Posted on Jul 21, 2017
What is the history behind oak leaf clusters? Why do we use them to note multiple awards?
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Short answer- so we don't look like Russian / North Korean generals.
- In heraldry, oak leaves and acorns generally mean great age or great strength.
- In the English army they used to stand for being mentioned in the daily dispatch for valor and were an award unto themselves.
- In the German Army they denoted levels of awards subsequent to the basic award.
- In the US Army/ Military they just stand for subsequent awards. The Army institute for heraldry doesn't list the symbolism other than to say they represent subsequent awards.
- In heraldry, oak leaves and acorns generally mean great age or great strength.
- In the English army they used to stand for being mentioned in the daily dispatch for valor and were an award unto themselves.
- In the German Army they denoted levels of awards subsequent to the basic award.
- In the US Army/ Military they just stand for subsequent awards. The Army institute for heraldry doesn't list the symbolism other than to say they represent subsequent awards.
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CSM Richard StCyr
After much digging it seems we will never know the "Why"
"It’s unclear why the Armed Forces of the United States chose the oak leaf cluster to represent the subsequent issuance of an award already presented to a service member. The simplest explanation—that oak trees symbolize strength, endurance, and faith—is also the most plausible, but the fact remains that none of the applicable military manuals explain the reasoning behind the selection."
"It’s unclear why the Armed Forces of the United States chose the oak leaf cluster to represent the subsequent issuance of an award already presented to a service member. The simplest explanation—that oak trees symbolize strength, endurance, and faith—is also the most plausible, but the fact remains that none of the applicable military manuals explain the reasoning behind the selection."
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SGT Jacob Yuhas
CSM Richard StCyr I just find it odd because almost anything in the military has a lineage, history or meaning behind it. To be honest it reminds me of a Monopoly piece alone (the silver clusters), but looks right when it is on a ribbon. At that point why wouldn't they go with the service star devices?
Unless whoever decided just said, "We need to decide on a device that notes multiple rewards without looking like Russian Generals....yea that oak tree branch with leaves and acorns looks great!" -- Much like you mentioned in your last bullet
Unless whoever decided just said, "We need to decide on a device that notes multiple rewards without looking like Russian Generals....yea that oak tree branch with leaves and acorns looks great!" -- Much like you mentioned in your last bullet
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CSM Richard StCyr
SGT Jacob Yuhas - I had a copy of an old regulation that actually explained the symbology of the elements of each medal and decoration. It was lost in one of the PCS moves and I haven't been able to find another (mostly because I can't remember the number). Drives me bat shit that we get awards and there is no document that explains the symbology and why it has the stuff on it that it does.
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It could be a throw back to Roman times for when they preferred natural materials for their highest awards. In some cultures, the oak tree is considered holy. So, while the actual reason is probably lost to time, these are just a few of the possible reasons.
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CW3 (Join to see)
Its at least a possibility as we get many military traditions from the Romans. Roman Soldiers could be awarded something called the "Civic Crown" which was made of Oak leaves I believe. Could this be related?
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This is a good question. I tried checking the Army history and heraldry sites as well as my own google search. Only thing I can find is that is dates back prior to WWI (maybe even earlier) denoting multiple awards. It might be one of those things that no one really knows how it got started.
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