Greek-American Pioneers & Philhellenes of the Balkan Wars, 1912-13
Curated by Peter S. Giakoumis Military Historian

APRIL 2016 - SEPTEMBER 2016

Original Photo and image from the private collection of Peter S. Giakoumis.

Pioneer Greeks of the 1900s

The majority of the early Greek immigrants were single young men who came from the southern peninsula of Greece known as the Peloponnese. Others came from lands still under Ottoman rule including the Aegean Islands.

In an attempt to survive the economic chaos in Greece of the early 1900s, many Greek families sent their sons, husbands and fathers to the United States. Some as young as fourteen, were expected to work hard in America and then return to Greece, purchase Greek land for their families, and provide dowries for their sisters. In Greece the vast majority of these immigrants had been rural farmers, but in America they tended to settle in cities, and seek out work in big cities. Still others found work laying rail road tracks in the west, or even coal mining.

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Greek-American Pioneers & Philhellenes of the Balkan Wars, 1912-13
Curated by Peter S. Giakoumis Military Historian

APRIL 2016 - SEPTEMBER 2016

Original Photo and image from the private collection of Peter S. Giakoumis.

Pioneer Greeks of the 1900s

The majority of the early Greek immigrants were single young men who came from the southern peninsula of Greece known as the Peloponnese. Others came from lands still under Ottoman rule including the Aegean Islands.

In an attempt to survive the economic chaos in Greece of the early 1900s, many Greek families sent their sons, husbands and fathers to the United States. Some as young as fourteen, were expected to work hard in America and then return to Greece, purchase Greek land for their families, and provide dowries for their sisters. In Greece the vast majority of these immigrants had been rural farmers, but in America they tended to settle in cities, and seek out work in big cities. Still others found work laying rail road tracks in the west, or even coal mining.

Greek-American Pioneers & Philhellenes of the Balkan Wars, 1912-13
Curated by Peter S. Giakoumis Military Historian
Pioneer Greeks of the 1900s...

The majority of the early Greek immigrants were single young men who came from the southern peninsula of Greece known as the Peloponnese. Others came from lands still under Ottoman rule including the Aegean Islands.
In an attempt to survive the economic chaos in Greece of the early 1900s, many Greek families sent their sons, husbands and fathers to the United States. Some as young as fourteen, were expected to work hard in America and then return to Greece, purchase Greek land for their families, and provide dowries for their sisters. In Greece the vast majority of these immigrants had been rural farmers, but in America they tended to settle in cities, and seek out work in big cities. Still others found work laying rail road tracks in the west, or even coal mining.
Original Photo and image from the private collection of Peter S. Giakoumis.

Greek-American Pioneers & Philhellenes of the Balkan Wars, 1912-13
Curated by Peter S. Giakoumis Military Historian

APRIL 2016 - SEPTEMBER 2016

American Philanthropist Miss Jane Adams

Pioneer settlement worker, founder of Hull House in Chicago, public philosopher, sociologist, author, and leader in woman suffrage and world peace. A philhellene, she encouraged the Greek immigrants of Chicago to become productive members of society. She sponsored countless presentations, benefits, meetings, social, and sporting events for the local Greeks.

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Greek-American Pioneers & Philhellenes of the Balkan Wars, 1912-13
Curated by Peter S. Giakoumis Military Historian

APRIL 2016 - SEPTEMBER 2016

American Philanthropist Miss Jane Adams

Pioneer settlement worker, founder of Hull House in Chicago, public philosopher, sociologist, author, and leader in woman suffrage and world peace. A philhellene, she encouraged the Greek immigrants of Chicago to become productive members of society. She sponsored countless presentations, benefits, meetings, social, and sporting events for the local Greeks.

Greek-American Pioneers & Philhellenes of the Balkan Wars, 1912-13
Curated by Peter S. Giakoumis Military Historian
American Philanthropist Miss Jane Adams...

Pioneer settlement worker, founder of Hull House in Chicago, public philosopher, sociologist, author, and leader in woman suffrage and world peace. A philhellene, she encouraged the Greek immigrants of Chicago to become productive members of society. She sponsored countless presentations, benefits, meetings, social, and sporting events for the local Greeks.

