April 23 - 24, 2022
Minneapolis/St. Paul Collectors Group LLC
“Preserving History for future generations”
A show for collectors of historical artifacts and military antiquities pertaining to con icts from the Civil War, WW1, WW2, Korea, Vietnam and the Gulf Wars. Veterans Groups and Educational Displays will be there to honor the Men and Women who served and fought for our country. Collectors and Dealers from the US, Canada and Europe will attend.
Minnesota State Fairgrounds Complex, St. Paul, MN ADMISSION $6.00 with Children 10 and under FREE
www.mspmilitaryshow.com www.mspmilitaryshow.net mspcollectorsgroup@gmail.com 612 612-868-6242 868 6242
die. When a die breaks or is worn out, a new die is cut by hand resulting in slight variations from specimen to specimen. An example of three variations of the Philippine Defense medal illustrates the minor and major variations in one medal.
An interesting example of possible variations in one medal is illustrated by Philippine Military Merit Medal established during the Commonwealth Period. It is awarded to personnel of the Philippine Armed forces for acts of meritorious service accomplished with distinction. The Military Merit Medal was awarded for wounds against an enemy and posthumously by the Department of National Defense to personnel while serving in any capacity while killed in action against an enemy. A gilt Philippine sunburst is seen at the center of a three-pointed star with red enamel rays edged in silver superimposed over a wreath of palm leaves in green enamel.
This article will try to show collectors many of the current Philippine Medals with any variations not necessarily in order of precedence. The Philippine Bronze Cross was instituted Oct. 6, 1947 and awarded to military and civilian personnel of both the Philippine Armed Forces, and to personnel of friendly nations for heroism at risk of life but not involving con ict with an enemy. The ornamental Greek cross is seen with a superimposed green wreath and inscription “Bravery” on the horizontal arm. Reverse is blank for inscription.
Another carry over from the Commonwealth period is the Philippine Gold Cross. It is awarded to personnel of the Philippines Armed
Forces for gallantry in action but not warranting the Medal of Valor or Distinguished Conduct Star. Identical to this Military Version is an identical Gold Cross for Civilians awarded for conspicuous courage and gallantry in the face of an armed enemy involving the risk of life. Interestingly the difference is that the Military version has the pro le on Manuel L. Quezon on a light blue background while the civilian version has a dark blue or black background which is a designated variation. The reverse of the military version has the inscription “For Gallantry in Action” with 3 stars at bottom, the Civilian version is inscribed “Pro Filipinas” with the same 3 stars at bottom.
Also authorized by the Philippine Army on October 6, 1947 is the Philippine Wounded Personnel Medal. It was awarded to Philippines Armed Forces and to Philippine civilians serving with the armed forces. The medal was issued for having been wounded in action against an enemy, provided the wound necessitates treatment by a medical of cer. Also the medal can be awarded for being killed in action as a result of enemy action. Our examples show two variations of the bronze Geneva cross with the bust of General Gregorio Del Pilar in the center.
Since the Philippines and the United States has a close historical relationship, it is not unexpected that Philippine decorations resemble or follow American counterparts for many of their medals. Often the Philippine medals have striking colors and originality in their design re ecting the young Republic. One such example is the Philippine Military Commendation Medal. It was established as a ribbon award in October 1947 with a medal design soon to follow. Much like the