My Father’s World War II Medals

My father earned three service medals in World War II:  The American Campaign Medal, The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and The World War II Victory Medal .  In 1985, upon the 40th Anniversary of World War II, the Russian Federation awarded a medal to US personnel who participated in the Murmansk Run.

The American Campaign Medal- Obverse

The American Campaign Medal- Obverse

The American Campaign Medal- Reverse

The American Campaign Medal- Reverse

 

 

 

Awarded for service outside the United States in the American theater for 30 days or within the continental United States for one year between 1941 and 1946.

The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal - Obverse

The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal – Obverse

The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal - Reverse

The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal – Reverse

 

 

 

 

 

 

Awarded for service in the European-African-Middle Eastern theater for 30 days or receipt of any combat decoration between 1941 and 1945.

The World War II Victory Medal - Obverse

The World War II Victory Medal – Obverse

The World War II Victory Medal - Reverse

The World War II Victory Medal – Reverse

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Awarded for service in the United States Armed Forces between 1941 and 1946.

The Murmansk Run Medal

The Murmansk Run Medal

 

 

 

 

 

 

Awarded by the government of the Russian Federation upon the 40th anniversary of World War II to all sailors, armed guards, and merchant marines from the United States who participated in convoys to Murmansk during World War II.

Cuff Trim of Seaman First Class

Cuff Trim of Seaman First Class

The Navy Seaman’s cuff had one stripe for Apprentice Seaman, two stripes for Seaman Second Class, and three stripes for Seaman First Class .  My father began his naval service as Apprentice Seaman, and was promoted to Seaman Second Class and then to Seaman First Class.

Armed Guard Mark

Armed Guard Mark

The Armed Guard Mark was worn midway between the left wrist and the elbow.

Copyright © 2006 by Stephen J. Danko

This entry was posted in Daily Journal. Bookmark the permalink.

6 Responses to My Father’s World War II Medals

  1. Max A Hughes says:

    In WW II my Father Melvin L Hughes was in the U S NAVY Armed Guard, he was on the Murmansk & Archangel runs, on one run they picked up some Russian dignitars off the coast of Norway. the Russians Awarded the crews Two Medals and a Recording of the Presentation. All was lost years ago, im puting together my Fathers awards for my grandson. I would like to know what imformation you may have about the Medals.

  2. Anthony Shaw says:

    I am trying to obtain my great uncles campaign medals but I dont know who to contact. He served in the RAF between 1941 and 1945 in North Africa, Italy and India.
    Regards A Shaw

  3. Judy Horton says:

    Hi Steve. My Dad is 81 and a World War II veteran – and he earned the exact 3 medals that your Dad did listed above, the Victory, American and European. My Dad has been talking about his medals lately and the fact that he NEVER got them. He is in poor health and I’d like to get them for him while he’s still alive!! Do you know how I would go about getting his medals? I don’t have a clue where to begin. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much Steve.

    Judy

  4. S. S. Rizza says:

    Hi, I am a WWII Veteran and was on the JW 58 Convoy to Murmansk in 1944.

    I would like to know how to obtain the Russian Convoy medal. Can you please give me an address as to where to apply for one.

    Thanking you in advance, I remain
    Sincerely, S. Rizza

  5. Michelle Castillo says:

    I have been trying to find out exactly what medals my father recieved. I wrote to the Veterans adminstration and gave them my fathers Social Security number.
    My father Manuel V. Castillo Sr. was a Sargent in the Airforce and he suffered with PTSD and the one thing he always would be saying was “my seven decorations” and he would be sitting in the dark delirious with flash backs.
    I was told by my uncle he did get the Purple heart, but I want to know what other medals he recieved.
    Thanks,

Comments are closed.