Greek-American Pioneers & Philhellenes of the Balkan Wars, 1912-13
Curated by Peter S. Giakoumis Military Historian

APRIL 2016 - SEPTEMBER 2016

Original Photo and piece from the private collection of Peter S. Giakoumis.

The Pan Hellenic Union in America

Pan Hellenic Union in the United States was a well-organized association established to maintain ties to the Greek homeland. Organizer of rallies, fund raisers, and expeditor of veterans and volunteers to the Greek homeland as the need arose.

Incorporated in 1909 in Boston Massachusetts, it boasted 100 chapters nationwide at its peak, and lasted to about 1917. In 1912 it moved its headquarters to New York City since most Greek Americans would end up leaving for the Balkan Wars from New York ports.
Greek Americans raised enough money to help purchase a Navy Destroyer named New Generation, and planes for the Army. In 1912 Greek Americans raised over four hundred thousand dollars, converted to 2007 dollars, that equals about 8.8 million dollars.

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Greek-American Pioneers & Philhellenes of the Balkan Wars, 1912-13
Curated by Peter S. Giakoumis Military Historian

APRIL 2016 - SEPTEMBER 2016

Original Photo and piece from the private collection of Peter S. Giakoumis.

The Pan Hellenic Union in America

Pan Hellenic Union in the United States was a well-organized association established to maintain ties to the Greek homeland. Organizer of rallies, fund raisers, and expeditor of veterans and volunteers to the Greek homeland as the need arose.

Incorporated in 1909 in Boston Massachusetts, it boasted 100 chapters nationwide at its peak, and lasted to about 1917. In 1912 it moved its headquarters to New York City since most Greek Americans would end up leaving for the Balkan Wars from New York ports.
Greek Americans raised enough money to help purchase a Navy Destroyer named New Generation, and planes for the Army. In 1912 Greek Americans raised over four hundred thousand dollars, converted to 2007 dollars, that equals about 8.8 million dollars.

Greek-American Pioneers & Philhellenes of the Balkan Wars, 1912-13
Curated by Peter S. Giakoumis Military Historian
The Pan Hellenic Union in America...

Pan Hellenic Union in the United States was a well-organized association established to maintain ties to the Greek homeland. Organizer of rallies, fund raisers, and expeditor of veterans and volunteers to the Greek homeland as the need arose.
Incorporated in 1909 in Boston Massachusetts, it boasted 100 chapters nationwide at its peak, and lasted to about 1917. In 1912 it moved its headquarters to New York City since most Greek Americans would end up leaving for the Balkan Wars from New York ports.
Greek Americans raised enough money to help purchase a Navy Destroyer named New Generation, and planes for the Army. In 1912 Greek Americans raised over four hundred thousand dollars, converted to 2007 dollars, that equals about 8.8 million dollars.
Original Photo and piece from the private collection of Peter S. Giakoumis.

Greek-American Pioneers & Philhellenes of the Balkan Wars, 1912-13
Curated by Peter S. Giakoumis Military Historian

APRIL 2016 - SEPTEMBER 2016

Original Photo and image from the private collection of Peter S. Giakoumis.

Volunteer Greek Americans of New York

Many Greek American communities anticipated armed conflict in the future. Some formed associations dedicated to maintaining military proficiency and discipline. The New York group was so large, appx, 1200 that it served on the front lines as presented.

The Atlantis, a Greek dally newspaper published in New York, for some time urged Greeks in the United States to join the National Guard in the various states. Many Greeks did, four of them from New York joined the Seventy-First Regiment, National Guard NY. George Panopoulos, president of the Greek American Athletic Club, was one of the most active.
With the guidance of these National Guardsmen, the Greeks in various cities organized Greek volunteer corps, their organization was modelled after the National Guard. Many of those organizations were uniformed and armed with their own funds and kept up regular drill for some time prior to the wars.

