff