BSM = Bronze Star Medal PH = Purple Heart OLC = Oak Leaf Cluster - This was a small oak leaf was a device issued to indicate a second award of a previous medal, such as the Purple Heart or the BSM.
OLC is Oak Leaf Cluster
It shows that the serviceman was awarded the Army Achievement Medal six times.
It often means the native state/country from where the man came from.
The abbreviation "Viet Nam" on a military headstone typically indicates that the individual served in the Vietnam War, which took place from the late 1950s to 1975. The term "AM" usually signifies "Air Medal," a military decoration awarded for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight. Together, these inscriptions honor the service and sacrifices of the individual during this significant conflict.
MSM on a military headstone stands for the Meritorious Service Medal. This medal is awarded to members of the armed forces for outstanding non-combat service, recognizing exceptional achievement or meritorious service in a duty position. It is a mark of honor that signifies the individual's dedication and contributions to their military career.
AFCM stands for Air Force Commendation Medal. It is a military decoration awarded to members of the United States Air Force for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service. When inscribed on a military headstone, it signifies that the deceased individual received this honor during their service, recognizing their contributions and achievements in the Air Force.
It could mean that they were awarded the Legion of Merit. See the link to the right for a memo on the meaning of the award published by the Department of the Army.
BSM = Bronze Star Medal PH = Purple Heart OLC = Oak Leaf Cluster - This was a small oak leaf was a device issued to indicate a second award of a previous medal, such as the Purple Heart or the BSM.
George Washington farted so much he died
The abbreviation "ARCOM-2PH" on a military headstone stands for "Army Commendation Medal with 2 oak leaf clusters." This indicates that the individual was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, which recognizes meritorious service or achievement, and the two oak leaf clusters signify that they received this award on three separate occasions. Such honors reflect the individual's commendable service in the U.S. Army.
The abbreviation "PFC 731 AAA MG BN CAC" on a military headstone indicates the individual's rank and service details. "PFC" stands for Private First Class, a rank in the Army. "731 AAA MG BN" refers to the 731st Anti-Aircraft Artillery Machine Gun Battalion, which was a unit designation, and "CAC" stands for the Corps of Engineers, indicating the branch of service. Together, these designations honor the person's military service and unit affiliation.
A Soldier former assigned to the 719th Railway Operations Battalion between 1943 and 1954. It was redesignated the 719th Transportation Battalion on 8 July 1954. Also mentioned in a 1945 article entitled, "The Story of the 1st Military Railway Service,