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Greek-American Pioneers & Philhellenes of the Balkan Wars, 1912-13
Curated by Peter S. Giakoumis Military Historian

APRIL 2016 - SEPTEMBER 2016

Original Photo and image from the private collection of Peter S. Giakoumis.

Volunteer Greek Americans of New York

Many Greek American communities anticipated armed conflict in the future. Some formed associations dedicated to maintaining military proficiency and discipline. The New York group was so large, appx, 1200 that it served on the front lines as presented.

The Atlantis, a Greek dally newspaper published in New York, for some time urged Greeks in the United States to join the National Guard in the various states. Many Greeks did, four of them from New York joined the Seventy-First Regiment, National Guard NY. George Panopoulos, president of the Greek American Athletic Club, was one of the most active.
With the guidance of these National Guardsmen, the Greeks in various cities organized Greek volunteer corps, their organization was modelled after the National Guard. Many of those organizations were uniformed and armed with their own funds and kept up regular drill for some time prior to the wars.

Greek-American Pioneers & Philhellenes of the Balkan Wars, 1912-13
Curated by Peter S. Giakoumis Military Historian
Volunteer Greek Americans of New York...

Many Greek American communities anticipated armed conflict in the future. Some formed associations dedicated to maintaining military proficiency and discipline. The New York group was so large, appx, 1200 that it served on the front lines as presented.
The Atlantis, a Greek dally newspaper published in New York, for some time urged Greeks in the United States to join the National Guard in the various states. Many Greeks did, four of them from New York joined the Seventy-First Regiment, National Guard NY. George Panopoulos, president of the Greek American Athletic Club, was one of the most active.
With the guidance of these National Guardsmen, the Greeks in various cities organized Greek volunteer corps, their organization was modelled after the National Guard. Many of those organizations were uniformed and armed with their own funds and kept up regular drill for some time prior to the wars.
Original Photo and image from the private collection of Peter S. Giakoumis.

Greek-American Pioneers & Philhellenes of the Balkan Wars, 1912-13
Curated by Peter S. Giakoumis Military Historian

APRIL 2016 - SEPTEMBER 2016

Original Photo and piece from the private collection of Peter S. Giakoumis.

Sons of Greece are “Off for the War”

The call to duty is published on Wednesday October 2 1912. The wave of Patriotism is overwhelming, approximately 45,000 men leave everything and board ships bound for Greece and the front lines, prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice for their ‘Patrida’.

The Sun., October 05, 1912 NY, NY. Page 4 Steamer Macedonia Turned Over Completely to Would-be Soldiers. About 1,500 able bodied Greeks will sail today for the fatherland on the Greek Line steamship Macedonia to take up arms against the Turks if the present strained situation results In war. The call to the colors Issued by the Greek Government affects those Greeks who have served their time In the army and who, following that service, are in the reserve.
It is estimated that the present number of Greek men of military age in the United States is about 35,000.

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Greek-American Pioneers & Philhellenes of the Balkan Wars, 1912-13
Curated by Peter S. Giakoumis Military Historian

APRIL 2016 - SEPTEMBER 2016

Original Photo and piece from the private collection of Peter S. Giakoumis.

Sons of Greece are “Off for the War”

The call to duty is published on Wednesday October 2 1912. The wave of Patriotism is overwhelming, approximately 45,000 men leave everything and board ships bound for Greece and the front lines, prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice for their ‘Patrida’.

The Sun., October 05, 1912 NY, NY. Page 4 Steamer Macedonia Turned Over Completely to Would-be Soldiers. About 1,500 able bodied Greeks will sail today for the fatherland on the Greek Line steamship Macedonia to take up arms against the Turks if the present strained situation results In war. The call to the colors Issued by the Greek Government affects those Greeks who have served their time In the army and who, following that service, are in the reserve.
It is estimated that the present number of Greek men of military age in the United States is about 35,000.

Greek-American Pioneers & Philhellenes of the Balkan Wars, 1912-13
Curated by Peter S. Giakoumis Military Historian
Sons of Greece are “Off for the War”...

The call to duty is published on Wednesday October 2 1912. The wave of Patriotism is overwhelming, approximately 45,000 men leave everything and board ships bound for Greece and the front lines, prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice for their ‘Patrida’.
The Sun., October 05, 1912 NY, NY. Page 4 Steamer Macedonia Turned Over Completely to Would-be Soldiers. About 1,500 able bodied Greeks will sail today for the fatherland on the Greek Line steamship Macedonia to take up arms against the Turks if the present strained situation results In war. The call to the colors Issued by the Greek Government affects those Greeks who have served their time In the army and who, following that service, are in the reserve.
It is estimated that the present number of Greek men of military age in the United States is about 35,000.
Original Photo and piece from the private collection of Peter S. Giakoumis.

Greek-American Pioneers & Philhellenes of the Balkan Wars, 1912-13
Curated by Peter S. Giakoumis Military Historian

APRIL 2016 - SEPTEMBER 2016

Original Photo and image from the private collection of Peter S. Giakoumis.

Greek Americans Arrive in Athens

The Greek Americans begin to pour back to Greece, via Pereaus and then Athens. There is a feeling of unrest as the nation is in a state of war. The sea ports have warships sailing about, and the streets are teeming with soldiers.

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Greek-American Pioneers & Philhellenes of the Balkan Wars, 1912-13
Curated by Peter S. Giakoumis Military Historian

APRIL 2016 - SEPTEMBER 2016

Original Photo and piece from the private collection of Peter S. Giakoumis.

Greek Americans Arrive in Athens

The Greek Americans begin to pour back to Greece, via Pereaus and then Athens. There is a feeling of unrest as the nation is in a state of war. The sea ports have warships sailing about, and the streets are teeming with soldiers.

Greek-American Pioneers & Philhellenes of the Balkan Wars, 1912-13
Curated by Peter S. Giakoumis Military Historian
Greek Americans Arrive in Athens...

The Greek Americans begin to pour back to Greece, via Pereaus and then Athens. There is a feeling of unrest as the nation is in a state of war. The sea ports have warships sailing about, and the streets are teeming with soldiers.
Original Photo and image from the private collection of Peter S. Giakoumis.

Greek-American Pioneers & Philhellenes of the Balkan Wars, 1912-13
Curated by Peter S. Giakoumis Military Historian

APRIL 2016 - SEPTEMBER 2016

The Italian General Ricciotto Garibaldi Returns to Aid Greece

Son of the famous Italian General Giuseppe Garibaldi, commander of volunteer Philhellenes and Greek volunteers, some from the United States, numbering approximately 2300. The corps was also known as the ‘Red Shirts’, the Greek volunteer element of the corps numbered about 1100.

A combat veteran of various wars, and Philhellene, his family were supporters of Greece, he had commanded the volunteer Red shirts in the previous Greco-Turkish war of 1897. In 1912 he again volunteered his military skills and leadership experiences at the head of men willing to follow him.
He was given command of a newly formed regiment of volunteer ‘Red Shirts’ and they saw action at the Battle of Driskos.

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Greek-American Pioneers & Philhellenes of the Balkan Wars, 1912-13
Curated by Peter S. Giakoumis Military Historian

APRIL 2016 - SEPTEMBER 2016

The Italian General Ricciotto Garibaldi Returns to Aid Greece

Son of the famous Italian General Giuseppe Garibaldi, commander of volunteer Philhellenes and Greek volunteers, some from the United States, numbering approximately 2300. The corps was also known as the ‘Red Shirts’, the Greek volunteer element of the corps numbered about 1100.

A combat veteran of various wars, and Philhellene, his family were supporters of Greece, he had commanded the volunteer Red shirts in the previous Greco-Turkish war of 1897. In 1912 he again volunteered his military skills and leadership experiences at the head of men willing to follow him.
He was given command of a newly formed regiment of volunteer ‘Red Shirts’ and they saw action at the Battle of Driskos.

Greek-American Pioneers & Philhellenes of the Balkan Wars, 1912-13
Curated by Peter S. Giakoumis Military Historian
The Italian General Ricciotto Garibaldi Returns to Aid Greece...

