Japan. A Distinguished Military Service Medal, First Class, Issued For Shooting Down A B29

Rikugun Bukosho. In silver with gilt characters, measuring 31.5 mm (w) x 40 mm (h), dual clip attachment on the reverse, extremely fine.

Footnote: This award was authorized by Imperial Edict on December 7, 1944 in two classes. It was established as an immediate award granted by a jurisdictional commander with decision making delegated to Division level or equivalent. The decree provided for retroactive award to the beginning of the Great East Asia War. Traditionally, it was primarily the war dead who were honoured in Japan. Those killed in action were advanced in one grade in rank and awarded a lower class of the Order of the Golden Kite. Some awards were made to the living, mostly for service rather than gallantry. Awards to both the dead and the living were made through the highly bureaucratic army headquarters in a process that could last two to three years. As Japan suffered a continuous series of defeats after 1942, morale slumped significantly. The creation of an immediate award was viewed as a way to recognize gallantry and distinguished service among living soldiers while simultaneously raising morale. Awards were made promptly in a simple ceremony with a scroll containing the citation usually accompanying the badge.