![\"quick](\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/quick-medals-300x126.png\")
The USPS’ full name for this issue: “Honoring Extraordinary Heroism: The Service Cross Medals.”<\/p>\nThe USPS’ full name for this issue: “Honoring Extraordinary Heroism: The Service Cross Medals.”<\/p>\n
The stamps were issued Monday, May 30th, at World Stamp Show-NY 2016.<\/p>\n
The unveiling at the first day ceremony May 30th<\/strong><\/span>: [press release]<\/em> NEW YORK CITY \u2014 On Monday, May 30, the national day of remembrance for those who died while serving their nation, the U.S. Postal Service honored military service members who have been awarded one of the four Service Cross Medals \u2014 the Army Distinguished Service Cross, the Navy Cross, which includes the Marine Corps, the Air Force Cross and the Coast Guard Cross.<\/p>\n The Memorial Day first-day-of-issue dedication ceremony for the Honoring Extraordinary Heroism: The Service Cross Medals Forever stamps took place at New York City\u2019s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center as part of the world\u2019s largest stamp show that only takes place in the United States once a decade, World Stamp Show-NY 2016. More than 250,000 visitors are expected to attend this week-long event. The public is asked to share the news on social media using the hashtag #ServiceCrossStamps.<\/p>\n U.S. Coast Guard New York Sector Deputy Commander Captain Thomas Morkan joined U.S. Postal Service Chief Information Officer and Executive Vice President Kristin Seaver in dedicating the stamps .<\/p>\n \u201cIt takes extraordinary heroism to be awarded such a decoration and frequently it requires the ultimate sacrifice,\u201d said Morkan (photo left). \u201cThat type of sacrifice, that Their willingness to hazard all, to pay any price, to never tire, to never cease to struggle is why we are a free and proud people, citizens of the greatest nation on this earth. That struggle is never ending. Service men and women are in harm\u2019s way today at this very moment. As you enjoy your barbeque and the company of family and friends, I ask that you spare a few moments to honor those who so willingly make it possible.\u201d<\/p>\n Updated April 29th:<\/strong><\/span> A look at the full pane of stamps: Updated April 29th<\/strong>, from the Postal Bulletin<\/em>:<\/span> The stamps will go on sale nationwide May 30, 2016.<\/p>\n Initial Supply to Post Offices: Item 561100, $5.64, Honoring Extraordinary Heroism: The Service Cross Medals (Forever priced at 47 cents) Commemorative PSA Souvenir Sheet of 12 Stamps<\/p>\n Stamp Fulfillment Services will not make an automatic push distribution to Post Offices\u2122. Post Offices may begin ordering stamps prior to the FDOI through SFS Web.<\/p>\n There are special dedication postmarks.<\/p>\n How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark:<\/strong><\/span> After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark up to a quantity of 50. There is a 5-cent charge for each additional postmark over 50. All orders must be postmarked by July 30, 2016.<\/p>\n There are six philatelic products<\/span><\/strong> for this stamp issue:<\/p>\n Technical Specifications:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n The criteria for awarding each of these four medals are similar. In the official language authorized by congressional legislation, they are given for extraordinary heroism not justifying the award of a Medal of Honor:<\/p>\n The Distinguished Service Cross was the first of these awards to be established, in 1918, followed the next year by the Navy Cross. The Air Force Cross was instituted in 1960, following the creation of the Air Force as a separate military service independent from the Army. The Coast Guard Cross was only recently instituted, in 2010, to recognize its members for qualifying actions taken when not Many recipients of these awards died or were severely wounded as a result of the heroic actions for which they were honored, while a number of others died in subsequent battles before receiving the award for their earlier actions. Many recipients rescued wounded service members or drew enemy fire to buy time for others to regroup or be rescued. Some continued fighting despite their own wounds. According to official accounts, all braved enemy fire, made bold decisions, and took selfless actions to rescue or protect their fellow service members. These medals pay homage to such heroic actions and dedication to duty. The USPS’ full name for this issue: “Honoring Extraordinary Heroism: The Service Cross Medals.” The stamps were issued Monday, May 30th, at World Stamp Show-NY 2016. The unveiling at the first day ceremony May 30th: Left to right: David E. … Continue reading ![\"medals_unveil\"](\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/medals_unveil.png\")
Left to right: David E. Williams, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President, USPS; Captain Thomas Morkan, Deputy Commander, Sector New York, U.S. Coast Guard; Kristin Seaver, Chief Information Officer and Executive Vice President, USPS; Lilliam Rodriguez, Postmaster, Bronx, NY; Greg Breeding, USPS Art Director for this issue.<\/p>\n
\nPostal Service Salutes Military Service Cross Recipients on Memorial Day with Forever Stamps<\/span> <\/strong><\/p>\n![\"medals_seaver\"](\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/medals_seaver-300x174.png\")
\u201cStory after story, act after act reveals a new profile in courage and a spirit of American greatness that has defined this nation from the very beginning,\u201d said Seaver (photo right). \u201cThese medals \u2014 and these stamps \u2014 pay homage to such heroic actions and dedication to duty.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"medals_morkan\"](\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/medals_morkan-300x127.png\")