Son of the famous Italian General Giuseppe Garibaldi, commander of volunteer Philhellenes and Greek volunteers, some from the United States, numbering approximately 2300. The corps was also known as the ‘Red Shirts’, the Greek volunteer element of the corps numbered about 1100.
A combat veteran of various wars, and Philhellene, his family were supporters of Greece, he had commanded the volunteer Red shirts in the previous Greco-Turkish war of 1897. In 1912 he again volunteered his military skills and leadership experiences at the head of men willing to follow him.
He was given command of a newly formed regiment of volunteer ‘Red Shirts’ and they saw action at the Battle of Driskos.

Greek-American Pioneers & Philhellenes of the Balkan Wars, 1912-13
Curated by Peter S. Giakoumis Military Historian

APRIL 2016 - SEPTEMBER 2016

Original Photo and piece from the private collection of General Hutchison, from the archive of the Hutchison Family, permission to use granted by family archivist Brandon Hutchison.

An American General in the Greek Army

American Philhellene; General Thomas Setzer Hutchison. Veteran officer of the US Army, inspired by Greek American fervor he joins Greece against the Ottomans. Commissioned a Major in the Garibaldi Regiment, he was wounded at the battle of Fort Bezani by Ottoman artillery bombardments.

Saloniki-Greek Press -- January 17, 1914 General Thomas S. Hutchison Lectures on Greece The Greeks of Chicago, as well as many American friends, had the good fortune to attend one of the best lectures ever delivered on modern Greece and the problems she is facing, especially after the victorious Balkan wars. The lecture was given by a long and true friend of Greece, General Thomas S. Hutchison, who took an active part in the Balkan wars, fighting under our flag. The auditorium of Hull House was filled to capacity. The most prominent Greek leaders of Chicago: clergy, educators, businessman, and members of the professions, attended this excellent and timely lecture. The distinguished general and great philhellene was warmly and enthusiastically applauded by the huge audience. The war pictures which were projected on the screen were remarkable. ” ("General Thomas S. Hutchison Lectures on Greece"). ("Foreign Language Press Survey").

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Greek-American Pioneers & Philhellenes of the Balkan Wars, 1912-13
Curated by Peter S. Giakoumis Military Historian

APRIL 2016 - SEPTEMBER 2016

Original Photo and piece from the private collection of General Hutchison, from the archive of the Hutchison Family, permission to use granted by family archivist Brandon Hutchison.

An American General in the Greek Army

American Philhellene; General Thomas Setzer Hutchison. Veteran officer of the US Army, inspired by Greek American fervor he joins Greece against the Ottomans. Commissioned a Major in the Garibaldi Regiment, he was wounded at the battle of Fort Bezani by Ottoman artillery bombardments.

Saloniki-Greek Press -- January 17, 1914 General Thomas S. Hutchison Lectures on Greece The Greeks of Chicago, as well as many American friends, had the good fortune to attend one of the best lectures ever delivered on modern Greece and the problems she is facing, especially after the victorious Balkan wars. The lecture was given by a long and true friend of Greece, General Thomas S. Hutchison, who took an active part in the Balkan wars, fighting under our flag. The auditorium of Hull House was filled to capacity. The most prominent Greek leaders of Chicago: clergy, educators, businessman, and members of the professions, attended this excellent and timely lecture. The distinguished general and great philhellene was warmly and enthusiastically applauded by the huge audience. The war pictures which were projected on the screen were remarkable. ” ("General Thomas S. Hutchison Lectures on Greece"). ("Foreign Language Press Survey").

Greek-American Pioneers & Philhellenes of the Balkan Wars, 1912-13
Curated by Peter S. Giakoumis Military Historian
An American General in the Greek Army...

