Ribbon ID Help

Hi! This young man was a navigator on heavy bombers during the Alaska campaign. I just found this photo and the wings and ribbon are so clear. I know that these are Observer wings (would he not have had Navigator wings??) and am hoping that someone might be able to help me figure out what the ribbon is for? Any help is appreciated! Thanks!

 

The ribbon is a recal for the U.S. Defense medal

 

What would this medal have been for? Also, what does "recal" mean? Thanks! I really don't know anything much about medals and ribbons. This is all new to me! )

 

A recall is just part of the ribbon without the complete medal. Veterans usually wear medals for commemorations and special events and recalls for every day duty .

The defense medal was awarded for those who served during WW2 . Conditions are explained here.


http://www.medalsofamerica.com/Item--i-F047_FULL_SIZE_LIST

 

Thank you so much. Very interesting and I appreciate the explanation. I always just thought they were called ribbons. . . . Ah, do I have a long way to come! ;o) Thanks so much! I am really impressed that you could figure it out from a black-and-white photo!

 

Glad I could help, don't hesitate to come back with more requests.

 

They are commonly called ribbons in the US military. There are uniform regulations that specify whether to wear ribbons and badges or medals when wearing a particular uniform.

 

Just to add to your confusion, in the US the term "recall" isn't used. As you said, they're referred to as "ribbons" or "ribbon bars".

This might be of interest: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Awards_and_decorations_of_the_United_States_Armed_Forces#Active_United_States

EDIT: USMCPrice beat me to it.

 

Ribbon is fine for me too.

 

Ah, thanks! I understand about different countries calling things by other names! This is all very interesting, too!