Military Medals from
the Second World War
The complete base of World War II (WW2) medals, awards and decorations
World War II, spanning from 1939 to 1945, was a global conflict that involved most of the world’s nations, divided into two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis. Triggered by the invasion of Poland by Nazi Germany in September 1939, the war saw unprecedented levels of violence, destruction, and loss of life.
During and after the Second World War, numerous campaign medals and awards were instituted in recognition of service. The list below shows those from the main participants (WW2 German medals, WW2 British medals, medals from the USA, Russia, France, Poland, and more), created during the WW2 period and subsequent years. If you’d like to see medals from other countries, please use the main menu above (Medals > Medals by Country) or See All Countries here.
Popular WW2 Medals & Decorations
There are a few medals that are undoubtedly closely related to the developments of the second world war. These are linked to specific events or synthesize the confrontations between the allies and the axis countries. For instance:
The Dunkirk Medal
The Dunkirk Medal is an unofficial commemorative medal established om 1 May 1960 and created by the town of Dunkirk for the area’s defense.
The Legion of Merit
The Legion of Merit is a military award of the United States Armed Forces for exceptionally meritorious conduct and outstanding services.
The German Cross (Nazi-Germany)
The German Cross (Deutsches Kreuz) was instituted by Adolf Hitler on 28 September 1941 and awarded in gold and silver.
The Pacific Star
The Pacific Star is a British military campaign medal instituted by the United Kingdom in 1945 for those who served in the Pacific Campaign.
The 1939-1945 Star
The 1939–1945 Star is a military campaign medal instituted by the United Kingdom on 8 July 1943 for operational service overseas.
Popular WW2 Great Britain / Commonwealth Medals
The British Government issued eleven campaign medals (nine campaign stars, the Defence Medal and the War Medal), and each of their ribbons is believed to have been designed by King George VI personally. A total of 182 Victoria Crosses were awarded during WW2, only one of which was awarded for actions during D-Day – to Company Sgt. Maj. Stanley Elton Hollis for clearing two German bunkers largely singlehanded. The Distinguished Service Order, established in 1886, was awarded 4,900 times.
The South African Medal for War Services
The South African Medal for War Services is a service medal for voluntary unpaid service in support of the war effort during WW2.
The New Zealand Memorial Cross
The New Zealand Memorial Cross is awarded to the next of kin of New Zealand service personnel killed on active service or who died of wounds.
The British Red Cross Medal for Proficiency
Members of the Red Cross had to have three successive certificates in appropriate subjects (nursing, first aid, hygiene and sanitation).
The Indian Order of Merit
The Indian Order of Merit (IOM) is a military and civilian decoration of British India established in 1837on 1 May 1837.
The George Medal
The George Medal (or GM) is a decoration of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth instituted in 1940 by King George VI for gallantry.
The Victoria Cross
The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest United Kingdom honors system award. It is given for gallantry in the presence of the enemy.
Popular World War II Germany (Nazi/Third Reich) Medals
Germany’s top military decoration was the Knight’s Cross (Ritterkreuz), which was awarded nearly seven thousand times from 1939 to 1945 – to both enlisted and non-enlisted men. The Iron Cross, which dated from 1813, was earned by some 2,500,000 men during World War II. Nicknamed the Gefrierfleischorden, or “frozen meat-medal“, the Eastern Front Medal was awarded to three million German and Axis personnel during 15 November 1941 to 15 April 1942.
The War Merit Cross (With Swords)
The War Merit Cross was a decoration of Nazi Germany during the Second World War awarded to military personnel and civilians.
The German Cross (Nazi-Germany)
The German Cross (Deutsches Kreuz) was instituted by Adolf Hitler on 28 September 1941 and awarded in gold and silver.
The Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (EK 1939)
The Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross was the highest military and paramilitary award for the forces of Nazi Germany during World War II.
The Star of the Grand Cross of the Iron Cross (Nazi)
The Star of the Grand Cross of the Iron Cross was the highest military decoration of the Kingdom of Prussia and the German Empire.
The Eastern Front Medal Winterschlacht im Osten
The Eastern Front Medal was a World War II German military decoration awarded to those who served during the winter campaign.
The Close Combat Clasp
The Close Combat Clasp (Nahkampfspange) was instituted on 25 November 1942, during WW2, for participation in hand-to-hand fighting.
Featured Articles about WW2
Delve into the causes and consequences of the war, uncover key military campaigns and strategic decisions, and gain a deeper understanding of the experiences and sacrifices of those who lived through World War II.
Find WW2 Medals Online
Browse the listings below if you want to find the perfect addition to your collection or a meaningful gift for the history enthusiast in your life.
Popular World War II
United States Medals
The United States joined World War II following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The surprise attack led to a declaration of war against Japan and, subsequently, Germany and Italy, bringing the United States into the conflict on the side of the Allies. The government of the United States issued 450 Medals of Honor for World War II actions, 280 Service Crosses for D-Day actions and more than 3,600 Navy Crosses. The list below show all the medals that were created during the WW2 period and following years.
Popular World War II USSR (Soviet/Russian) Medals
Russia joined World War II after Germany invaded the Soviet Union on June 22, 1941, breaking the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. This invasion, known as Operation Barbarossa, prompted the Soviet Union to enter the war on the side of the Allies, seeking to defend its territory and halt the advance of Nazi forces. The Eastern Front was the largest and bloodiest theatre of World War II. Considered the deadliest conflict in human history, over 30 million people were killed as a result. Some 14,933,000 Soviet and Soviet-allied personnel were awarded the Medal for Victory over Germany in the Great Patriotic War on 9 May 1945.
Further Reading About the Second World War
Embark on a compelling journey through the pages of books that delve into the monumental events of World War II. From gripping personal accounts of individuals caught in the turmoil of war to comprehensive analyses of key battles and strategies, these books illuminate the triumphs, tragedies, and resilience of nations and individuals during this pivotal period.
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United States Tanks and Tank Destroyers of the Second World War
$31.46 Get it from Amazon -
The Forgotten 500: The Untold Story of the Men Who Risked All for the Greatest Rescue Mission of World War II
$13.29 Get it from Amazon -
World War II at Sea: A Global History
$23.00 Get it from Amazon -
World War II: The Definitive Visual History
$24.99 Get it from Amazon -
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Cross of Iron: The Rise and Fall of the German War Machine, 1918-1945
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More WW2 Military Medals
If you’d like to see more medals linked to the Second World War, click o the links below to see each country.
