Hello Everyone!, I am very thankful to find a site like this. I am a 6 year Army Vet of the First Gulf War (13F20 Forward Observer). My Father was a WW2 and Korea Vet with 30 years in th USMC. My Grandfather was a Vet of WW1 with service in the German Bavairian Infantry. I have been told through a Great Uncle that My Great Great Grandfather was wounded at Metz in the Franco Prussian War 1870-1871 and that he died in 1902 as a long drawn out result those wounds...(he was shot through the chest and survived the war but died of empazema due to having only one working lung). I am very proud of my families military background. I have my Grandfathers Iron Cross 2nd class as well as about 1200 other Iron crosses in all different eras and classes. I have been a collecter for the last 30 years. I have 2 original Knights Cross's and most of the German States medals in all their different versions and classes. I hope to communicate with those that have the same interest and passion I do for military badges and medals, especially German medals. I thank all you fine folks in advance and hope I am welcome to your group. Robert (texasoldier)
Hi Robert, the Batle of Metz in 1870 was something dramatic, but you probably know moree about this than I do. You did not mention which side your ancestor fought. You say you have 1200 E.K.s ?
Hello, My G. Grandfather was also in the Bavarian Infantry (Germany) and Yes I have over 1200 Iron crosses 4 from 1813, a couple dozen from 1870, hundreds from 1914 WW1 and alot of 1939 WW2 and 1957 versions. I have over 300 WW1 iron cross 1st classes that are my pride and joy. I have 2 ww2 Kinghts Crosses that cost me a bought while on a trip to grmany in 1983.
Hi Rob! I'm only a "newby" here myself. This is a fun forum, with a lot of knowledgable blokes. Have a blast! VB
Greetings mate, Thanks for your service. Are you in the USMC? you an officer / nco ? Welcome to the forum Regards, TBA
Welcome Robert, Thanks for you service in the recent wars, it does not go unnoticed by me and my family. I look forward to the discussion you bring to the forum.
Robert, thank you so much for your service to the country! And welcome to the forums...look forward to reading more from you. Any chances of seeing some photos of your giant collection?
Welcome aboard Texas, As others have confessed, thankful for your service! Glad to have you with us and have fun all the best, Jem
Welcome aboard Robert. You'll find a pretty active group in the Militaria section. I would suggest that you have a look around there. One of our more active Rogues (C.Evans) will surely be envious of your collection. Enjoy your stay.
Welcome Robert! Good to have another collector here, would love to see some pictures of your Knight's crosses and the rest of your collection too.
welcome aboard robert, glad to have you with us - yes when possible we would love to see some photos of your collection - it sounds great! - i only have two EK's myself......but yor collection
Hi Texasoldier. I just joined yesterday, have been looking for information about my grandfather, Col. Frank Brezina. He was a POW, survived the Bataan Death March, then died in Shirakawa POW prision in Formosa. I have a long line of military people as well, beginning (at least) in the Revolutionary War. I lost 2 uncles as well as my grandfather in WW2, and actually looking for information on all of them. My dad was a career Marine (30 years), served in the Pacific Theater. I'm a former US Army Flight Surgeon, was active after Viet Nam and separated just before the Gulf Wars started, was stationed mostly at Fort Hood. I "missed" my war, and really feel strange about being a non-combat vet, especially when I meet 20-something year old kids who served over there. Most people think I'm nuts because I regret not seeing action, but many people understand. I'm active in a couple of veteran's organizations, such as the 1st Cavalry Division Association. I also want to tell everyone to be sure to record their DD214s at their local county courthouse to keep their records safe, and to REGISTER AT THE VA no matter how long you served. Many diseases are now being recognized as being attributed to agent orange (diabetes for one), and those who think they are not eligible for compensation may, infact, be. So no matter when you served, it's important to register. That's all for now; I look forward to participating here!