American Philhellene; General Thomas Setzer Hutchison. Veteran officer of the US Army, inspired by Greek American fervor he joins Greece against the Ottomans. Commissioned a Major in the Garibaldi Regiment, he was wounded at the battle of Fort Bezani by Ottoman artillery bombardments.
Saloniki-Greek Press -- January 17, 1914 General Thomas S. Hutchison Lectures on Greece The Greeks of Chicago, as well as many American friends, had the good fortune to attend one of the best lectures ever delivered on modern Greece and the problems she is facing, especially after the victorious Balkan wars. The lecture was given by a long and true friend of Greece, General Thomas S. Hutchison, who took an active part in the Balkan wars, fighting under our flag. The auditorium of Hull House was filled to capacity. The most prominent Greek leaders of Chicago: clergy, educators, businessman, and members of the professions, attended this excellent and timely lecture. The distinguished general and great philhellene was warmly and enthusiastically applauded by the huge audience. The war pictures which were projected on the screen were remarkable. ” ("General Thomas S. Hutchison Lectures on Greece"). ("Foreign Language Press Survey").
Original Photo and piece from the private collection of General Hutchison, from the archive of the Hutchison Family, permission to use granted by family archivist Brandon Hutchison.

Greek-American Pioneers & Philhellenes of the Balkan Wars, 1912-13
Curated by Peter S. Giakoumis Military Historian

APRIL 2016 - SEPTEMBER 2016

Photo License granted to Peter S. Giakoumis.

The First Balkan War; 1912-1913

The first Balkan war erupted in earnest on October 17 1912 when the Ottoman Empire declares war on the Balkan League; Serbia, Bulgaria, Greece, and Montenegro. Greek forces are committed to various regions of the Balkans and the Mediterranean.

Greece sees fit to employ the latest, flying machines from France to improve their odds in the war, with great success. The Navy had multiple goals; block the Ottomans from transporting reinforcements to the Balkans, and move troops to liberate traditionally Hellenic islands in the Aegean, which it did very efficiently.
The war ends with the Treaty of London on May 17, 1913. The outcome was a tremendous success for the Balkan League.
By the end Greece had liberated most of the Aegean Islands, and on the mainland; Northern Epirus, much of Macedonia, and Thessaloniki.

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Greek-American Pioneers & Philhellenes of the Balkan Wars, 1912-13
Curated by Peter S. Giakoumis Military Historian

APRIL 2016 - SEPTEMBER 2016

Photo License granted to Peter S. Giakoumis.

The First Balkan War; 1912-1913

The first Balkan war erupted in earnest on October 17 1912 when the Ottoman Empire declares war on the Balkan League; Serbia, Bulgaria, Greece, and Montenegro. Greek forces are committed to various regions of the Balkans and the Mediterranean.

Greece sees fit to employ the latest, flying machines from France to improve their odds in the war, with great success. The Navy had multiple goals; block the Ottomans from transporting reinforcements to the Balkans, and move troops to liberate traditionally Hellenic islands in the Aegean, which it did very efficiently.
The war ends with the Treaty of London on May 17, 1913. The outcome was a tremendous success for the Balkan League.
By the end Greece had liberated most of the Aegean Islands, and on the mainland; Northern Epirus, much of Macedonia, and Thessaloniki.

Greek-American Pioneers & Philhellenes of the Balkan Wars, 1912-13
Curated by Peter S. Giakoumis Military Historian
The First Balkan War; 1912-1913...

The first Balkan war erupted in earnest on October 17 1912 when the Ottoman Empire declares war on the Balkan League; Serbia, Bulgaria, Greece, and Montenegro. Greek forces are committed to various regions of the Balkans and the Mediterranean.
Greece sees fit to employ the latest, flying machines from France to improve their odds in the war, with great success. The Navy had multiple goals; block the Ottomans from transporting reinforcements to the Balkans, and move troops to liberate traditionally Hellenic islands in the Aegean, which it did very efficiently.
The war ends with the Treaty of London on May 17, 1913. The outcome was a tremendous success for the Balkan League.
By the end Greece had liberated most of the Aegean Islands, and on the mainland; Northern Epirus, much of Macedonia, and Thessaloniki.
Photo License granted to Peter S. Giakoumis.

Greek-American Pioneers & Philhellenes of the Balkan Wars, 1912-13
Curated by Peter S. Giakoumis Military Historian

APRIL 2016 - SEPTEMBER 2016

Original Photo and image from the private collection of Peter S. Giakoumis.

