The discharge papers listed the soldier's awards and campaign credits. The papers will use acronymns which can be quite confusing.
GCM is the Good Conduct Medal. This Medal was awarded to a soldier by the immeidate commander of his unit. It was awarded about 9 to 12 months after enlistment and was given for good conduct. This means he did what was expected and didn't get into trouble. This medal could be revoked if the soldier did something that deserved a "punishment".
ET - I'm not aware of any "official" abbreviation as this. Maybe it was something used by the Navy or Coast Guard. In general terms, "ET" could mean European Theater. However this was not the official name for the medal or ribbon awarded for this. Soldiers who served in Germany, Italy, France or Britian, etc. would be awarded the European - African - Middle Eastern Campaign Medal which was abbreviated "EAME".
The American Theater Ribbon is a military service ribbon awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces who served in the American Theater during World War II. This ribbon recognizes participation in operations in North America, including the continental United States, Alaska, and other territories. It is typically awarded to veterans who were active in these areas between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946. The ribbon is a symbol of service and commitment during this critical period in American history.
---- Information obtained from my grandfathers discharge papers dated Oct. 19, 1919 Aisne-Marne, Meuse-Argonne, St. Mihiel, Toulon
The VC was awarded 634 times in WW-1.
the Purple Heart Medal is awarded to any member of the US Military who is wounded by an enemy of the USA during wartime. "go" means General Order 46, Headquarters, ss(?) gh (?) dated 29 July 1944 with 1 oak leaf cluster (indicating a second award)
He enlisted in the US Navy and was stationed at Pearl Harbor and survived the Japanese attack of the US fleet. During World War II, he served in the Pacific Theater aboard the USS Litchfield destroyer as a Machinist Mate First Class. He was awarded the American Defense Ribbon with 1 Star, the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon, the American Area Ribbon, WWII Victory Medal and Good Conduct Medal. He served with the Navy from Feb. 14, 1941 to April 2, 1947.
It was awarded for Gallentry in Action.
no
APTO on World War II discharge papers stands for "Assembled for Transportation." It indicates that the individual was processed for discharge and was awaiting transportation to their home or next assignment. This designation was part of the administrative procedures for soldiers returning from service.
No dependents.
The bar means that it has been awarded multiple times.
regular army
Try the "American War Library." If you have a copy of his Discharge papers and you know the General Order that issued the BSM, then you can request a copy of it from the National Archives. If not, they you would have to research the files or hire someone to do this. Note, that in 1947 there was a rule change that awarded the BSM to any soldiers who fought in combat as an infantryman and had been awarded the Combat Infantry Badge. So it is possible that he did not earn the BSM for a specific action and after the war he ordered his discharge papers, it would show he earned the BSM.
It indicates the veteran was awarded the Europe-Africa-Middle East Theater (EAMET) Campaign Medal. The medal was awarded for any service performed between December 7, 1941 and March 2, 1946 provided such service was performed in the geographical theater areas of Europe, North Africa, or the Middle East.
The American Theater Ribbon is a military service ribbon awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces who served in the American Theater during World War II. This ribbon recognizes participation in operations in North America, including the continental United States, Alaska, and other territories. It is typically awarded to veterans who were active in these areas between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946. The ribbon is a symbol of service and commitment during this critical period in American history.
Veterans Administration
The ribbon is awarded to military personnel involved in WWII in the European Theater. The four bronze stars mean the person participated in four campaigns during that war. A campaign is a major operation usually involving many Army divisions. This is not to be confused with the bronze star medal ... awarded to someone for valor on the battlefield.
the wd stands for 'war departmnet' not sure about the rest though sorry. can you ask him?