Inherited my great-uncle's people heart. Want to create a shadow box to honor him and need some help.
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So a few years ago, my cousin passed away. As I was the executor of her estate, I wound up in possession of a few personal effects of hers. Among them were my great-uncle's purple heart and a letter of condolence signed by President Harry Truman.
My great-uncle was killed in action in Korea in 1951. I sent in for his service record, learned a bit about the manner of his death, and a good deal more about him, as best I could from 60+ year old records.
The purple heart has sat in my dresser for a few years and I've wanted to do something with it. My friend who is retired from the Coast Guard started a company making shadow boxes for medals and she does a beautiful job. I asked if she would be interested in doing one for my great-uncle, and she said she'd be happy to.
I have never served in the military, so I admittedly am a bit in the dark on what is appropriate/correct to do. I know that he earned the following in the army:
The Purple Heart
Combat Infantryman's Badge
Korean Service Medal
United Nations Service Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Korean Presidential Unit Citation
Republic of Korea War Service Medal
My questions:
The only medal I have is the purple heart. According to his records, he was awarded it twice, once for a combat wound and another when he was killed in action. I've looked up the others and I don't anticipate any trouble ordering duplicates of his awards for display purposes. The purple heart I have does not have a bronze oak leaf cluster included. It does, however, have a purple heart lapel pin inside the box. Would it be correct to include the lapel pin in the shadow box? If so, do the other medals have lapel pins to go with them? Should they be pinned on the medal or left off entirely?
In addition to the medals, I've been able to find equivalent ribbons for many of them. Would it be appropriate to order the ribbons as well and include a ribbon rack in the box? If so, what order would be correct?
My great-uncle was also a WWII naval veteran. I do not have his service records from this time period, nor do I have any information on what medals he earned during this time. I don't know the exact dates he served, but will probably try to obtain the records as well. Would it be appropriate to put his naval medals and awards in the same box?
I realize a lot of this is subjective and at the end of the day, since I'm the one paying for it, it's up to me, but not having a great deal of knowledge in this area, I want to do it in as respectful and accurate manner as possible.
Thank you in advance for any help that you can offer.
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