By Captain George J. Albert, Field
Historian, California Center for Military History
Type 1 Varierty 1 California Commendation
Medal (MEMEN type) (Author’s Collection).
Originally known as
the Commendation Ribbon with Pendent, the California Commendation
Medal (CACOM) is the fifth highest award in the State’s
pyramid of honor.
Criteria for Award: California Military and Veterans Code, Section
643.1. A California Commendation Medal may be presented
to each person who, while an officer, warrant officer, or enlisted
member of the National Guard, State Military Reserve, or Naval
Militia distinguishes himself or herself while serving in any
capacity with the National Guard, State Military Reserve, or
Naval Militia by meritorious achievement or meritorious service.
The meritorious achievement or meritorious service is less exceptional
than that required for the Medal of Merit but shall be accomplished
with distinction. The California Commendation Medal may also
be awarded to civilians and members of other military services
who distinguish themselves as indicated in this section.
History: The California Commendation Medal was authorized
by the state legislature on 13 October 1950, as recorded in Chapter
27, Section 15. This passage has been codified into Sec 643.1,
Military and Veterans code. The medal was designed by LTC Howard
W. Jesperson of the California National Guard. Through 1968 more
than 2,000 of these medals had been awarded. In 1976 the California
Commendation Medal was superseded by the Medal of Merit, 3rd
Order, but was reinstated the following year when the Orders
became obsolete. The Type 1 variety 1 medal was a three ring
suspension type medal similar to the California Service Medal
Type 2 Variety 3 medals. This medal had an error in that the
space between the words “Me” and “Men” was
missing thus forming “Memen”. All varieties have
clutch type fasteners. The Type 1 variety 2 medals are nicely
struck medals with fine details.
Type 1 variety 1 California Commendation
Medal (MEMEN Type) (Author’s Collection).
Type 1 variety 2 California Commendation
Medal (Author’s Collection).
Type 1 variety 3 California Commendation
Medal (Author’s Collection).
The first 4 varieties
were produced by Wolfe Brown of Los Angeles. The variety 5 was
produced by Vanguard, and the variety 6 is produced by Graco
of Texas. The original color of the ribbon was described as “Pearl”.
Later the color was changed to a cream. Oakleaf clusters are
worn on the ribbon to denote further awards. A bronze oakleaf
denotes a second award, a Silver oakleaf is worn in lieu of five
bronze oakleaves.
Type 1 variety 4 California Commendation
Medal (Author’s Collection).
Type 1 variety 5 Vanguard Medal in Presentation
Box (Author’s Collection).
Type 1 variety 6 Graco Medal as Presented
to the Author in Oct 2004 (Authors Collection).
I am indebted to Captain Gregory Ogletree
for his kind permission to use much of the data contained in
this article, which came from his book: Awards and Decorations
of U. S. State Military Forces, 1988. Patriot Press. I am
also indebted to S. G. (Yash) Yasinitsky, OMSA#1 for his support,
information, and friendship over the years.
%20of%20image001.jpg)
%20of%20image002.jpg)
%20of%20image003.jpg)
%20of%20image004.jpg)
%20of%20image005.jpg)
%20of%20image006.jpg)
%20of%20image007.jpg)
%20of%20image008.jpg)
%20of%20image009.jpg)
%20of%20image010.jpg)
%20of%20image011.jpg)
%20of%20image012.jpg)
%20of%20image013.jpg)