Monday, May 30, 2016

Honoring Extraordinary Heroism: The Service Cross Medals

 94th Aero Squadron - Group.jpg
The 94th Aero Squadron received the first 
Distinguished Service Crosses during WWI.

Reminder: I have a special giveaway for Military Appreciation Month at this link.

Aloha! I received this press release from the USPS ...

The Honoring Extraordinary Heroism: The Service Cross Medals Forever Stamps will be dedicated at 11 a.m. ET May 30 at the world’s largest stamp show that only takes place in the U.S. once a decade, World Stamp Show NY-2016. More than 250,000 visitors are expected to attend the show that runs May 28-June 4 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City.

Many recipients of these awards died or were severely wounded as a result of the valorous actions for which they were honored, while a number of others died in subsequent battles before receiving the award for their earlier actions. Many recipients rescued wounded service members or drew enemy fire to buy time for others to regroup or be rescued. Some continued fighting despite their own wounds. According to official accounts, all braved enemy fire, made bold decisions and took selfless actions to rescue or protect their fellow service members. These medals pay homage to such valorous actions and dedication to duty.



The Distinguished Service Cross was the first of these decorations to be established, in 1918, followed the next year by the Navy Cross. The Air Force Cross was instituted in 1960, following the creation of the Air Force as a separate military service independent from the Army. The Coast Guard Cross was only recently instituted, in 2010, to recognize its members for qualifying actions taken when not operating under the Department of the Navy or during military operations against international terrorists. This decoration is yet to be awarded.


The Service Cross Medals are the second highest military decoration for valor in combat, after the Medal of Honor. In the official language authorized by congressional legislation, the Service Cross Medals are given for extraordinary heroism not justifying the award of a Medal of Honor while:

· engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States;
· engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or
· serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.

The Postal Service previously issued Medal of Honor Forever Stamps honoring recipients who served in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.


Mahalo to the United States Post Office for honoring our military heroes. Do you have a favorite commemorative stamp? I always enjoy the holiday stamps.

One randomly selected commenter wins a book choice from my convention stash. Comments are open through Saturday, June 4, 10 pm in Baltimore. I'll post the winner on Sunday, June 5.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City




25 comments:

  1. The Civil War stamps that have been coming out have been very nice. 4 different stamps on the sheets and a little history lesson on the back. Some of the stamps from other countries are beautiful.

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  2. I always love the Christmas stamps. The commemorative stamps for Queen Elizabeth's Jubilee & 90th birthday are beautiful.

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  3. I really like the christmas stamps. They re so festive.

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  4. My favorites are always the Christmas stamps as well. Thanks for this post. It's so wonderful that these new stamps have been issued.
    Carol L
    Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com

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  5. My favorites are always the Christmas stamps as well. Thanks for this post. It's so wonderful that these new stamps have been issued.
    Carol L
    Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com

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  6. I did not know this.. Thanks for sharing!

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  7. I always appreciate when countries honor their servicemen and women. My favorites are stamps with the Royal family - like the one they had with Queen Elizabeth and her 3 heirs.

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  8. I like the Christmas and Disney stamps.

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  9. What great stamps. We should always remember. I did not know but many people honor our Peace Corps volunteers as well.

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  10. I am looking forward to the National Park stamps coming out this week--especially Assateague Island's stamp.

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  11. I always like to have some kiddie oriented stamps for when I send kids birthday cards - just have a few Disney stamps left.

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  12. I've got an Elvis one, and also the stamps for the Queen's 90th birthday.

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  13. I like the Christmas stamps & floral stamps.

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  14. My mother-in-law had a huge collection and my husband has some too from his childhood. Too many fantastic stamps to pick a favorite!

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  15. Christmas stamps :)
    Thanks for sharing!

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  16. The Christmas holiday stamps are my favorite. I also like the national and state commemorative duck stamps that support conservation.

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  17. Beautiful stamps! I will have to look for these the next time I am at the post office. I enjoy finding seasonal ones, winter is my favorite, but summer is always patriotic stamps.

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  18. lovely. No fave love many

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  19. I love stamps, my favorite is the one that celebrates the wedding of Prince William & Kate Middleton!

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  20. I love Christmas and the festive stamps that are out that time of year :)

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  21. I love the space program stamps.

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  22. I really love the christmas stamps

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  23. The flowers
    Kimh

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