Happy Birthday Bronze Star

Happy Birthday Bronze Star

Franklin D. Roosevelt established the Bronze Star Medal through executive order on February 4th of 1944. The Bronze Star was created during the Second World War in a response to the Airmen’s Medal that was being awarded to pilots during the war. George C. Marshall argued in a letter to Roosevelt that the awarding of the Airmen’s Medal was creating resentment among the ground troops during the war, and hurting the morale of those troops who were suffering some of the greatest casualties. He urged for the creation of an award that could be given to troops by Company Commanders on the level of the Airmen’s Medal to increase the overall troop morale.

In response to this the medal was designed by Bailey, Banks and Biddle, who also designed the Silver Star, and awarded to the first soldiers in 1944 retroactive through December 7th 1941. Now I have seen my fair share of Bronze Medals handed out throughout my career. I will also say that I have never been lucky enough nor have I ever done anything in my miitary career that I think would be deserving of this illustreous medal. I also have the ultimate respect for anyone who has recieved this medal, which is placed above the Purple Heart in order of precedence. Think about that for a second, you can take a bullet for your country and the medal you would recieve is still below that of the Bronze Star.

We all have stories about someone who received an award that they don’t deserve, or at least we feel that they do not deserve. This rarely happens, especially today with the Bronze Star. This is because as of 2012 you must be in a combat zone to earn a Bronze Star. So the next time you meet someone who has earned this award, please do 2 things. Number one thank them for their service, and number 2 get their contact information and follow the link below to purchase one of our Bronze Star designed gifts to show your absolute appreciation for their service to this great country.

http://www.vision-strike-wear.com/Bronze-Star-With-Valor-Medal-Memorial-License-Plate.html

Trump has gone from You’re Fired to You’re Hired

Trump has gone from You’re Fired to You’re Hired

The military saw a pay raise that matched the rise in private sector wages for the first time in six years and many feel that Trump is the one to thank for that. Prior to the election Obama and congress seemed to be in a deadlock about how much of a raise the military would receive in 2017. Congress wanted to give the troops a raise that matched the projected growth in private sector wages, while President Obama had proposed a budget reducing the raise to 1.6% or a half a percent behind private sector wage growth. This has been his strategy as a way to save on the budget for some time and many veterans and veteran groups have been upset with the Commander and Chief trying to save money on the backs of the US men and women in uniform who are readily sent into harm’s way.

The 2017 National Defense Authorization Act submitted by the Obama administration also called for cutting 20k troops from the active duty Army alone. However after the election this was removed from the act and troop levels are to be maintained at their 2016 levels. One might presume that there actually may be a buildup in troops during the Trump administration.

President Trump has touted his support of the United States Armed Forces and its veterans throughout his entire campaign. He has made the terrible state of Veterans Affairs a focal point while gaining the support of veterans across the country. If you follow the link below he can even be seen giving a job interview to a veteran who questioned him during a press conference. He calls the woman up to the podium and gives her an on the spot interview after the woman asked if Trump Towers would be part of the Veteran hiring initiative. Needless to say I think he got that veterans support when she went to the polls on Election Day.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOd1-s9nIxQ

Pair all of this with the fact that President Trump selected one of the most respected Marine Corps generals in history as his Secretary of Defense and it sounds like this administration may be a major shift from the previous administration that saw the reducing of troop levels, buying power eroded, education benefits cut, and a crumbling of the VA system.

Even if President Trump is completely hands off from this day forward the Department of Defense can still look to General Mattis as the Secretary of Defense and feel a sense of security in an organization that can only be described as the largest band of brothers you could ever assemble. The military and its veterans are a family through thick and thin. We may have our fights, we may joke around with each other, we may even knock each other around but that’s ok because we are family. If anyone outside the family were to do it we would end their world. I for one am starting to feel very secure with the direction that that family will be heading in for the next 4 years.

Top 10 Things to Get Your Military Guy For Christmas

Top 10 Things to Get Your Military Guy For Christmas

Every Christmas I get told the same thing from all of my close family and friends. They inform me that I am one of the toughest people that they have ever met to try and shop for. In some ways I understand this completely, most people aren’t going to spend the money on a new AR-15 and a new Berretta just doesn’t seem to mail that easily. Friends and family are also sure to inform me that they really don’t know my interests that well and they don’t want to buy me a tie that I will never wear.

ar-15

So with another holiday season approaching fast, I thought I would make Christmas as easy as I possibly could for those that I love, while ensuring that I get some things that I love. I thought about what I would like to open up for Christmas and what message I could send to all of these people for the future that would make their lives easier and mine more enjoyable.

