Hitler's Third Reich and World War II in the News is a daily edited review of WWII news, providing thought- provoking collection of hand-picked WW2 information.

Category: WWII Medals & Most decorated Soldiers  -- See latest WWII news here. See also 'Medal of Honor', 'Victoria Cross', 'Uniforms', 'Nazi Memorabilia, Collectibles'.

Fashion Week founder defends models in military medals
Australian Fashion Week founder Simon Lock says a NZ fashion designer did not mean to disrespect servicemen by decking out models in war medals. Kate Sylvester sent pouting models down a Sydney catwalk in mock-military garb as part of her "Royally Screwed" show. Derek Robson says images of the Australian Vietnam War Medal, the UN Service Medal for Korea, the Crimean War Medal and the World War 2 Allied Service Medal hanging over models' bare thighs is "inappropriate, irreverent and distasteful The use of medals - facsimiles, replicas or otherwise is inappropriate."     [ abc.net :: 2008-04-30 :: WWII Medals & Most decorated Soldiers ]

In search of Rudolf Hess's Iron Cross medal
On May 10, 1941, Rudolf Hess flew alone to Britain and landed in Scotland, creating a mystery that's still debated. The Nazis were embarrassed and disowned Hess. The British deemed him insane and locked him up. Crazy or not, Hess was a brave man. Serving as an infantryman in World War I, he'd won Germany's highest award for heroism, the Iron Cross (second class). And that's where Walter Campbell, a quartermaster sergeant with the Royal Canadian Artillery during World War II, comes into the picture. He was in Scotland at the time and went to the crash site, looking for a souvenir.     [ thechronicleherald :: 2008-04-27 :: WWII Medals & Most decorated Soldiers ]

War hero's George Cross fetches €63,000 - Record for any George Cross
A George Cross group of eight granted to an army officer who served in Malta during World War II broke records when it was sold at an auction, bringing in 63,124 euros. The auction of the cross of eight awarded to Brigadier William Eastman in 1940 set a new world record for any George Cross. The medal had been awarded for "most conspicuous gallantry in carrying out very hazardous work." Brigadier Eastman and a fellow officer, Captain Jephson Jones (who also got the medal), rendered safe 275 unexploded bombs in Malta in 1940 when it was under attack from the Italians.     [ timesofmalta :: 2008-03-30 :: WWII Medals & Most decorated Soldiers ]

Bid to restore Iron Cross awakens Germany's angst
Georg Martin got the Wound Badge in Silver for the 3 times he was badly wounded during WWII, as well as an Iron Cross for fighting as part of a machine gun crew in the Battle of Kharkov. In fact, he has 2 of each of them. On the national memorial day (Volkstrauertag) he puts on replicas he bought. In a file where he keeps copies of his military records, sit the originals, bearing the swastika of the Third Reich. The history of the Iron Cross, designed by Karl Friedrich Schinkel, dates to 1813 and the Prussian War of Liberation against Napoleon, but the Nazi history that takes precedence.     [ iht :: 2008-03-21 :: WWII Medals & Most decorated Soldiers ]

Germany discusses return of the Iron Cross - Too burdened by Nazi past
Ernst-Reinhard Beck, leader of German military reservists and member of parliament, has called for the reintroduction of the Iron Cross. But some say the medal has too much nazi past. When it was introduced in the 1800s, the Iron Cross was meant to reward soldiers for heroism on the field of battle. It was a medal not much different from the Congressional Medal of Honor granted to US soldiers. But in World War II, the medal came to symbolize the Nazis, and after the war it disappeared. Today there is an "honor cross" for very loyal soldiers, but courage on the battlefield goes unrewarded in the Bundeswehr.     [ spiegel :: 2008-03-07 :: WWII Medals & Most decorated Soldiers ]

The daughters of Charles Upham want medals in a vault and replicas on display
The daughters of NZ war hero Charles Upham want his military medals locked in a vault and replicas put on show at the Army Museum in Waiouru. Upham's 2 Victoria Crosses were among 96 medals returned after thieves gave them back to authorities. However, the army wants the medals back on display in Waiouru. "New Zealanders should be able to see the original medals..." says Major General Lou Gardiner. Virginia McKenzie did not want to see her father's medals put at risk again. She had learned that overseas replicas were displayed. "People from overseas couldn't believe we didn't have replicas. They were saying they should be kept in a vault. They were amazed."     [ stuff :: 2008-02-18 :: WWII Medals & Most decorated Soldiers ]

