MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL, USA

medal from Gary Hall

[@RogersGirl88]

I got one in the air force after being enlisted for 6 years. I was a staff sergeant at the time. Distinguished grad from the SF academy, airman of the year for my wing in 2010, expert marksman ribbon for rifle and with the star for pistol, record scores for my squadron’s CBT tests and 5-level exam, junior enlisted representative to the wing command staff, deployed to the middle east in support of OIF, assistant SABC instructor for the SF squadron, volunteered for jungle training in guam, participated in a week long joint services SAR exercise, etc. So on my last day in they called me to the front of the squadron briefing room and i was expecting MAYBE an AFCOM at MOST! But they handed me this and it was the proudest moment of my 25 years on this world. The first thing my family and friends said when i got home was “it’s pretty but it’s probably just a freebie medal since you never even saw combat haha!” I know theyre right. It was an honor to get the MSM but now that ive been out of uniform for over a decade, past my prime, have COPD, and am unemployed living at my dad’s home on a couch, the two things i regret most in life is not staying in for 20 years, and not getting a Combat Action Medal, Bronze Star, or Purple Heart. Oh well, cool video, sir.

[@steelhelmetstan7305]

Thank you for commenting, I'm glad that you enjoyed the video....and more importantly for me that someone who was actually awarded the medal could add to the comments about their own story. I never served in the military but I reckon its a grand thing to do...to sacrifice your best/fittest years in the service of your country. I reckon your situation now is common as I've heard similar stories over the years. I played Rugby Union all my adult life and the sport had a lot of servicemen and ex servicemen playing....the ones who did the long term....20+ years got the pension etc....but the lads who didn't had similar stories to yourself.i once worked with a Fijian guy who was a rigger on my site...he was ex British army and he told me that after his 10 years or so he felt that the army only supported him so much then didn't want to know....in his words...'they've had the best years from me'.....onwards and upwards though you've done something that can never be taken away from you and it's more than a lot of people, including myself, have done...fair play to you. Thanks again for the comment , and all the very best to you 🙂🙂🙂

[@TellySavalas-or5hf]

A nice US award that not every hero possesses, but you do! A beautiful possession that Stan should cherish.

[@steelhelmetstan7305]

Cheers Telly , yes I always find room somewhere in my display cabinets for the stuff I get... 🙂🙂🙂🙂

[@user-km8wq9lg5q]

Amazing video man. I do want to add that it is not only awarded to enlisted personal but officers as well. Again, fine video my friend.

[@steelhelmetstan7305]

Cheers and thanks for the info...much appreciated 🙂🙂

[@RogersGirl88]

The officers at my old air base were awarded one if they command a unit larger than a squadron overseas for at least 6 months. Traditionally enlisted personnel get one as a 20 year retirement award. Very few noncombat enlisted-men get one until retirement. My squadron commander, chief, and first sergeant pushed really hard to the wing commander for me to get one when my 6 year enlistment was almost up. I keep it next to my bed to remind me of the best days of my life. Glad to see other people appreciating how cool it is even though it is 2 decoration below the Purple Heart (wounded in combat medal).

[@ChrisfurrsMilitaria1941]

Very nice complete set. 👍

[@steelhelmetstan7305]

Thanks Chris m8 🙂🙂

[@historicmilitaria1944]

What j found with american medals is they are still relatively cheap enough to build a sizeable collection,as most are not named and unless they come with named provenance on paper,they are generally sidestepped by the medal collectors....which isn't a bad thing as it keeps prices low.

[@steelhelmetstan7305]

Yes indeed I've noticed they are relatively cheap which is good for the collector, as you say....cheers CJ m8

[@TellySavalas-or5hf]

What I like about American medals are the variety of fun and bright colors.

[@steelhelmetstan7305]

@@TellySavalas-or5hf yeh they are colourful I reckon 🙂🙂🙂

[@TellySavalas-or5hf]

@@steelhelmetstan7305 Yeah, nice !

[@JimTimber]

God save the Stan ! 😁😁 I have a medical sprinkler ! lol.. not something I'm allowed to talk about on here !! 😉 Top medal that mate !! I love it.. and you have the box !!.. awesome ! Very interesting history on it !!

[@steelhelmetstan7305]

Stan for King...I like it....cheers timbers of jimbers 🤣🤣