"He won a raft of combat medals in World War Two."

Eighty-six received the Hero of the Soviet Union, the highest combat medal.

And the crossed dagger and assault rifle of the USFC's close combat medal.

For that service, he was awarded combat medals that include the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and three Purple Hearts.

The eagle faces right, over the right talon clutching arrows, to reflect that this is a combat medal.

And while it is not unheard of for a man to wear an unearned combat medal, Mr. Barber said, "it is rare that it is intentional."

The group challenged the legitimacy of each of the combat medals awarded to Kerry by the U.S. Navy and the disposition of his discharge.

The medal ceremony could happen within the next few weeks - possibly the last combat medal awarded to a living World War II veteran.

German military use for some combat medals, during World War II.

He flew 32 missions over Europe and won numerous combat medals, including the Distinguished Flying Cross.