Hunt continues for the 96 stolen war medals - Waiouru Army Museum
It has been 4 weeks since a smash and grab at the Waiouru Army Museum robbed the nation of its most valuable treasures. And the hunt for the 9 Victoria Crosses is now concentrated on one car. The theft broke the nation's heart as 96 war medals were snatched in 3 minutes - among them the VC and bar of NZ's most famous soldier Charles Upham. "It's disgraceful, it's beyond belief... but it's a shame to all New Zealanders not just to us," Upham's daughter Amanda Upham says. A 40-strong team has combed the museum's grounds and security footage for clues. Collector Lord Ashcroft is offering a $200,000 for information resulting the safe return of the 9 Victoria Crosses.     [ tvnz :: 2007-12-31 ]

Siberian Cross for surviving deportation to Siberia
Richard Miron has welcomed the Siberian Cross from the Polish government in acknowledgement of surviving deportation to Siberia. By coincidence on the same day of the presentation, December 16, his father in Bialystok was arrested in 1939 by the Russian occupiers. Soon after his family were carted in cattle carriages to work in Siberia. Through willpower, quick thinking, bravery and luck the family made it - their father did not. At ceremony the honorary Polish consul granted the Siberian Cross to 6 survivors of Siberia. "Hitler used gas and the concentration camps and Stalin just used starvation."     [ stuff :: 2007-12-22 ]

Medals stolen from NZ Army Museum may end up in private collection
Article no longer available from the original source.
9 Victoria Crosses, 2 George Crosses and other medals, worth £4M, were stolen from the Waiouru Army Museum during a break-in. The Army says the medals will have little resale value because any trader will know they're stolen. Ian McGibbon says there is an underground market for items such as the medals, notable for their rarity. The theft of medals is very awkward for the museum as the medals were mostly on loan. Defence Minister Phil Goff says the medals are national treasures as only 22 New Zealanders have been awarded Victoria Crosses. The stolen VC medals include those of Charles Upham, Keith Elliot, Jack Hinton and Clive Hulme.     [ radionz :: 2007-12-03 ]

Vet declines Air Medal: Already has one with with 3 Oak Leaf clusters
In the beginning, the Air Medal ceremony at Austin American Legion Post No. 91 was the talk of the town. It has been called off because World War II hero Donald Kofron has the Air Medal and doesn't need another. "I have the Air Medal and I'm proud of it. I wear it proudly when I put on my uniform. I have one with three Oak Leaf clusters and I don't want to sound ungrateful or anything like that, but I told them they were making a mistake." ... "(originally) they told me it was going to be the Distinguished Flying Cross and that's what I told others. ... When I learned it was a medal that I had already received, I decided I couldn't accept that."     [ austindailyherald :: 2007-12-02 :: WWII Medals & Most decorated Soldiers ]

$18,000 for the Knight's Cross with oak leaves and swords
Clive Palmer has paid $18,000 for a Nazi medal at an auction in Brisbane. Only 150 of the Knight's Cross with oak leaves and swords were awarded to German officers during World War II. "I don't believe it is a lot of money because it's equivalent to the VC in our award history and the VC will sell for over half a million dollars... Certainly in Germany there was only 150 awarded of the 170 that were made. Of those about 50% were lost in the aftermath of World War II so it's a very rare medal." A signed copy of Deutschland im Kampf by Adolf Hitler sold for $4100. A 16th century Japanese sword sold for $9500, while a Japanese pilot's sword from WWII fetched $5500.     [ abc.net :: 2007-11-18 ]

Matt L. Urban: tied with Audie Murphy for the most decorations in WWII
World War II hero Audie Murphy got his own U.S. stamp. Buffalo's most decorated war veteran Matt L. Urban should get a stamp too, say organizers of a petition drive. The Polish American Congress argues that Urban and Murphy - both U.S. Army veterans from WWII - are the two most decorated veterans from that war. Murphy's face was put on a stamp, and the group wants Urban to receive the same honor. As a lieutenant colonel in charge of an infantry battalion, Urban was shot 7 times, once in the throat. He was credited with killing 116 German soldiers from machine gun nest in one day. Urban received the Medal of Honor for several times risking his life beyond the call of duty.     [ hnn.us :: 2007-10-15 :: WWII Medals & Most decorated Soldiers ]