The message that I settled on is I want them to know that I am a proud patriot who takes the most pride in my military service. My time in the Army has taught me discipline, respect and most importantly comradery for my fellow soldiers in all of the Armed Services. At this point I opened up my laptop and opened my internet browser. I then opened up my favorites and clicked on www.vision-strike-wear.com. This is my favorite site to visit to purchase military shirt, signs, coins and much more, but enough about that. I thought I would make a top 10 list for me and guys like me and put it out there for other people who are having trouble finding gifts for their loved ones who are currently in or are former members of the Armed forces.

So, lets have a look at the list:

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10. US Veteran T-Shirt (It can not be inherited) http://www.vision-strike-wear.com/US-Veteran-It-Can-Not-Be-Inherited-Shirt.html

This design speaks to me because it says something that this generation seems to not understand, and that is that there are some things that you must earn through dedication that most people are unwilling to contribute.

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9. ISIS Hunting Club T-Shirt http://www.vision-strike-wear.com/ISIS-Hunting-Club-Member-Shirt.html

This one should be self-explanatory. I love the statement and it’s a really cool design with 2 sickles crossed behind a sick skull design looking down.

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8. New Army challenge coin http://www.vision-strike-wear.com/ARMY-MILITARY-COINS.html

Now I didn’t put one particular coin up here because there are quite a few that I would like to add to my collection. They even have a National Guard coin for all you weekend warriors. I have never been in the National Guard but wouldn’t mind carrying the coin at all.

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7.  Army Rank Hoodie http://www.vision-strike-wear.com/US-Army-Rank-Hoodie.html

Here is an item that will be both stylish and necessary as we plunge into the colder seasons of the year. The three skull design and customizable rank make this something that is stylish and functional. This could also be a nicely updated item if and when I get promoted.

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6. Army Rank coffee mug  http://www.vision-strike-wear.com/army-rank-military-coffee-mug.html

Let’s get one thing straight, yes I am a Senior NCO and yes I do seem to have a coffee mug attached to my arm at all times. This is because I am no longer young in age and need caffeine to get me through the day without putting a PVT through a wall.

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5. OIF/OEF Combat Veteran License plate http://www.vision-strike-wear.com/OIF-OEF-Combat-Veteran-Military-License-Plate.html

If you happen to live in a state like I do that allows decorative license plates on the front of the vehicle, or you just want to hang something with a cool design on the wall that commemorates your time in service this is a great gift.

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4. Al Qaeda Hunting Club Coffee Mug http://www.vision-strike-wear.com/Al-Qaeda-Hunting-Club-Drinkware_p_17063.html

As you may be able to tell I am a bit of a coffee lover, and everyone around me is much happier when I have my daily cup of Joe, trust me. This mug combines my love of coffee with my disdain for terrorists.

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3. Al Qaeda Hunting Club T-Shirt http://www.vision-strike-wear.com/Al-Qaeda-Hunting-Club-Shirt.html

This gift allows me to advertise my hate for the terrorists who orchestrated the largest scale attack on US soil since Pearl Harbor in another form. The skull design with crosshairs lets everyone what would happen if I came across one of these sorry excuses for a human being.

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2. US Army War Eagle Coin http://www.vision-strike-wear.com/US-Army-War-Eagle-Coin.html

I have collected a lot of coins over my career in the Army and I have them all displayed with pride. I would just love to add the Army War Eagle Coin to my collection. The Eagle with Arms crossed in uniform stands with pride in front of the American flag. Surrounding this image are phrases like Army Strong, and the Army’s birthday is there for all to see.

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1. US Army Veteran Hoodie http://www.vision-strike-wear.com/US-      Veteran-It-Can-Not-Be-Inherited-Hoodie.html

Tis the season to stay warm until your girlfriend or wife steals yet another one of your hoodies. I don’t think she will steal this one as she would like a little strange sporting a hoodie that represents my time in the service. This hoodie has crossed M-4’s below a bald eagle with the phrase it can not be inherited, I have earned it. Maybe you should buy this one for me before Christmas that way I can get the most use out of it this season.

So, there it is friends and loved ones, 10 things you can purchase for the holidays and put under the tree that me or any veteran will love.

