Merchant Marine World War II Victory Medal facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Merchant Marine World War II Victory Medal |
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The obverse (left) and reverse sides of the medal.
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| Type | Individual award |
| Eligibility | Merchant mariners |
| Awarded for | Service during World War II |
| Campaign(s) | World War II (1941-1945) |
| Statistics | |
| Established | August 8, 1946 |
| Precedence | |
| Next (higher) | Merchant Marine Pacific War Zone Medal |
| Equivalent | World War II Victory Medal |
| Next (lower) | Merchant Marine Korean Service Medal |
 Ribbon of the medal. |
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The Merchant Marine World War II Victory Medal is a special award. It was given to people who served in the United States Merchant Marine during World War II. This medal was officially created on August 8, 1946.
Contents
Who Earned This Medal?
This medal was given to sailors and officers. They had to serve on American merchant ships. These ships carried supplies and goods during the war. To earn the medal, they needed to serve for at least 30 days. Their service had to be between December 7, 1941, and September 2, 1945. This period covers the time the United States was involved in World War II.
What the Medal Looks Like
The medal is a round bronze disc. It hangs from a colorful ribbon. The ribbon has wide red edges and a red center. Between the red parts are thin stripes of yellow, green, blue, and white.
Front of the Medal
On the front, you can see a woman standing on the ocean. She holds a trident (a three-pronged spear) in her right hand. In her left hand, she holds an olive branch, which often means peace. The words "WORLD" and "WAR II" are also on the front.
Back of the Medal
The back of the medal shows an anchor inside a rope circle. A ribbon is wrapped around this circle. On the ribbon are three Latin words: "FIRMITAS", "ADVERSARIA", and "SUPERAT". These words mean "The strength to overcome an adversary." Around the very edge of the back, it says "UNITED STATES MERCHANT MARINE 1941-1945".
The artist who designed this medal was John R. Sinnock.
Related Awards
- Awards and decorations of the United States government
- Awards and decorations of the United States Merchant Marine
- World War II Victory Medal (United States)
