Description
U.S.A. bar France with Maltese Cross emblem, with wrap round broach, scarce combination as awarded only to the Marines and Navy.
From Laslo book “ The Navy Department felt a need to recognise overseas noncombatants and considered the Maltese Cross. Senior Navy Commanders objected and it was decided that shore duty abroad would be recognised by an “Overseas “bar and a bronze star. However Marines and Sailors of the AEF were entitled to the Army style FRANCE bar but because it was a service bar there was no bronze star for the service ribbon. It is reasonable to assume that Navy overcame this defect by eventually authorising the Maltese cross for Service ribbon of those entitled to the FRANCE clasp.’
