- Time Period: Pre-WW1, Interwar Period
- Year of Institution: 1933
- Country: Bulgaria
The Medal for Participation in the Balkan Wars 1912-1913 (or За Участие В Балканските Войни 1912-913 г) was instituted on 9 December 1933 and awarded to Bulgarian participants of the 1912-1913 Balkan wars.
The medal was created by decree and awarded to both military and civilians until 31 December 1939. The First Balkan War ended with the Treaty of London on 30 May 1913. However, the victors fell out over the division of the spoils, with Serbia and Greece forming an alliance against Bulgaria and the Second Balkan War broke out at the end of June. An armistice was agreed on 31 July with Bulgaria losing most of her gains from the First War, Serbia becoming the dominant Balkan power and a lingering sense of Bulgarian grievance that would lead to her participation in both World Wars on the side of the Central Powers.
About 300,000 medals were awarded.
The Medal for Participation in the Balcan Wars 1912-1913 Design
The medal is circular, 2.8mm thick, made of silver, and has a loop for ribbon suspension.
The obverse bears the crowned state coat of arms imposed on crossed swords and encircled by a wreath of oak and laurel. The reverse shows the dates ‘1912-1913’ encircled by a wreath of wheat, oak, roses and laurel.
There are 3 variations in this medal, each indicated by a different ribbon. Additional white or black stripes were included for civilians and participants killed in action.