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The Anniversary of 9/11

The Anniversary of 9/11

The word hero is one that is overused in society. Too may times we hear that this person is a hero or that person is a hero, and normally these people are just doing the right thing or doing their job. On the anniversary of 9/11 I think we should sit back, take a moment, and remember what the word hero really means. We should also honor all of the heroes that lost their lives that terrible day so that others could go home to their families. The firefighters, police officers, and volunteers who ran toward danger as everyone else was running away. The brave passengers aboard flight 93 who sacrificed their own lives so that another target would not be destroyed by the terrorists who threatened our nation and our way of life on that day.

Remembering 9/11 and our country immediately following that horrific day makes me think about the state of our country today. As you listen to the news regardless of which news agency you prefer, almost all of the rhetoric is focused on how to divide our country. We hear that Black Lives Matter, Police Lives Matter, the rich are suppressing the poor, trans genders are being discriminated against in some way, Republican vs. Democrats, and no matter what your political or personal beliefs on these things are you have to admit that these are all ways to divide the people of our country into separate groups. On 9/11/2001 and for the period directly following, the only group that people identified as was American. This was an act of war that threatened everything we have come to know and love in this country. No one cared if you were black, white, rich, poor, gay, straight, or anything else under the sun. Americans only cared that you were an American which meant you were on the same side of this new war on terror.

9-11-unity

I will start this by personally thanking all those who have fought for me and this country in one way or another. This includes my brothers and sisters in arms, police officers, fire fighters, EMT’s, and everyone else who has an occupation that puts them in danger so the people of America can enjoy waking up and knowing that they are free and safe. I want to thank all of those heroes who run towards the dangers that others are running away from. Regardless of your occupation or situation I want to thank you for your actions, service, or duties. I invite everyone to take a moment on this day and be thankful for the fact that our country is filled with so many of these people. Remember that the division that the media promotes will never result in anything but anger and chaos. Remember that we are all Americans and that means something.

The coins below were designed to honor our fallen heroes.

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A Salute to My Father Uncles and Grandfathers on Veterans Day

A Salute to My Father Uncles and Grandfathers on Veterans Day

A Salute to My Father Uncles and Grandfathers on Veterans Day

Though I have not personally served in the military, I humbly reached the rank of  Eagle Scout as a youth.  As a child and well into adulthood, grew up in the company of military heroes who have shared their stories of sacrifice, insights, memorabilia and instilled in me an immeasurable respect for the fighting men and women of this great country.
 
My family’s lineage dates back to the 2nd Mayflower’s voyage to the new world that we now know as the United States of America. His heritage includes a considerable share of Iroquois Indian blood and extensive history of defending freedom that begins with the French-Indian and Revolutionary War and includes every call-to-arms to date.
French_and_indian_war_map.svg
US Revolutionary War

US Revolutionary War- General Washington Crossing the Delaware

 
I have a great appreciation for all of the efforts his family has contributed to the military which has resulted in allowing all Americans, including myself, the opportunity to attend college, care for our families, and strive for our American Dream.
Needless to say, I was drawn to create military designs and have been doing so for over 20 years. At Vision-Strike-Wear.Com Im lucky to be creating amazing, unique and dare I say, “bad-ass” designs for the military.
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VSW asked me  to share my family’s military lineage.  Below is list of my known ancestors both past and present who have served…

A Salute to My Father, Uncle and Grandfathers on Veterans Day

Military Service on Frost Call’s Mother’s side include:

A Salute to My Father Uncles and Grandfathers on Veterans Day begins with my Great Grandfather, Paul Jerome Denning, served in the Army with the 28th Division 112th Infantry, American Expeditionary Force during World War I.
A Salute to My Father Uncles and Grandfathers on Veterans Day

Army Sergeant Paul Jerome Denning

Served with 28th Division 112th Infantry American Expeditionary Force in World War I

Enlisted August 5, 1917 and Honorably Discharged on May 8, 1919

Enlisted in Co. C 16th Pennsylvania Infantry National Guard in Bradford, PA. and was later trasferred to Company B in Oil City, PA. Had basic training in Augusta, GA. Later was attached to battalion headquarters of the 112th Infantry and was promoted to sergeant of scouts. Known as the “Keystone Division”, the 28th and Sgt Denning participated in the following engagements during World War I.

5th German Offensive, July 14th – July 27, 1918
Advance on Oureq and Vesle, July 28 – September 7, 1918
Chateau Thurry and Marne Valley
Meuse-Argonne Offensive, September 26th – October 7, 1918
Thiaucourt Sector, October 15th – November 11, 1918

The division suffered 2,531 battle deaths, 13,746 wounded and 726 captured by the enemy.