willingness to lay your life on the line for your country is what we as a nation pause to reflect upon and to pay homage to on Memorial Day. It is a great day for parades and celebrations and backyard barbeques with family and friends \u2014 but it is also the day that we honor those who since the war of independence have done what needed to be done.<\/p>\n![\"medals_pane\"](\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/medals_pane.png\")
Updated April 29th:<\/strong><\/span> The first day postmarks: ![\"medals_dcp_vsc\"](\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/medals_dcp_vsc.png\")
The DCP measure 1.81\u201d x 1.50\u201d ![\"medals_bw_vsc\"](\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/medals_bw_vsc.png\")
The pictorial postmark measures 2.76 x 1.32\u201d ![\"medals_ded_vsc\"](\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/medals_ded_vsc.png\")
The special dedication postmarks measure 2.98\u201d x 1.48\u201d<\/p>\n
\nOn May 30, 2016, in New York, NY, the U.S. Postal Service\u00ae will issue Honoring Extraordinary Heroism: The Service Cross Medals stamps (Forever\u00ae priced at 47 cents) in four designs, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) souvenir sheet of 12 stamps (Item 561100). Honoring Extraordinary Heroism: The Service Cross Medals souvenir sheet of 12 stamps may not be split, and the stamps may not be sold individually.<\/p>\nThis issuance continues a Postal Service\u2122 tradition of honoring the bravery and achievements of members of the U.S. Armed Forces. Previous issuances have depicted the highest military decoration for valor in combat: the Medal of Honor. These new stamps recognize the next highest tier of military decorations for valor: the Distinguished Service Cross (Army), Navy Cross (Navy and Marine Corps), Air Force Cross, and Coast Guard Cross. Each stamp consists of a photograph of one of the four medals suspended from a ribbon and shown against a dark blue backdrop. There are a total of 12 stamps on the pane, shown in two rows. These decorations are awarded for acts of extraordinary heroism in which an individual braved enemy fire, made bold decisions, and took selfless actions to rescue or protect fellow service members. Art director Greg Breeding designed the stamps and stamp pane, working with photographs of the medals by Richard Frasier.<\/p>\n
\nCustomers have 60 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post Office, at The Postal Store\u00ae website at http:\u2044\u2044www.usps.com\u2044shop, or by calling 800-782-6724. They should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:<\/p>\nHonoring Extraordinary Heroism:
\nThe Service Cross Medals Stamps
\nSpecial Events Coordinator
\n380 West 33rd Street
\nNew York, NY 10199-9998<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n
Issue: Honoring Extraordinary Heroism: The Service Cross Medals Stamp
\nItem Number: 561100
\nDenomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
\nFormat: Souvenir Sheet of 12 (4 designs)
\nSeries: N\u2044A
\nIssue Date & City: May 30, 2016, New York, NY 10199
\nDesigner: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
\nArt Director: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
\nTypographer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
\nPhotographer: Richard Frasier, Vienna, VA
\nModeler: Sandra Lane\u2044Michelle Finn
\nManufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
\nPrinter: Banknote Corporation of America
\nPrinted at: Browns Summit, NC
\nPress Type: Alprinta 74
\nStamps per Pane: 12
\nPrint Quantity: 20,400,000 stamps
\nPaper Type: Phosphor Tagged Paper, Block
\nAdhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
\nProcessed at: Banknote Corporation of America, Browns Summit SC
\nColors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, PMS 10128\u2044Gold
\nStamp Orientation: Vertical
\nImage Area (w x h): 0.84 x 1.42 in.\u204421.34 x 36.07 mm
\nOverall Size (w x h): 0.98 x 1.56 in.\u204424.89 x 39.62 mm
\nFull Pane Size (w x h): 7.5 x 5.5 in.\u2044190.50 x 139.70 mm
\nPress Sheets Size (w x h): 22 x 22.5 in.\u2044558.30 x 571.50 mm
\nPlate Size: 144 stamps per revolution
\nPlate Numbers: N\u2044A
\nMarginal Markings:
\nBack: \u00a9 2016 USPS \u2022 USPS logo \u2022 Plate position diagram \u2022 Barcode (561100) in lower left corner of pane \u2022 Promotional text<\/p>\n![\"distcross\"](\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/distcross-191x300.png\")
From the USPS, March 31, 2016:<\/strong><\/span> This issuance continues a Postal Service\u2122 tradition of honoring the bravery and achievements of members of the U.S. Armed Forces. Previous issuances have depicted the highest military decoration for valor in combat: the Medal of Honor. These new stamps recognize the second highest decoration: the Distinguished Service Cross (Army), Navy Cross (Navy and Marine Corps), Air Force Cross, and Coast Guard Cross.<\/p>\n\n
![\"navycross\"](\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/navycross-191x300.png\")
While engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States;<\/li>\n![\"afcross\"](\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/afcross-191x300.png\")
operating under the Department of the Navy or during military operations against international terrorists. This decoration is yet to be awarded.<\/p>\n![\"cgcross\"](\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/cgcross-191x300.png\")
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"