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:
The Distinguished Service Cross
The Distinguished Service Cross is the second-highest United States Army military award and is given for extreme gallantry and risk of life.
The Silver Star (USA)
The Silver Star Medal is the United States Armed Forces’s third-highest personal decoration for gallantry and valor in combat.
The Iron Cross (EK 1914)
The Iron Cross (Eisernes Kreuz or EK) is a military decoration established by King Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia in March 1813.
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.
The Inter Allied Victory Medal (Great Britain)
The Victory Medal (also known as Inter-Allied Victory Medal) is a United Kingdom and British Empire First World War campaign medal.
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).
The Distinguished Service Order
The Distinguished Service Order (DSO) is a United Kingdom military decoration awarded for distinguished service during wartime.
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.
The Military Cross
The Military Cross (MC) is the third-level military decoration awarded for acts of exemplary gallantry during active operations.
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.
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.
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.
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
The Order of the Red Eagle (Roter Adlerorden) was an order of chivalry of the Kingdom of Prussia awarded to military personnel and civilians.
The Military Merit Cross (Prussia)
The Military Merit Cross was the highest bravery award of the Kingdom of Prussia for non-commissioned officers and enlisted soldiers.
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.
The Honor Cross of the World War 1914/1918 (Hindenburg Cross)
The Honour Cross of the World War 1914/1918 or Hindenburg Cross was established by Field Marshal Paul von Hindenburg after WW1.
Orden of Merit Pour le Mérite
The Pour le Mérite (“For Merit” in French) is an order of merit established in 1740 by King Frederick II of Prussia.
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.
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.
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Women in the Great War
$6.50 Get it from Amazon -
The Great War: A Combat History of the First World War
$16.17 Get it from Amazon -
A World Undone: The Story of the Great War, 1914 to 1918
$13.99 Get it from Amazon -
America and the Great War: A Library of Congress Illustrated History
$16.67 Get it from Amazon -
World War One: The Unheard Stories of Soldiers on the Western Front Battlefields
$13.95 Get it from Amazon