Medals Database – The Great War (WW1)

Military Medals from the WW1 Period
(The Great War)

WW1 Medals, Awards, and Badges

In August 1914, the world was plunged into chaos when the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary sparked a chain reaction of events that led to the outbreak of World War I. Following the assassination, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, drawing alliances into the conflict and, as the conflict spread, millions of soldiers from across Europe and around the world were mobilized to fight in the trenches of the Western Front, enduring the brutal realities of trench warfare. After years of devastating battles and staggering loss of life, World War I came to an end with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, marking the beginning of a new era but leaving behind a legacy of destruction and suffering that would shape the course of history.

A significant number of medals and awards were given for gallantry or meritorious service for those who fought during the Great War. Some of the most popular include Pip, Squeak and Wilfred (the affectionate names given to the three WW1 campaign medals from the United Kingdom: The 1914 Star or 1914-15 Star, the British War Medal, and the Victory Medal), the French War Cross and Belgian War Cross, and the German Iron Cross, Wound Badge and the Hindenburg Cross.

Related: How to Identify Medals from WW1

Central Powers

Allies

Popular WW1 Medals, Orders & Decorations

During and after World War I, many medals were awarded to soldiers and officers who displayed extraordinary bravery and heroism in the face of the enemy. This included acts of gallantry, saving comrades under fire, and undertaking dangerous missions. Medals were also awarded to those who were wounded in action or made significant achievements or contributions to the war effort (not necessarily in battle). Here are five renowned military medals awarded during World War I, each distinguished honor epitomizing bravery, sacrifice, and heroism:

British Medals
Awarded During WW1

Pip, Squeak and Wilfred are the nicknames given to three British WWI campaign medals that are the most likely medals to be found among family heirlooms: The 1914-15 Star, the War Medal and the Victory Medal. The medals’ nicknames come from a popular comic strip of the time from the Daily Mirror newspaper. Below is a selection of British WW1 medals (you can click on the button below to see all).

WW1 Medals and Awards: The 1914-15 Star

The 1914-15 Star

The 1914–15 Star is a British Empire campaign medal awarded to officers and men of British and Imperial forces during the First World War.

WW1 British Medals: Military Cross

The Military Cross

The Military Cross (MC) is the third-level military decoration awarded for acts of exemplary gallantry during active operations.

British Medals and Decorations: The Distinguished Conduct Medal

The Distinguished Conduct Medal

The Distinguished Conduct Medal, or DCM, was established in 1854 and is the oldest British award for gallantry in the field by other ranks.

WW1 Medals and Awards: The 1914-1920 British War Medal

The 1914-1920 British War Medal

The 1914-1920 British War Medal (also known as ‘Squeak’) is a British Empire campaign medal presented for service during World War I.

British Medals from WW1: The Military Medal (MM)

The Military Medal (MM)

The Military Medal (or MM) was a military decoration established in 1916 and awarded for bravery in battle to personnel of the British Army.

German Medals
Awarded During WW1

The first official service medal for soldiers of Imperial Germany who had taken part in the war was the Honor Cross of the World War 1914/1918, established by Field Marshal Paul von Hindenburg. The government of Nazi Germany declared the award as the only official service decoration of the First World War. Below is a random selection of German WW1 medals. Click on the button below to see all.

WW1 Medals and Awards: The Wound Badge

The Wound Badge (1918)

The Wound Badge (Verwundetenabzeichen) is a military decoration awarded to wounded or frostbitten soldiers during World War I.

The Order of the Red Eagle - Kingdom of Prussia (Germany) Medals Pre-WW1

The Order of the Red Eagle

The Order of the Red Eagle (Roter Adlerorden) was an order of chivalry of the Kingdom of Prussia awarded to military personnel and civilians.

German Medals: The Iron Cross EK 1813

The Iron Cross (EK 1813)

The Iron Cross (Eisernes Kreuz) is a military decoration of the Kingdom of Prussia and later the German Empire and Nazi Germany.

Featured Articles about WW1

Explore featured articles that delve into the tumultuous era of World War I, the global conflict that reshaped nations and redefined warfare. Uncover the causes and consequences of the Great War, gain a deeper understanding of key battles and strategies, and discover the personal stories of those who lived through this unprecedented period of history.

Find WW1 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.

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WW1 United States Medals

While the war began in 1914, the United States officially entered the conflict on April 6, 1917, following a declaration of war against Germany. The decision to enter the war was influenced by several factors, including unrestricted submarine warfare by Germany, the sinking of American ships such as the Lusitania, and the interception of the Zimmermann Telegram, in which Germany proposed an alliance with Mexico against the United States. Below, you will be able to explore esteemed military medals awarded by the United States during World War I. 

WW1 France Medals

France joined World War I primarily due to its alliances and commitments to other European powers. The country, in fact, had a defensive alliance with Russia and a mutual protection treaty with Britain. So, when Germany declared war on Russia and then invaded Belgium in August 1914, France honored its commitments and entered the war to support its allies and defend its territorial integrity against German aggression. 

Further Reading About the Great War

These books offer profound insights into the experiences, struggles, and triumphs of individuals and nations during the Great War. From gripping personal memoirs to comprehensive accounts of military strategies, these literary treasures transport readers to the trenches, battlefields, and war rooms of the early 20th century.