This is a follow-up to previous articles (see kellysheroesmilitaria Original Props… and Update 1) in which original prop auctions by “kellysheroesmilitaria” on eBay were compared with matching items available for sale from online retailers. This update now analyzes two medals offered at auction attributed to use in the HBO television series, Band of Brothers. Special thanks to the OPB reader who identified these medals.
eBay Seller: kellysheroesmilitaria
Auction Title: “Band of Brothers Medal Uniform Prop”
Noted Source/Provenance: “…it comes with a COA and was obtained post production from a collector in the UK”
eBay Item #: 190235603892
Auction Result: Active, Starting Bid $9.99
Full Auction Archive: “Band of Brothers Medal Uniform Prop”
Description:
I have only (1) set of these, unique medals that were used towards the end of the series while in 101st Airborne dress uniforms, I am unsure of what this medal is for but it comes with a COA and was obtained post production from a collector in the UK. I also have some other misc. items listed.
Photo:
Department of Defense – Army Commendation Medal
Per information on the U.S. Department of Defense website, this Army Commendation Medal would not have been awarded prior to the end of World War II.
World War II ended in Europe in late April and early May, 1945 (see Wikipedia: End of World War II in Europe).
This is an archive of the U.S. Department of Defense web page about the Army Commendation Medal (LINK):
The site states:
In a summary sheet, 5 November 1945, WDGAP, Personnel Division recommended that an Army Commendation Ribbon of distinctive design be established to recognize meritorious service in an area at a time for which the Bronze Star Medal may not be awarded. The recommendation was approved by the Secretary of War and the ribbon was established by War Department Circular 377, dated 18 December 1945.
Having watched the series, Band of Brothers, many times, I do not see how this medal would fit into the story, nor do I recall seeing anything of the sort on screen.
Below is a comparison between the photo of the medal in the kellysheroesmilitaria Band of Brothers prop and the illustration of the Army Commendation Medal from the U.S. Department of Defense website:
eBay Seller: kellysheroesmilitaria
Auction Title: “Band of Brothers Medal Uniform Prop”
Noted Source/Provenance: “…it comes with a COA and was obtained post production from a collector in the UK”
eBay Item #: 190235604779
Auction Result: Active, Starting Bid $9.99
Full Auction Archive: “Band of Brothers Medal Uniform Prop”
Description:
I have only (1) set of these, unique medals that were used towards the end of the series while in 101st Airborne dress uniforms, I am unsure of what this medal is for but it comes with a COA and was obtained post production from a collector in the UK. I also have some other misc. items listed.
Photo:
Department of Defense – Army Achievement Medal
Per information on the U.S. Department of Defense website, this Army Commendation Medal would not have been awarded prior to the end of World War II. In fact, it was not put into use until 1981.
World War II ended in Europe in late April and early May, 1945 (see Wikipedia: End of World War II in Europe).
This is an archive of the U.S. Department of Defense web page about the Army Commendation Medal (LINK):
The site states:
As part of the Army Cohesion and Stability Study (ARCOST) of 1980, a recommendation was made to establish the Army Achievement Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, and the NCO Professional Development Ribbon. On 18 February 1981, MILPERCEN requested TIOH initiate action to develop the recommended awards. Designs were prepared by TIOH and forwarded to MILPERCEN on 18 March 1981. On 10 April 1981, the Secretary of the Army approved establishment of the decorations recommended by the ARCOST group. On 13 April 1981, the DCSPER approved a design which had been submitted by TIOH and directed development be initiated.
Having watched the series, Band of Brothers, many times, there were no fictional scenes that took place 1981 or later.
Below is a comparison between the photo of the medal in the kellysheroesmilitaria Band of Brothers prop and the illustration of the Army Achievement Medal from the U.S. Department of Defense website:
Jason De Bord