The RAF's most decorated World War II gunner - Wallace McIntosh
Tributes were paid after the death of a WW2 airman Wallace McIntosh who had become the RAF's most decorated gunner - cheating death during his 55 sorties as a rear gunner in Bomber Command's 207 Squadron. He is believed to hold the record for the most enemy kills, with 8 confirmed hits during bombing raids 1943-1944. On one mission he shot down 3 German fighter planes, a record, as his Lancaster bomber carried out a raid on German battle tanks during the D-Day advance. He received a telegram from Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur 'Bomber' Harris, one of only 3 signed by the commander. He was awarded twice the Distinguished Flying Cross.     [ timesonline :: 2007-06-07 :: WWII Medals & Most decorated Soldiers ]

Collection of 35 rare Japanese medals auctioned in UK
A collection of 35 sought-after Japanese medals, orders and decorations far exceeded estimates when they were sold at Sotheby's in London. Highlights in the sale included an extremely rare breast star of the Order of the Golden Kite, awarded to senior officers for exceptional bravery in action, and a noted breast badge of the Order of the Sacred Crown. The Order of the Golden Kite was the star of the sale fetching a 5,750 pounds when it was bought by the New York coins and medals dealers, Stacks. Having been bought for just $20 back in 1913, the sale of the rare breast star marked a staggering return.     [ japantoday :: 2007-04-27 :: WWII Medals & Most decorated Soldiers ]

Daring wartime airman's medals and military insignia up for sale
Medals and military insignia, including 4 Distinguished Service Orders, belonging to one of World War II's finest airmen are expected to fetch up to £180,000. Sir Basil Embry's dedication was so great that, when grounded by RAF because he was overworked, he took on the pseudonym "Wing Commander Smith" to ensure that he flew in some of the war's most daring raids. Sir Basil was also famed for evading capture after being shot down over France while protecting the British Army during the Dunkirk retreat. Sir Basil, who became Air Chief Marshal, was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath and Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire.     [ timesonline :: 2007-04-10 :: WWII Medals & Most decorated Soldiers ]

Collaborator Papon's burial with Legion d'Honneur medal resisted
The French collaborator Maurice Papon asked to be buried wearing his Legion d'Honneur medal, causing a controversy. "I will personally ensure that he will be accompanied in his grave by the Order of Commander of the Legion of Honour," his lawyer Francis Vuillemin said. Bernard Accoyer called the statement "shocking." He was sure that Jacques Chirac, as grand chancellor of the order, would "make sure that on the one hand the law will be respected and that on the other nothing will sully this award, which is very emblematic for the republic." Papon was not allowed to wear the medal after he was convicted.     [ iht :: 2007-02-19 :: WWII Medals & Most decorated Soldiers ]

Collectors of American Military Medals Hear "Death Knell"
The Stolen Valor Act placed penalties on those who falsely claim to have risked their lives in the military and to have been awarded medals. After the bill was introduced some looked at the language spelling out how the law would accomplish its purpose. They were horrified: A literal reading would ban all sales of military medals. It outlawed the wearing of medals by those not authorized to do so, and the buying and selling by everyone except the original recipient of all medals and badges. "The law sounded pretty much a death knell for collectors of military medals," said Darrell English, who has a over 10,000 piece collection of World War II memorabilia.     [ maineantiquedigest :: 2007-02-16 :: Collectors, Memorabilia and Militaria ]

Reluctant Hero - Charles Upham - New Zealand's best soldier
Although he was treated as a hero Captain Charles Upham refused to take on the mantle he'd earned as New Zealand's best soldier. Wounded many times, famous for taking risks others would not, he is the most highly decorated Commonwealth soldier of WWII. Upham won the Victoria Cross twice, the highest commendation a Kiwi soldier could win. He is the only man among millions of Allied troops to be awarded both the Victoria Cross 'and Bar'. 1941 Crete campaign was a 10-day pitched battle in which allied troops were slowly over run by the Nazis. Upham repeatedly saved the lives of his men by sneaking up on German positions.     [ tvnz :: 2006-11-18 :: Legends & Heroes of World War II ]

Fury of Arctic convoy vets: Insulting badges, no medal
Vets of a WWII "suicide mission" are calling on the Scottish Parliament to recognise their bravery after they were presented with "insulting badges that look like they came out of a crisp packet". After years of campaigning, the Ministry of Defence commissioned a special Arctic emblem. But Keith Dyble said many veterans were "absolutely disgusted" that they were only being offered a badge, and some refused to accept it. They were also disappointed with the appearance of the badge, which is only about the size of a penny piece. The Russian government has already awarded 3 medals to British convoy vets.     [ scotsman :: 2006-11-07 :: WWII Medals & Most decorated Soldiers ]

