The Case:
Cleaning out the garage after his father's death, a Vacaville, CA man found an ornate medal in an embossed red box.
Along with the medal he found a photograph of his father at an award ceremony in February of 1951 with a caption explaining the Belgian government bestowed upon him the “Order of Leopold.”
His father seldom talked about his military service, but our contributor has heard that his father led a company of Eastern European Jews with a mission to bring German deserters from behind enemy lines. The Belgian government award this honor for extreme bravery or meritorious service.
George Patton and Dwight Eisenhower have a Leopold Cross. What did our soldier do to earn this decoration? History Detectives host Gwendolyn Wright sets out to find out.
Season 9, Episode 10
Detective:
Gwen Wright
Location:Gwynedd, Pennsylvania and Washington D.C.
Related Content
Video:
Feature:
Technique:
Related Links
Explore
-
Also with Gwen Wright
Bettie Page Slide
Is this a lost Bettie Page image by Irving Klaw?
-
Also in Depression and WWII: 1929-1945
Blueprint Special
Did this record play a dramatic role in the Allied victory during the Second World War?
-
Also with Gwen Wright
Women's Suffrage Painting
What role did this watercolor painting play in securing women the right to vote?
-
Related Investigation
N.E.A.R Device
Was this device invented to help Americans believe they could survive a Soviet nuclear attack?
-
Also in Depression and WWII: 1929-1945
Superman Sketch
Is this a WWII sketch from the early days of this comic icon?
-
Also in Depression and WWII: 1929-1945
World War II Leaflets
How did this scrap of paper help change the course of World War II?
Comments
This is a place for opinions, comments, questions and discussion; a place where viewers of History Detectives can express their points of view and connect with others who value history. We ask that posters be polite and respectful of all opinions. History Detectives reserves the right to delete comments that don’t conform to this conduct. We will not respond to every post, but will do our best to answer specific questions, or address an error.