The Second Balkan War 1913

The Second Balkan war began on June 29, 1913. The Kingdom of Bulgaria, against Greece, Serbia, the Ottoman Empire, and later Romania. Hostilities ended on the 10th of August 1913, and this time Bulgaria was on the losing side.

On 10 August 1913, the Treaty of Bucharest officially ended the war. For Greece it confirmed the gains of Macedonia, Epirus (without Northern Epirus) and Crete.
With the hostilities over, Greek troops were being discharged from military service. Tens of thousands looked to America again. This time many of them brought wives. That simply meant they intended to stay in their adopted country, establish Greek communities, and pick up where they left off before the war.

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Greek-American Pioneers & Philhellenes of the Balkan Wars, 1912-13
Curated by Peter S. Giakoumis Military Historian

APRIL 2016 - SEPTEMBER 2016

Original Photo and image from the private collection of Peter S. Giakoumis.

The Second Balkan War 1913

The Second Balkan war began on June 29, 1913. The Kingdom of Bulgaria, against Greece, Serbia, the Ottoman Empire, and later Romania. Hostilities ended on the 10th of August 1913, and this time Bulgaria was on the losing side.

On 10 August 1913, the Treaty of Bucharest officially ended the war. For Greece it confirmed the gains of Macedonia, Epirus (without Northern Epirus) and Crete.
With the hostilities over, Greek troops were being discharged from military service. Tens of thousands looked to America again. This time many of them brought wives. That simply meant they intended to stay in their adopted country, establish Greek communities, and pick up where they left off before the war.

Greek-American Pioneers & Philhellenes of the Balkan Wars, 1912-13
Curated by Peter S. Giakoumis Military Historian
The Second Balkan War 1913...

The Second Balkan war began on June 29, 1913. The Kingdom of Bulgaria, against Greece, Serbia, the Ottoman Empire, and later Romania. Hostilities ended on the 10th of August 1913, and this time Bulgaria was on the losing side.
On 10 August 1913, the Treaty of Bucharest officially ended the war. For Greece it confirmed the gains of Macedonia, Epirus (without Northern Epirus) and Crete.
With the hostilities over, Greek troops were being discharged from military service. Tens of thousands looked to America again. This time many of them brought wives. That simply meant they intended to stay in their adopted country, establish Greek communities, and pick up where they left off before the war.
Original Photo and image from the private collection of Peter S. Giakoumis.

Greek-American Pioneers & Philhellenes of the Balkan Wars, 1912-13
Curated by Peter S. Giakoumis Military Historian

APRIL 2016 - SEPTEMBER 2016

Original Photo and piece from the private collection of Peter S. Giakoumis.

Recognizing the Heroes

To commemorate the valiant sacrifice of those that participated in the two Balkans Wars, the King of Greece had the famous Greek sculptor Georgios Iakovidis create the design for the two medals that became the official decoration awarded to the veterans of the wars.

The medals were instituted by Royal decree on 17 February 1914 and issued or awarded individually in a blue box, accompanied by a certificate, and a picture of the king.
The left medal is the commemorative medal for the Greco-Turkish War of 1912-13, on the right is the commemorative medal for the Greco-Bulgarian War 1913.
Medals have rectangular ‘clasps’ on the ribbon identifying the battles that a combatant participated in. Those wounded or killed in action received the same medals with either a clasp depicting crossed swords, or a clasp depicting a plain cross within, for those killed in action.

e

Greek-American Pioneers & Philhellenes of the Balkan Wars, 1912-13
Curated by Peter S. Giakoumis Military Historian

APRIL 2016 - SEPTEMBER 2016

Original Photo and piece from the private collection of Peter S. Giakoumis.

Recognizing the Heroes

To commemorate the valiant sacrifice of those that participated in the two Balkans Wars, the King of Greece had the famous Greek sculptor Georgios Iakovidis create the design for the two medals that became the official decoration awarded to the veterans of the wars.

