Philippines (Commonwealth 1935-1946): Defense Medal 1941-1942. A United States strike

This campaign medal was awarded to all of the 'Battling Bastards of Bataan' (and all other Filipino/US personnel that served in the Philippine Islands during the Philippines campaign 1941-42

A good quality United States strike

The corded silk riband with 9mm crimp-brooch with United States Federal Government contractor marks 'G-23'. The crimp brooch retaining the original intricate long-hinged pin and intricate drop-lock clasp fittings, as issued

The medal was originally instituted as a riband only award on 20 December 1944, and awarded to all Filipino and Allied (United States) military personnel who served during the 'Defense of the Philippines' campaign between 8 December 1941 - 15 June 1942, including the epic defense of the Bataan Peninsula and the Corregidor fortress island

It was American War Correspondent 'Frank Hewell - the last remaining correspondent on Bataan who famously coined the phrase 'The Battling Bastards of Baatan' when he wrote:

Quote,

We’re the battling bastards of Bataan.

No mama, no papa, no Uncle Sam,

No aunts, no uncles, no cousins, no nieces,

No pills, no planes, no artillery pieces

And nobody gives a damn.

Unquote.

An essential campaign medal for any collector of medals for the Pacific War 1941-1945

Condition: EF

Code: 23708