Awards and Citations

Distinguished Service Cross
3 Bravery citations
Victory Medal
My Grandfather, David Foyle England, served in the 1st Marine Division in Guadalcanal, Cape Gloucester and Peleliu in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater during World War II.
 A Salute to My Father Uncles and Grandfathers on Veterans Day

Marine Corps Sgt David Foyle England

Served with 1st Marine Division Asiatic-Pacific Theater World War II
Enlisted January 6th, 1942 and Honorably Discharged on January 24th, 1946

Enlisted in Stockton, NY one month after Pearl Harbor and joined the hard-boiled grunts of the 1st Marine Division. After a grueling 2 months on Guatalcanal eating mullet and rice he contracted malaria. Later as Bomb Disposal Technician, Sgt, England received 2 field commissions for performing duties at great risk to himself disarming all types of unexploded ordnance for both United States and Japanese forces during operations against the enemy on Cape Gloucester, New Britain, handling dangerously sensitive fuses under enemy fire and again in Peleliu Island Palau Group. He volunteered with great risk to his life on many occasions clearing enemy mine fields as well as disposing of numerous unexploded bombs and projectiles most of which were in a highly sensitive condition with no prior knowledge of enemy weaponry.
Guadalcanal, November 11th, 1942 – January 5th, 1943
Cape Gloucester, New Britain, December 26th, 1943 – March 1st, 1944
Peleliu, Palua Group, September 15th, 1944 – October 14th, 1944
Awards and Citations 
Presidential Unit Citation w/ Star
Asiatic Pacific Ribbon w/ 3 Stars
Good Conduct Medal

Military Service on Frost Call’s Father’s side include:

My father, Donald Raymond Frost, served in the Navy as an Aviation Machinists Mate, 2nd Class from 1966 to 1970. His service with the Patrol Squadron 44 took him to the North Atlantic Ocean, Norwegian, and North Sea during the Cold War against the Soviet Union.
A Salute to My Father Uncles and Grandfathers on Veterans Day

Navy Aviation Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class Donald Ray Frost

Served with Patrol Squadron 44 in the North Atlantic Ocean, Norwegian, and North Sea during Cold War operations against the Soviet Union Enlisted January 18th 1966 and Honorably Discharged on January 17th 1970 After enlisting, he quickly shipped out to the Navy Great Lakes Training Center in Great Lakes, IL for 2 and half months of boot camp. Afterwards he completed 6 months of “A” School training in NAS Memphis, TN to learn how to maintenance and repair aircraft. After completing his training he was sent to duty station Patrol Squdron 44, ASW, P3A, B Orion’s, NAX Pax River, MD. His deployment stations throughout the North Atlantic and Baltics engaged primarily in maritime patrol, reconnaissance, anti-surface warfare and anti-submarine warfare with P-3 Orions and other aircraft against Soviet submarine and surface ships for the next 2 years in the brutal Arctic circle.
NAS Keflavik, Iceland
Boda, Norway
Copenhagen, Denmark
Azores Islands
 
My Uncle, Dan Ernest Frost (his father’s brother), who served in the 1st Air Cavalry as an Army Specialist Five during the Vietnam war.
A Salute to My Father Uncles and Grandfathers on Veterans Day

Army Specialist Five Dan Ernest Frost

Awards and CitationsArmy Combat Infantry Badge
Army Bronze Star with Cluster
Purple Heart
Air Medal
Army Commendation Medal
Army Good Conduct Medal
Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry (Unit Award)
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Presidential Unit Citation with Cluster
Army Meritorious Unit Commendation
Rifle Markemanship Badge
My Grandfather, Ernest Raymond Frost (on his father’s side), who served with the 3rd Division “Cotton Balers” 7th Army European Theater during World War II from Naples, Southern France, Battle of the Bulge, The Rhine, Colmar Pocket Campaign and Strasbourg, Germany.

A Salute to My Father Uncles and Grandfathers on Veterans Day

Army Private First Class Ernest Raymond Frost

Served with 3rd Division 7th Army European Theater World War II

Enlisted December 17th 1943 and Honorably Discharged on January 31st 1946

On March 25, 1943 he was drafted in the United States Army. He received his basic training in Camp Croft, South Carolina for 17 weeks. He was shipped out with the famous 7th Infantry 3rd Division to Europe. There he saw combat in Italy, France, and Germany from 1944-1945. He participated in the Battle of the Bulge, The Valley of Purple Hearts and many small skirmishes along the way primarily as a scout and sniper. He received the Bronze Star and a Purple Heart with clusters from two wounds received from mortar fire and an anti-tank shell as well as the French Croix de Guerre with palm.

