Episode Details
Back to EpisodesThe "A" Device: From Hunting Nazi U-Boats in the "Undeclared War" of 1941 to Modern Air Force Operations Above the Arctic Circle
Description
In this episode of pplpod, we explore the unique history of the "A" Device, a miniature bronze attachment worn on specific United States military awards. We break down the two distinct variations of this device: the sans-serif "Atlantic Device" and the serif "Arctic Device."
Join us as we discuss the device's origins with the American Defense Service Medal during World War II. We’ll explain how the "Atlantic Device" was used to recognize members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard who engaged in armed conflict with Axis forces—specifically Nazi Germany’s Kriegsmarine—in the Atlantic Ocean between June and December 1941, months before the U.S. formally entered the war.
We also cover the device's revival in 2002 by the United States Air Force. You'll learn about the "Arctic Device," now authorized for the Air Force Overseas Ribbon - Short Tour, and how it is currently awarded to airmen and guardians serving north of the Arctic Circle at Pituffik Space Base in Greenland. Tune in for a deep dive into the criteria, visual differences, and historical significance of this rare military honor.