The medals were instituted by Royal decree on 17 February 1914 and issued or awarded individually in a blue box, accompanied by a certificate, and a picture of the king.
The left medal is the commemorative medal for the Greco-Turkish War of 1912-13, on the right is the commemorative medal for the Greco-Bulgarian War 1913.
Medals have rectangular ‘clasps’ on the ribbon identifying the battles that a combatant participated in. Those wounded or killed in action received the same medals with either a clasp depicting crossed swords, or a clasp depicting a plain cross within, for those killed in action.

Greek-American Pioneers & Philhellenes of the Balkan Wars, 1912-13
Curated by Peter S. Giakoumis Military Historian
Recognizing the Heroes...

To commemorate the valiant sacrifice of those that participated in the two Balkans Wars, the King of Greece had the famous Greek sculptor Georgios Iakovidis create the design for the two medals that became the official decoration awarded to the veterans of the wars.
The medals were instituted by Royal decree on 17 February 1914 and issued or awarded individually in a blue box, accompanied by a certificate, and a picture of the king.
The left medal is the commemorative medal for the Greco-Turkish War of 1912-13, on the right is the commemorative medal for the Greco-Bulgarian War 1913.
Medals have rectangular ‘clasps’ on the ribbon identifying the battles that a combatant participated in. Those wounded or killed in action received the same medals with either a clasp depicting crossed swords, or a clasp depicting a plain cross within, for those killed in action.
Original Photo and piece from the private collection of Peter S. Giakoumis.

Greek-American Pioneers & Philhellenes of the Balkan Wars, 1912-13
Curated by Peter S. Giakoumis Military Historian

APRIL 2016 - SEPTEMBER 2016

Original Photo and piece from the private collection of Peter S. Giakoumis.

Veterans and Their Legacy

For a few veterans that left Greece right after the war, on OCTOBER 10, 1914 in Chicago, at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 143 veterans were presented with their medals by Greek government officials on behalf of the King.

Many of the Greek Veterans went on to establish permanent communities with Greek Orthodox Churches, and Greek schools in America. Many of those veterans became American citizens, and later, enlisted in the United States Army and fought in World War 1 under the flag of their adopted homes. Many Balkan War veterans distinguished themselves in battle, earning some of America’s highest honors for bravery.
Veterans took great pride in their service and could be seen wearing their medals at Greek Independence day parades in America for many years afterwards.

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Greek-American Pioneers & Philhellenes of the Balkan Wars, 1912-13
Curated by Peter S. Giakoumis Military Historian

APRIL 2016 - SEPTEMBER 2016

Original Photo and piece from the private collection of Peter S. Giakoumis.

Veterans and Their Legacy

For a few veterans that left Greece right after the war, on OCTOBER 10, 1914 in Chicago, at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 143 veterans were presented with their medals by Greek government officials on behalf of the King.

Many of the Greek Veterans went on to establish permanent communities with Greek Orthodox Churches, and Greek schools in America. Many of those veterans became American citizens, and later, enlisted in the United States Army and fought in World War 1 under the flag of their adopted homes. Many Balkan War veterans distinguished themselves in battle, earning some of America’s highest honors for bravery.
Veterans took great pride in their service and could be seen wearing their medals at Greek Independence day parades in America for many years afterwards.

Greek-American Pioneers & Philhellenes of the Balkan Wars, 1912-13
Curated by Peter S. Giakoumis Military Historian
Veterans and Their Legacy...

For a few veterans that left Greece right after the war, on OCTOBER 10, 1914 in Chicago, at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 143 veterans were presented with their medals by Greek government officials on behalf of the King.
Many of the Greek Veterans went on to establish permanent communities with Greek Orthodox Churches, and Greek schools in America. Many of those veterans became American citizens, and later, enlisted in the United States Army and fought in World War 1 under the flag of their adopted homes. Many Balkan War veterans distinguished themselves in battle, earning some of America’s highest honors for bravery.
Veterans took great pride in their service and could be seen wearing their medals at Greek Independence day parades in America for many years afterwards.
Original Photo and piece from the private collection of Peter S. Giakoumis.