ARDENNES * RHINELAND * CENTRAL EUROPE 1944 – 1945

Wounded France January 25th 1945 and January 30th 1945

Awards and Citations

Bronze Star
Purple Heart with cluster
French Croix de Guerre with palm
Presidential Unit Citation
Good Conduct Medal
American Campaign Medal
Army Good Conduct Medal
European-African-Middle East Medal WW II
Victory Medal WW II
Combat Infantry Badge
Fourrageres

Numerous video interviews of Ernest Raymond Frost are available on our site. Listen to his first-hand accounts of his military experience during World War II.

Lineage from Frost Calls’ Grandmother, Musette Cobb Frost, wife of Ernest R. Frost:

His Great Uncle, Donald C. Cobb, (his Grandmother Musette’s Brother) was killed in action near the French/Belgium border in 1944.

Army Private First Class Donald C. Cobb

Killed in Action French/Belgium Border 1944

His Great Uncle, Morris Cobb, (his Grandmother Musette’s Younger Brother) served in the U.S. Air Force as Airman Second Class.

Frost Call’s family military lineage dates back to the Revolutionary and French Indian Wars.

Below is a copy of the original Calvary Certification issued for Samuel Richey, a family lineage linked through Frost Call’s Grandmother, Musette (Cobb) Frost’s family.

It states the date of enlistment and specific wars that Samuel Richey (Richie) participated in during the Civil War from 1864 to 1865.

In addition, it is noted that Samuel Richey’s Great Grandfather Richey served under Captain George Washington during both the French Indian Wars (1754 to 1763) and the Revolutionary War (1775 to 1783).

Samuel Richey’s Grandfather also served as Captain in the War of 1812.

Samuel’s brother, Benjamin Richey served for a term of three years in the Civil War under served in COC Reg. 115th Ohio Infantry.

Andrew Gardner, Greatgrandfather of Mrs. Richey, Samuel Richey’s wife, served as Captain of Morgan Riflemen, which served as General Washington’s Body Guard.

Frost Call’s Grandmother, Musette Cobb Frost, is a descendant of Samuel Richey by way of his youngest daughter, Blanche, his Great Grandmother.
Richey Muster Sheet
Below is a closer look at the text inscribed in the above document:
CALVARY
THIS IS TO CERTIFY
THAT
SAMUEL RICHEY (RICHIE)
Enlisted from Alleheny County, State of Pennsylvania, September 9, 1864 and was mustered into the United States Service at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania as a Private to server for a term of one year or spring during the war under Captain Guy Bryan and Col. T.F. Rodenbaughm.  Company A 18th Regiment Pennsylvania Voluntary Calvary.
The Regiment was attached to Calvary Brigade Army of the Shenandoah and Comrade Richey participated in the following engagements:
* Battle of Opequon Winchester, September 19, 1864 near to Cedarville September 20th,
* Frank Royal September 21st,
* Fishers Hill September 22nd,
* Milford September 22nd,
* Waynesboro September, Near Brock Gap October 6th,
* Toms Brook October 8th & 9th, 1864,
* Cedar Creek November 11th, Newton November 12th,
* Mount Jackson November 22, 1864,
* Expedition to Lacy Springs December 19th to 22nd,
* Duty Winchester till May 1865,
* Scout to Edenburg March 17th to 19th, 1865

The regiment was on duty at Cumberland, Maryland till June 1865. He was honorably discharged June 13th, 1865 at Cumberland, Maryland by reason of close of war.

Memo of Gen. Griffin, Post G.H.R.  No. 207, Homestead, Pennsylvania. Samuel Richey, Great grandfather of Comrade Richey served during Revolutionary War also in French and Indian Wars under Captain George Washington. Samuel Richey, Grandfather of Comrade Richey, served as Captain in the War of 1812 with distinction.
Samuel, father of Comrade Richey, enlisted in COC 24th Ohio Infantry and re-enlisted as a veteran for three years.
Benjamin, brother, served in COC Reg. 115th Ohio Infantry and served for a term of three years.
Andrew Gardner, Greatgrandfather of Mrs. Richey, served in Revolutionary War, as Captain of Morgan’s Riflemen, which served as General Washington’s body guard.
Presented by Comrade Richey to his wife Ella and children: James, Samuel, Ella, George, Stella and Blanche.

We were certainly amazed at how well Frost Call has maintained a close tie to his family’s impressive military lineage dating so far back in American history.

We Will Never Forget Coin

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