A war memorabilia collection including Nazi medals stolen
A war memorabilia collection including distinctive Nazi medals have been stolen in Warwickshire. A silver German Mothers Cross, with distinctive Nazi symbols and given to women who bore six to seven children during World War II, was taken in the burglary on 24 August. Also taken were wound medals given German soldiers who were injured in combat along with cap badges from British and German soldiers.     [ bbc :: 2006-09-27 :: Relic Hunters: Hidden Nazi & War treasures ]

Secret hero's medals for sale -- SAS founder member
His wartime work was top-secret and nobody back home was aware of the extraordinary exploits of Reg Seekings with the Special Air Service in the North African desert and at the D-Day landings in Normandy. Now memories of a founder member of the SAS are revived with the sale of his group of 11 Second World War medals, including his Distinguished Conduct Medal and Military Medal. His DCM citation said he had "taken an important part in 10 raids. He has himself destroyed over 15 aircraft... During the Normandy Landings he was among the first to parachute in. He was hit by a bullet in the back of his neck."     [ ely-standard :: 2006-09-15 :: Legends & Heroes of World War II ]

World War Two commando's rare medals stolen
A collection of rare and distinguished war medals has been stolen from a World War II veteran. They are the former Polish commando's only treasured connection to the conflict, but he has refused to dignify the thief by asking for them back. As a commando, Mike Dudycz survived bloody battles in Europe and Africa, rising to the rank of sergeant-major. Mr Dudycz's collection was considered rare because the 20 medals originated from numerous conflicts across several countries and would be easily identified by experienced medal collectors.     [ 7News :: 2006-08-16 :: WWII Medals & Most decorated Soldiers ]

The Jew with the Iron Cross - Wehrmacht in the Eastern Front
"The Jew with The Iron Cross" - A Record of Survival in WWII Russia by Georg Rauch, recounts his experiences fighting for the Wehrmacht in World War II. He was precluded from participating in the Hitler Youth, and so was marked for life as something less than a full and proper member of the Third Reich. Rauch was struggling to survive gunfire, bombs, harsh weather and starvation. During his time on the front, he wrote a steady stream of letters home, many of which were saved and are reprinted here.     [ kirkusreviews :: 2006-08-13 :: Different wartime experiences ]

Hollywood war heroes of WWII - 18 stars received 70 medals
18 movie stars received 70 military medals including: the Bronze Star, Silver Star, Distinguished Service Cross, Purple Heart and the Medal of Honor. David Niven: Served as a lieutenant colonel and a commando during the D-Day invasion. Charles Durning: Served as a U.S. Army Ranger during the D-Day invasion. George C. Scott: Was a decorated U.S. Marine in World War II. Robert Ryan: Enlisted in the U.S. Marines and served in the O.S.S. in Yugoslavia in World War II.     [ sun-herald :: 2006-06-06 :: WWII Medals & Most decorated Soldiers ]

Historians hunt for WWII Purple Heart stories
Cpl. Robert Frink was captured in Germany during the final months of World War II. He and two comrades were forced to swap uniforms with their Waffen SS captors, lined up and shot in the back of the head. Miraculously, the bullet entered Frink's neck and exited his cheek. He even felt a German kick him as he lay bleeding. "Believe me, I played dead!" After his captors left, Frink fled, found some Canadian troops, and was saved. The wound earned him a Purple Heart. 61 years later, it is earning him an entry on the "Roll of Honor," a database being compiled for a museum honoring Purple Heart recipients.     [ usatoday :: 2006-05-27 :: WWII Medals & Most decorated Soldiers ]

Ghouls loot war graves and battlefields for medals, helmets
Thieves are looting graves of German soldiers killed in World War II and selling body parts on the internet. The ghouls are digging up Russian battlefields where many of the two million dead are buried in hope of a military memorabilia. And a sinister black market has grown on US auction websites for uniforms, medals, bones and even helmets with the skulls still inside.     [ dailyrecord :: 2006-05-26 :: Relic Hunters: Hidden Nazi & War treasures ]

Burma campaign ignored: The rarest service medal for Canadians
Of all the WWII service medals, The Burma Star is arguably the rarest for Canadians. Of nearly one million Canadians who wore their country's uniform, only some 7,000 served in the Burma theatre. Burma vets have always been forgotten, not only by the public, but by the media, Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC), and now by the new Canadian War Museum. Most people haven't a clue what The Burma Star looks like. They know about medals awarded for service in Italy, the Africa Star, Atlantic Star, even the Pacific star. But The Burma Star with its red core flanked by dark blue and gold stripes is largely unknown.     [ torontosun :: 2006-05-02 :: Canada in WWII ]

