Chinese Militaria

  Probably one of the most well known medal of the Republic of China is the Order of the Cloud and Banner ( 雲麾勳章) . There are several English names as over time the Chinese translation has evolved. Some of these include the literal translation, Yun Hui, and Order of the Resplendent Banner. It came in nine classes, which would be awarded based on the rank of the awardee. It was awarded for actions that contributed to the national defense. Many Americans in the Chinese theater of war during WWII were awarded this medal. Most of the awards were given out post war around 1946 from the research I have conducted based on surviving medal documents. After 1949, these were also awarded to Americans who also helped to contribute to the national defense of Taiwan. The original full set from WWII and a few years after, came with a certificate with envelope, outside box cover, medal box, a ribbon bar, and the medal itself. There would also be a translated document that would be included. The outer

Here are a pair of collar and shoulder insignias for a Lieutenant General made by the National Decoration Company (NDC). NDC's name in Chinese is 中美公司 or literal translation is China-US Company. Most people know it as this, however, according to the card, its full name is 中美軍用摽幟公司. This insignia was first used around 1946 and is still used today. This particular set was used during the Chinese Civil War period of 1946 to 1949. Post WWII insignias were redesigned to match the new uniforms. Many officers continued to use the older collar tabs, but many eventually switched to the new insignias.  I recreated the paper card holder from an original that a fellow collector helped me to find. I tried to match the fonts and spacing as close as possible. Although I didn't have the size of the paper card holder, I estimated it from an existing set with original insignias and card holder. The plum flowers were only used by general officers and were worn on the collar. The two stars represe

  Here is a 1945 dated or 三十四年 for 34th year of the ROC. The words are hard to read, even the date for the first number is unreadable. A fellow collector friend told me he thinks it could be 1935 or 24th year of the ROC.  I think it is most likely 1945 because the hat badge is a cloth type that was pictured with troops wearing the same type hat badge. The pictured hat did not have the ear flap, but just a chin strap instead. Also, it was most likely brought back by a US vet serving in the area.  The width of the cloth hat badge is 32mm.

Many of the warlord era medals were suspended and new medals were created after the Northern Expedition to reunite China under a single government. Although, still weakened by uneasy alliances, the new Chinese government ushered in the modern Republic of China.  New medals were created. Some of these included Orders of the Blue Sky and White Sun, Precious Tripod, and Cloud and Banner. The last two were awarded in nine classes. Other medals were created over time.  Not many medals were awarded, except to higher ranked officers. When the United States sent troops to assist China against the Japanese, many medals were given in appreciation to the defense of China. Some of these were given to highlight the heroics or military advising to the Chinese military.   Many of the national awards are still awarded today. Medals brought back by American servicemen from WWII