Illustrated is a pair of three-place Navy ribbon bars, with an unusual star on the Mexican Campaign ribbon. When the pin-back pair was acquired on eBay last year, I had thought this star was a bronze star possibly representing additional Mexican service in 1916-17 after initial service at Vera Cruz in 1914.

 

The two ribbon bars date to the 1930s, for two characteristics. One is their 7/16 inch width, frequently seen on pre-WW2 Navy ribbons. The second is the Good Conduct ribbon being placed last without re-enlistment stars. These re-up stars were authorized in 1948, along with the NGC ribbon now being placed ahead of the campaign ribbons.

 

I recently examined this star more closely under a strong lens, and gently buffed its ridges with a cotton swab. It was actually heavily tanished silver. Citation stars on Army campaign medal ribbons are well documented, and citation stars on both Army & Navy WW1 Victory medals are well known. But this is my first experience with a citation star on a Navy campaign ribbon. The July 1914 issue of "The Man-O'Warsman" published a list of 59 enlisted Navy sailors cited by Admirals Fletcher & Badger for bravery under fire during the Vera Cruz landings on 21-22 April 1914. Fourteen of them received the Medal of Honor. Despite the existence of these cited personnel, I am not aware of the Navy having authorized the citation star for use on their campaign medal ribbons (other than the WW1 Victory ribbon).

 

Can any Forum members provide further information or ideas about this unusual use of a citation star?? Tom Nier, OMSA 1096

Tom,

 

I seem to recall (and correct me if I'm wrong) that the Purple Heart was not considered a Navy decoration until

1942, the star on the Mexico could represent an "engagement"

 

Regarding the star on the Victory ribbon, sometimes the wearer or his tailor did not know the significance of the

sivler v. the bronze star and used whatever they had.

 

Overall the combination of the PH, 1st Nic, and Mexico has some interesting possibilities.

 

Bill

Tom,

 

I seem to recall (and correct me if I'm wrong) that the Purple Heart was not considered a Navy decoration until

1942, the star on the Mexico could represent an "engagement"

 

Regarding the star on the Victory ribbon, sometimes the wearer or his tailor did not know the significance of the

sivler v. the bronze star and used whatever they had.

 

Overall the combination of the PH, 1st Nic, and Mexico has some interesting possibilities.

 

Bill

 

Bill: You're right about the 1942 authorization of the Purple Heart for the Navy, which was not to be awarded retroactively for wounds incurred before Pearl Harbor. The only exception were Navy Medical Corps personnel attached to the Marines in the 2nd Division AEF, who could receive any of the Army decorations. Thanks for your input, Tom