I'd like a definitive answer, if possible, backed by some prime references (original decree maybe?) re: the Crusade against Communism medal of 1941, as to which sides are the obverse & reverse.
So far I've come across the following views:
Safta et al (Decoratii Romanesti de Razboi 1860-1947) gives the obverse as the cross & sword (description and picture).
Catone et al (Romania decoratii 1859-1991) gives the obverse as the head (description only).
Calianu (Decoratiile romanesti de la Cuza-Voda la Regele Mihai I) - obverse = cross & sword (description & pic).
Purves (The medals, decorations & orders of WWII, 1939-45) - obverse = head (description only).
Armata Romana in al doilea razboi mondial gives obverse as the head (pic only).
Klietmann isn't really any help (lots of background but no description), with just a pic of a ribbonless medal, although by inference the head is the obverse as that pic is on the left of the pic with the sword & cross.
Also, I'm sure I've seen an image on the forum showing a German officer wearing the medal with the sword & cross as obverse.
You see my confusion from the above.
ALSO With regards: this scan of an Order of the cross of Queen Marie, cl.3, and a scan of a detail on the reverse.
http://imageshack.us
Detail is a letter R.
http://imageshack.us
What does this indicate, please?
My thoughts are that it probably denotes "R" for RESCH.
In the West it would indicate a "replacement", or "replica" (thats if the equivalent Romanian words actually start with an "R" of course).
Kevin in Deva.
