Korean War & Vietnam Era U.S. Military Medal Group (8 Medals) w/ Patches – Korea, Vietnam, Thailand – Estate of Fred Gene Smith

Description:

A Korean War–Vietnam era U.S. military medal and insignia group, consisting of eight medals, one enlisted rank pin, and two period patches, housed in a glass-front display case with black felt backing.

This group came from the estate of Fred Gene Smith (April 12, 1931 – November 7, 2025). Mr. Smith married Gerda Elisabeth Bierle in March of 1959 at Ramstein U.S. Military Base, Kaiserslautern, Germany. Notably, both individuals served long careers in the United States military, and while the medals are strongly consistent with U.S. Air Force service in Korea and Southeast Asia, it is uncertain whether all items belonged exclusively to Mr. Smith or if some may have been his wife’s.

Medals Included (8 total)

• Army Good Conduct Medal (Korean War era)

• Korean Service Medal

• United Nations Service Medal (Korea) with “KOREA” bar

• National Defense Service Medal

• Air Force Good Conduct Medal

• Vietnam Service Medal

• Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal (with “1960–” bar)

• Air Force Longevity Service Award

One medals is loose and no longer attached to the backing.

Insignia & Patches

• USAF Enlisted Rank Insignia Pin (Staff Sergeant)

• 388th Combat Air Support / F-105 Thunderchief Patch

Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base – Operation Vietnam

• Okinawa “20th Air Force” Patch (embroidered)

The Korat/Thailand patch reflects U.S. Air Force operations supporting Vietnam from Thailand.

Condition:

• Overall good vintage condition

• Medals show expected age patina, no heavy corrosion

• Some medals are detached from the backing

• Okinawa patch has edge tearing and fraying (see close-up photo)

• Display case measures 15 x 12 x 2 inches

• Glass intact; black felt backing present

Historical Notes:

This group reflects service spanning:

• Korean War era

• Cold War / Pacific postings

• Vietnam War support operations, including Thailand-based USAF missions

Mixed Army and Air Force awards are not unusual for long-service military families or individuals who transitioned branches during the 1950s–1960s.