Forgive me if this is the wrong forum for this...it seemed much more lively in here, thus increasing my chances for a response.

I recently gained possession of my grandfather's Ike jacket. I know practically nothing about his service in WWII, other than he was in a sawmill company in Europe. I was rather hoping a look at the insignia on his jacket would provide a little more insight into his service.

Here are several photos (click thumbnails for large versions):






From the very little I know about WWII Army insignia, he has patches from the 36th Infantry (?), Army Service Forces Europe, and an honorable discharge. Is that a Distinguished Unit Citation? Ribbons include a Good Conduct, European-African-Middle Eastern (with four campaign stars), and the WWII Victory Medal, I believe. Right?

What significance are the campaign stars? Simply that he served in four battles? Forgive me, as I am relatively unfamiliar with campaign stars, or clusters for that matter.

I would greatly appreciate any help offered. Thank you!

From what I can see of the photo you are correct on the medals. Campaign stars are given for each campaign, with the ribbon counting as 1 so four stars w/ribbon equals 5 campaigns. the blue ribbon on the left side inside the gold frame is the Presidential Unit Citation.

quote:

Originally posted by lovatscot:
From what I can see of the photo you are correct on the medals. Campaign stars are given for each campaign, with the ribbon counting as 1 so four stars w/ribbon equals 5 campaigns. the blue ribbon on the left side inside the gold frame is the Presidential Unit Citation.

The Distinguished Unit Citation was renamed Presidential Unit Citation in November 1966, so it was the Distinguished at the time (In case you have paperwork stating that).
Campaign Medals don't follow the "Ribbon = 1" rule unless the particular campaign only consisted of one campaign, so in this case he is showing 4 Campaigns.

Judging from the Overseas Service Bars on the uniform, he had more than a year in service. That being the case he would also be authorized the American Campaign Medal. It would be worm between the Good Conduct Meal and the EAME Medal.

36th Infantry Division, Texas (and then Oklahoma) National Guard.

That right sleeve SSI, European Theater of Operations Advanced Base was worn, I believe, by support personnel.

Off-topic but...

Long Thrust is that an 1860 Munich crest in your avatar?

quote:

Originally posted by Erikwithak86:
Off-topic but...

Long Thrust is that an 1860 Munich crest in your avatar?

DUI of 28th U.S. Infantry Lions of Cantigny, an original regiment of 1st Division. Currently there are two active Battalions; 1st in 1st ID & 2nd in 172nd Inf. Brigade -- both deployed. The DUI was adopted, in 1918, from the arms of Picardy, a French province.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Long_Thrust_VI,

The following is the description of the right shoulder patch as described in "US Army Patches, Flashes and Ovals" by Barry Stein
Plate 65, #27

COMMUNICATIONS ZONE PERSONNEL, EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS, ADVANCED SECTOR
worn from 25 February 1944 to 28 February 1946

The insignia was originally approved in 1944 after the consolidation of the Headquarters, European theater of operations (HQ, ETOUSA) and Communications Zone, European theater of operations (the supply element of the command) which was re-designated in 1945 as the Communications Zone Personnel, European theater of operations.
The twin thunderbolts represent ground and air forces breaking the chain enslaving Europe during World War II. The thunderbolts form the letter 'V', the 'Victory' symbol, common to both the British and United States forces. The Army Service Forces insignia, blue, five-pointed star upon white, refers to the supply function of the organization. This organization was tasked with providing support in the form of supplies, equipment, transportation and weapons for the invasion of Normandy. The project was code-named Operation BOLERO. After the Normandy breakout the Advanced Sector provided support to the First and Third Armies from its Headquarters in Paris.