Vets of WWII to receive highest award France bestows
It is the highest award France bestows. The Legion of Honor, created in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte to celebrate extraordinary contributions to the country, has been awarded to the explorer Jacques Cousteau and General George S. Patton. In a ceremony steeped with tradition and run with military precision, 18 New England veterans will be honored for helping liberate France during World War II. "France is very grateful for what they have done," Francois Gauthier, the consul general in Boston.     [ boston :: 2006-04-29 :: WWII Medals & Most decorated Soldiers ]

Family offered more than $1m for Victoria Cross
A world record price of more than $1 million has been offered for the double Victoria Cross awarded to New Zealand military hero Charles Upham during World War Two. Only three people have been awarded two Victoria Crosses, which is likely to make it very attractive to collectors. Captain Upham's is the only one awarded to a combat soldier.     [ .stuff.co.nz :: 2006-04-18 :: WWII Medals & Most decorated Soldiers ]

The Nazis: A lucrative industry of Nazi memorabilia
The trade in Nazi memorabilia is an international, multi-million dollar business involving dealers and collectors from countries across the world. Although three European countries (France, Germany and Austria) have banned the sale or display of such material, the appetite for it remains as strong as it has ever been. One U.S.-based site is offering a full Nazi concentration camp Jewish prisoner's uniform, at $1,275. While site based in Britain, has a catalogue containing a Nazi battle flag ($333) and a Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross ($5,449). Prices for truly rare items -- an SS Honour dagger -- can sell for tens, and in some cases hundreds of thousands of dollars.     [ cnn :: 2006-02-07 :: Nazi Memorabilia, collectibles, militaria ]

A Navajo warrior who earned 28 medals dies
Samuel N. Blatchford, great-great-grandson of Navajo war chief Manuelito and decorated war hero with service in WWII, Korea and Vietnam, died. To say that he qualified for that military honor is an understatement. His military service included: # Working with the French Resistance until his capture by the Gestapo. # Serving as a radio operator and gunner on a B17 Flying Fortress in Europe and getting shot down four times. # Numerous escape attempts from Stalag 17-B. Blatchford earned 28 medals, including the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross with one oak leaf cluster, four Purple Hearts, six Air Medals and the Prisoner of War Medal.     [ Star-Tribune :: 2006-01-06 :: Legends & Heroes of World War II ]

Nazi Documents, Medal belonged to Adolf Hitler Stolen From Moscow Exhibition
Valuable exhibits, including soldiers' papers and a military decoration that belonged to Adolf Hitler, were stolen from the Moscow-based Federal Archives that is hosting an exhibition marking the 60th anniversary of Russia's victory over Nazi Germany.     [ MoscowNews :: 2005-10-05 :: Nazi Relics: Personal items of leaders ]

Fury at Arctic convoy emblem plan - Only Medal counts
The leader of a fight for a campaign medal for veterans of World War II Arctic convoys is furious at plans to award them a special emblem instead. Prime Minister announced the plans for the veterans, who ferried vital supplies to Russia during the war. Cdr Eddie Grenfell labelled it "the most dreadful thing that has ever happened to veterans. The only way that a campaign will go down in history is by a medal - a badge means nothing." But other survivors appeared happier. During the convoys, merchant ships were escorted by the Royal Navy through U-boat-dominated waters, in freezing conditions, to take war materials to Russia.     [ bbc :: 2005-04-09 :: PQ-17 and Arctic Convoys ]

Soviet World War II Awards of Great Patriotic War
Soviet officers and soldiers displayed great heroism during the 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War, and virtually every man and woman regardless of rank was decorated for bravery. Recommendations continuously arrived in Moscow from the front. In the midst of bloody battles, when critical situations arose time and again, a number of award recommendations were either lost on the front or later in archives. The Russian state has not yet fulfilled its sacred duty to its war heroes. In all, 1.5 million wartime awards still have to be presented.     [ RIA Novosti :: 2005-02-21 :: WWII Medals & Most decorated Soldiers ]

See also

'Medal of Honor'

'Victoria Cross'

'Uniforms'

'Nazi Memorabilia, Collectibles'.

What's new - recent & interesting categories.

Although the articles linked from Adolf Hitler's Third Reich 1933-1945 and World War II in the News are reviewed and specially selected, they do not necessarily represent the views of the editor, who is not responsible for the content of any external sites. This service is © Joni Nuutinen 2005-2008. All rights reserved.