July 12, 201610 yr #1 I've been waiting it seems forever for FOIA file from St Louis which I finally got (now I have to start getting the decorations together to restore it ) When checking the list of decorations I noticed something I have never encountered before and just wondered how unusual it might be. The officer ended the war with the 5th Marine Division and did occupation duty post war so naturally received the Navy Occupation Medal but I noticed it listed the medal with 1 bronze star device. I was pretty confused but as I read further, found he served in Japan again in the early 1950s within the time period for qualification for that medal so that would explain it. Obviously it was authorized but I have never seen that ribbon with a device so just curious how many folks have seen that on their uniform collections.
July 12, 201610 yr #2 I'm sure it was never authorized to wear a bronze star on the Navy or Marine Corps Occupation ribbon. A service member only received one award no matter how many times they returned to the occupation zone. I think what you are seeing is simply a clerical error. Happens all the time. Semper Fi, Bruce Linz
July 12, 201610 yr Author #3 I'm sure it was never authorized to wear a bronze star on the Navy or Marine Corps Occupation ribbon. A service member only received one award no matter how many times they returned to the occupation zone. I think what you are seeing is simply a clerical error. Happens all the time. Semper Fi, Bruce Linz I certainly never heard of that before so clerical error makes sense but thought maybe there was some little detail I was miising. Thanks!
July 12, 201610 yr #5 It would seem if he served in Japan and Europe also that he would be authorized a star. My Father-In-Law served with the 11th Airborne in Occupation duty in 46 & 47 that was stationed in Berlin 56-59 with MLM and according to his records he was authorized both the Japan and Germany Clasps on his Occupation Medal. He never wore a Star or OLC on his occupation ribbon but it was in his file. Just some thought from the cheap seats.
July 12, 201610 yr #6 Hello, Service members in all branches who qualified for both of their respective services Occupation Medals clasps could wear both clasps on the full size and miniature medal. However no star or oak leaf cluster was ever authorized for wear on the ribbon. The only authorized device for the Occupation Ribbon is the Berlin Airlift device which is a small gold colored airplane. The black band on the ribbon should be to the wearers right. Bruce Linz
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