Awards and Stuff

One of the perks that came with an assignment to the US Taiwan Defense Command was the receipt of this presentation set. I believe it was officially called The Chinese-American Friendship Medal, or something like that. We just called it the Gemo Medal -- short for Generalissimo Chiang Kai Shek.

As I recall, you had to have been assigned to the unit for at least twelve months and have had an unblemished record during that period -- not always an easy task in Taipei.

It was not authorized for wear on the uniform and it didn't help during promotion cycles either. It was just a nice little presentation set that you could keep in a drawer somewhere.

During the 1973-1974 period, enlisted grades of E-7 or above were considered for the Joint Service Commendation Medal at the completion of their tours. Every now and then someone in grade E-6 or below would receive the JSCM, but not often.

I did receive the standard USTDC plaque with a certificate signed by the admiral. I tossed the plaque a few years ago, along with several others, when I needed the closet space they were taking up.

Don