FURTHER NOTES ON THE MINE SQUADRON DECORATION GEORGE MENEGAUX

The advertisement illustrated is from the October 1942 issue of "T.N.T." This magazine was later NORTH SEA called "North Sea Mine Barrage." The latest copy which I possess is MINE SQUADRON from the late 1950’s, so it is not known whether it is still in exis- DECORATIONS tence. As can be seen, the medal was struck by Bailey, Banks & Biddle Co. The silver medal in my col- lection has "B.B.&B." struck on the rim at 6:00 o’clock. There was also a lapel button vailable in 14 karat gold.

I hope that this information will shed some light on this somewhat elusive medal.

The design of this Medal, and EDITOR’S NOTE: Articles on this button, originated among the medal appeared in Officers and men engaged in the December 1982, the of the March 1983, and Navy. This May 1983 issues of Medal is worn by Officers and men who served overseas on The Medal Collector. the minelayers, minesweepers, repair and supply vessels, sub- chasers, and Bases 17 and 18, engaged in the laying and re- moval of the Northern Barrage 1918-1919. Folder and Prices upon Request

Official Jewelera to the North Sea Mine Force Asto. ~ BAN KS~-BI~,,.

Established 2832 1218 CHESTNUT STREET PHILADELPHIA

The New Military and Naval hzsignia Catalog Sent on Request

31 THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL OF THE NATIONAL GUARD ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES COLONEL DONALD R, PERKINS

The National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) is one of America’s oldest military associations. Organized in 1878, it provided an opportunity for one of the first joint endeavors of military officers from both northern and southern States following the Civil War. Many of the senior officers of the National Guard of the several States had been in action against each other during that bitter conflict. The first President of the NGAUS was Major General George W. Wingate of New York (who later organized the National Rifle Association to promote marksmanship). General Win- gate. served as a Union officer in the war. The first Vice Presi- dent was a southern officer, the Adjutant General of Louisiana, Major General (General, CSA) Pierre G. T. Beauregard. The NGAUS was in existence for 72 years before it established a decoration for distinguished service. In 1950, the Executive Council of the NGAUS established its Distinguished Service Medal to provide recognition for any individual who, while serving in the military forces (active or reserve) of this nation or its allies, in a position of great responsibility, distinguished him- self by outstanding and exceptionally meritorious service to the United States government, the Armed Forces of the United States, or to the National Guard Association of the United States. The NGAUS Distinguished Service Medal is 32 mm. in diameter. Its obverse bears the raised seal of the NGAUS. The medal is suspen- ded by a scarlet silk moire ribbon 40 mm. long and 36 mm. wide, which is attached to a 38 mm. wide bar inscribed "DISTINGUISHED SERVICE." The medal and the bar are gold. The reverse of the medal is plain, but is inscribed prior to presentation with the recipient’s name, date of presentation, and medal number. The award is accompanied by a miniature, which replicates the medal. However, only the medal number is inscribed on the reverse of the miniature. One hundred and fifty-seven NGAUS Distinguished Service Medals have been awarded over the past 32 years. Medal number one was conferred on the long-time Adjutant General of Maryland, and for- mer President of NGAUS, Major General Milton A. Reckord. The most recent award was medal number 157, presented to General Charles A. Gabriel, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force. Although by nature of the award it is usually conferred on those of high rank who have had opportunities to assume great responsibilities and demon- strate outstanding service, it is not limited to senior officers. Medal number 134 went to Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer- 4 Leonard T. Tallas, of Texas, and medal number 145 went to Cap- tain Robert B. James of the Ohio Army National Guard. The highest ranking recipient is General of the Army Douglas MacArthur, medal number 55. Foreign recipients include Major General Herluf Nygard, Commander, Norwegian Home Guard, medal number 112; and Major Ber- nard Marmaduke Fitzalan-Howard, the Duke of Norfolk, KG, PC, GCVO, CBE, medal number 76.

32 The nominations for this award are made by members of the NGAUS Executive Council, officers of the Association, and members of the Association Awards Committee. All nominations are reviewed by the Awards Committee, and must be approved by majority vote of the NGAUS Executive Council. There is no minimum or maximum number of awards that must be made each year. Although the NGAUS Distinguished Service Medal or its ribbon is often seen on the uniforms of National Guardsmen when they are participating in NGAUS functions~ the award is not authorized for uniform wear by military personnel serving in active Federal status.

THE NGAUS DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL AND MINIATURE

33