Edward Blees: WWII Awards

During World War II, 39% of the soldiers volunteered; the rest were drafted.¹“Training the American GI.” The National World War II Museum. https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/training-american-gi.  accessed 27 March 2024. Edward “Ed” Blees (1923-2019) enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1943. During his service (over 2 years, 8 months), he received various qualifications, citations and awards.

The National Personnel Records Center provided a list of Ed’s awards.²Letter to Patrick Blees. National Personnel Records Center, St. Louis, MN.  April 21, 2023. Comparing the awards listed in the letter to the ones listed on the Enlisted Record and Report of Separation, there are no discrepancies, only enhanced notations.

Marksman Badge with Rifle Bar

A marksmanship badge is  awarded upon successful completion of a weapons qualification course. The levels are Marksman, Sharpshooter and Expert. Ed told me that he “didn’t get a good score with the 03 Springfield bolt-action rifle.” Perhaps he qualified with the M1 rifle sometime after basic training. Or perhaps Ed wished for a Sharpshooter or Expert score.

Combat Infantryman Badge, 1st Award

The Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB) is a United States Army military decoration awarded to infantrymen who fought in active ground combat (serving after December 6, 1941).

Driver and Mechanic Badge with Driver “W” Bar

The Driver and Mechanic Badge for wheeled vehicles requires successful completion of military vehicle operations and maintenance training and be assigned duties and responsibilities as a driver or assistant driver of government vehicles for a minimum of 12 consecutive months.

Bronze Star

The Bronze Star Medal (BSM) is a United States Armed Forces decoration awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces for either heroic achievement, heroic service, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service in a combat zone.

Good Conduct Medal

All active-duty, enlisted soldiers are eligible for a Good Conduct Medal upon completion of 3 consecutive years of “honorable and faithful service”. During times of war, the Good Conduct Medal may be awarded after one year of faithful service.

European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 4 bronze service stars

The European–African–Middle Eastern Campaign Medal is awarded for any service performed between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, inclusive. For those service members who participated in one or more designated military campaigns, service stars are authorized to be worn on the medal.

Ed’s 4 service stars represent his participation in these campaigns:

• Northern France (25 July-14 September 1944; Normandy)
• Ardennes (8 February 1945 to 25 March 1945; Battle of the Bulge)
• Rhineland (8 February 1945 to 25 March 1945)
• Central Europe (22 March – 11 May 1945)

World War II Victory Medal

The World War II Victory Medal was awarded for service between 7 December 1941 and 31 December 1946, both dates inclusive, with no minimum time in service requirement.

Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII

The Honorable Service Lapel Button is a lapel button awarded for honorable Federal military service between 1925 and 1946.

When Ed died, none of these awards were in his possession.

Do you remember seeing any of these medals?

SOURCES

• 1
  “Training the American GI.” The National World War II Museum. https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/training-american-gi.  accessed 27 March 2024.
• 2
  Letter to Patrick Blees. National Personnel Records Center, St. Louis, MN.  April 21, 2023.