8 hours ago8 hr #1 Attached are images of dad's PH. He was a member of bomb group 306, 368th squadron (USAAF). Their B-17 was the Vapor Trail which was lost by flak on 3/27/44. He was captured and was a POW in Stalag XVIIB and was in the forced march. We also have his original Kriegie cards he sent home and no mention of injury, but rarely, if ever do we recall him talking about any of this period after returning. His separation papers show no combat injuries.He was recalled in 1950 and discharged in 1953 (U.S. Army) for the Korean conflict. He was awarded the Bronze Star on 10/1/53 which we have along with its documentation. His separation papers show no combat injuries. Again, very little discussion on the homefront about this period.In the late 90's he was diagnosed with the triple A (abdominal aortic aneurysm). Following the surgery he was on oxygen and terminal with IPF so it was during this period he was pulling together what he could for the family but this effort was eventually put aside. He did receive a 1999 statement he requested for awards/decorations. No Purple Heart listing. Dad passed 7/01 and we had him interred 9/01 Arlington.So, my trip to the archives in STL in 01 provided nothing for the PH. 25 years down the road with advancement of technology I tried the NARA again using eVetRecs. No PH documentation.Is there a way to tell by the pictures of the medal which conflict it was awarded?What would be a probable next step that may provide a lead...to something?
7 hours ago7 hr #4 No, is the short answer about when this PH could have been issues/awarded. It is a typical WW2 era PH with slot brooch. These same awards were issued into the Vietnam era. Better, closeup pics of the engraving would help. Typically PH's were not engraved unless the man was killed in action. There are exceptions of course. I would see if you can find any reports of the plane being shot down. They can list the KIA and MIA as well as the WIA. This seems the likely event for a PH.
5 hours ago5 hr #5 In case you have not seen this:NARA card with relevant Missing Air Crew Report (MACR) number:and confirmation of that number from this site:https://www.aviationarchaeology.com/dbSearchAFMACR.aspUnfortunately, I was unable to locate a copy of that MACR, however the NARA MACR index indicates that it should be located on MACR Fiche 1203.
5 hours ago5 hr #7 Finally,His Korean War Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB) orders from Jun 53, when he was serving as an infantry officer in the 223rd IR 40th ID:Dan
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