World War I Victory Medal

World War I Victory Medal. The World War I Victory Medal is a military service decoration of the United States Armed Forces created by an act of the United States Congress in 1919. It was awarded to members of the United States Army, United States Navy, and United States Marine Corps for service during the American participation in World War I. The medal recognized service between 6 April 1917 and 11 November 1918, with later extensions for those serving in Siberia and the European Russia intervention.

Description and design

The medal's design was the result of a collaboration between noted artists of the era, with the initial concept by James Earle Fraser. The obverse features a winged figure of Victory, standing with a shield and sword, a motif symbolizing the Allied triumph. The reverse bears a shield representing the United States, superimposed over fasces and flanked by symbols of democracy and freedom, with the inscriptions "THE GREAT WAR FOR CIVILIZATION" and the names of the fourteen allied and associated nations, including France, Italy, Belgium, and Brazil. The ribbon is a double rainbow pattern, with the colors reversing at the center, a design shared by several allied nations' victory medals following a proposal by the British Empire.

Establishment and criteria

The medal was formally established by General Order No. 48, issued by the War Department in 1919. The criteria specified eligibility for any member of the American Expeditionary Forces or the United States Navy who served on active duty between 6 April 1917 and 11 November 1918, a period encompassing the official American involvement following the declaration of war on Germany. Exceptions were made for those who served in the subsequent Allied intervention in the Russian Civil War, with eligibility extended to 1 April 1920 for service in North Russia and 1 April 1920 for the American Expeditionary Force, Siberia.

Service clasps and campaign stars

To denote specific campaigns and service, a system of battle clasps and service clasps was authorized for wear on the medal's ribbon. These included clasps for major engagements such as the Cambrai, the Somme Offensive, and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. Naval personnel could receive clasps for duties like Armed Guard service or service on destroyers engaged in anti-submarine patrols in the Atlantic Ocean. For those entitled to multiple clasps, a silver 3/16 inch star was worn on the ribbon to represent each additional award beyond the first.

Recipients and distribution

Approximately 2.5 million medals were issued to service members across all branches, including the United States Army, United States Navy, and United States Marine Corps. Notable recipients include future generals like George S. Patton, who served with the American Expeditionary Forces at the Battle of Saint-Mihiel, and Admiral William Halsey Jr., then a junior officer in the United States Navy. The medal was also awarded posthumously to the next of kin of those killed in action, such as members of the Lost Battalion during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive.

Post-war developments and legacy

Following the war, the medal became a standard part of military dress for eligible veterans, often displayed alongside other awards like the Purple Heart or the Distinguished Service Cross. Its design influenced later service medals, and the double rainbow ribbon was later adapted for the World War II Victory Medal. The World War I Victory Medal remains a historically significant artifact, frequently found in collections related to the American Expeditionary Forces and is a common feature in exhibits at institutions like the National World War I Museum and Memorial.

Category:Military awards and decorations of the United States Category:World War I awards and decorations of the United States