Author Topic: For you Vets  (Read 443 times)

Offline midnight Target

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For you Vets
« on: July 22, 2002, 08:48:36 PM »
I saw this case at the Viet Nam Memorial Wall in D.C.

I didn't want to disturb it, so I took a pic. Does anyone recognize this case? I assumed it was for a medal, but which one?

Offline easymo

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« Reply #1 on: July 22, 2002, 08:59:22 PM »
Ya got me.  It dosen't look link any of the boxes my dads medals, or mine, came in.

Offline Sikboy

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« Reply #2 on: July 23, 2002, 07:14:03 AM »
I don't know about that case, but man, that wall is one of the most emotionally wrenching experiences. When I visited it, someone had laid out a photograph from the field, and with it, the "St. Crispin's day" quote from Henry V.  I didn't know those two guys, but I lost it right there.

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Offline gofaster

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« Reply #3 on: July 23, 2002, 08:15:13 AM »
There was a book that had been released that contained photos of all of the objects left at the wall.  Don't worry - all of the items left at the wall are carefully collected and the stored (except for perishables such as flowers) by either the Smithsonian or the Parks Dept (can't recall which).

When I was there, someone had left a pair of vintage aviator sunglasses and an old Seiko watch (the high-end watch of that time period).  That really got to me...

Right now I'm reading "The Soldiers' Story", a compendium of "as told to" interviews transcribed into a book that I picked up off the bargain shelves at Barnes and Noble.  Some good reading there.

Offline midnight Target

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« Reply #4 on: July 23, 2002, 11:17:44 AM »
The Wall was my favorite experience on the Mall (not counting beers with Sikboy).
While I was there I saw this woman straining to reach a name with that piece of paper they give you. I walked up and offered to help. She was very appreciative and I really got the feel of the memorial. She thanked me, but I received much more than I gave.


Offline Udie

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« Reply #5 on: July 23, 2002, 11:27:31 AM »
Well our country put itself through a lot of BS over this war.  Something happened to me the other day that made me realize it was a good war.

 There's a old vietnamese guy down the road from my office that owns a gas station.  He was from the south.  He told me why we were there.   He also said he could never repay all the soldiers that died over there to give him and his family freedom.  S! to those that served there.  I probably would have been a pinko draft dodger back then, who knows.

Offline AKSWulfe

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« Reply #6 on: July 23, 2002, 11:30:10 AM »
Think it could be a Bronze Star... my dad has a couple of those whatever they are to hold the medal in (the medals too)..

then again, I'm not really sure. It looks familiar, but I haven't seen the medals in a couple years now.
-SW

Offline Masherbrum

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« Reply #7 on: July 23, 2002, 11:38:04 AM »
My brother is from South Vietnam.  He was on THE LAST PLANE the day Saigon fell.   I always thank vets when I see him.  I have yet to even go to DC, let alone the wall.

But it is like I told my wife.  She said "Well, take some Kleenex".  I replied "Nope, (said sharply and fast)".  "Why not?"  I said  "If the amount of water leaving my tear ducts can make a buddy's flower last 30 seconds longer, it is worth it."  She cried her bellybutton off.

I was wondering though, is there a guy that has either dog tags or bracelets of MIA's?  

Midnight, thanks for the pic.  I love looking at pictures of the wall.  Thanks

"MIA-POW  You are not forgotten"

Masher
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Offline Masherbrum

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« Reply #8 on: July 23, 2002, 12:06:04 PM »
As for the Case.

These would be my 4 guesses.

1.  CMOH
2.  Army Distinguished Service Cross Medal
3.  "the Silver"
4.  "the Bronze"

sidebar - I'd be crying to much to take a picture.  Anyone ever seen the movie "In Country"?

Masher
FSO Squad 412th FNVG
http://worldfamousfridaynighters.com/
Co-Founder of DFC

Offline Raubvogel

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« Reply #9 on: July 23, 2002, 12:14:17 PM »
Those cases are generic...no real way of telling what it is without opening it up. I have a few sitting right on the shelf behind me.

Masher- there is no "Army Distinguished Service Cross", there is a Distinguished Service Cross, a Defense Distinguished Service Medal, and a Distinguished Service Medal. They are not service-specific.
« Last Edit: July 23, 2002, 12:18:33 PM by Raubvogel »

Offline Masherbrum

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« Reply #10 on: July 23, 2002, 12:21:48 PM »
forgive me.  I should have left it to the vets, huh?

Masher
FSO Squad 412th FNVG
http://worldfamousfridaynighters.com/
Co-Founder of DFC

Offline easymo

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« Reply #11 on: July 23, 2002, 12:58:01 PM »
I dont think its the bronze star.  I am looking at one of those, with V for valor.  The box is much smaller.  All the boxes, are smaller.

  My dad has a Korean Presentation Presidential Award - Ambassador to Peace medal.  Its in a large box.   A Korean medal obviously.  Maybe this is a Vietnamese medal of some kind.

Offline MrBill

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« Reply #12 on: July 23, 2002, 01:20:21 PM »
Absolutely unsure, but it kinda looks like a document citation case, not a medal case, haven't seen one in a long time.
We do not stop playing because we grow old
We grow old because we stop playing

Offline AKSWulfe

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« Reply #13 on: July 23, 2002, 01:27:34 PM »
I'm almost positive those are the cases my dad has his BStars in.

The literally pop open when you open it, and on the right side is where the medal hangs with the ribbon above it.

Of course, Raub's prolly right and they are just generic display/holding cases.
-SW
EDIT: Said Kratzer, meant Raubvogel.
« Last Edit: July 23, 2002, 01:44:33 PM by AKSWulfe »

Offline easymo

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« Reply #14 on: July 23, 2002, 01:36:42 PM »
Can anyone make out what is printed on the case. ( my monitor is a 12 year old hitachi workstation. Crisp picture it aint :) )