World War II Victory Medal (United States) facts for kids
The World War II Victory Medal is a special award given to members of the U.S. military. It was created by the United States Congress on July 6, 1945. This medal honors everyone who served in the military during World War II. It's similar to the medal given after World War I.
Quick facts for kids World War II Victory Medal |
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| Type | Service medal |
| Eligibility | Served in the armed forces between the dates of 7 December 1941 and 31 December 1946. |
| Status | Obsolete |
| Precedence | |
| Next (higher) | European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal |
| Equivalent | Merchant Marine World War II Victory Medal |
| Next (lower) | Army of Occupation Medal or Navy Occupation Service Medal |
  Service ribbon (top) and campaign streamer (bottom) |
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Contents
History of the World War II Victory Medal
The World War II Victory Medal was officially created by a law from the United States Congress on July 6, 1945. This happened just before the war ended. The medal was designed by Thomas H. Jones. The Secretary of War approved his design on February 5, 1946.
At first, the award was only a ribbon. It was called the "Victory Ribbon." The full medal was not given out until after World War II was over.
Who Received the Medal?
The law said that any member of the U.S. military could get this medal. This included soldiers, sailors, and airmen. It also included members of the armed forces from the Government of the Philippine Islands.
To be eligible, a person had to serve on active duty or as a reservist. Their service had to be between December 7, 1941, and December 31, 1946.
On August 8, 1946, a separate medal was created. This was the Merchant Marine World War II Victory Medal. It was for members of the United States Merchant Marine who served during the war.
Eligibility for the Medal
The World War II Victory Medal was given for service between December 7, 1941, and December 31, 1946. There was no minimum time a person had to serve. Even a few days of service could make someone eligible.
The war officially ended on September 2, 1945. However, President Harry S. Truman did not declare the end of hostilities until December 31, 1946. This meant that some people who joined the military after the fighting stopped could still receive the medal.
For example, someone who joined the U.S. Military Academy in 1946 would still get the medal. They received it even if they were not in combat during the war.
Many Recipients of the Medal
Every member of the U.S. Armed Forces who served during the specified dates was eligible. This meant over twelve million people could receive the medal.
Because so many people were eligible, the World War II Victory Medal is one of the most widely awarded U.S. military awards. Only the National Defense Service Medal has been given out more often.
Appearance of the Medal
The World War II Victory Medal is made of bronze. It is about 1.5 inches wide.
Front and Back of the Medal
On the front of the medal, there is a figure of "Liberation." This figure is standing tall and looking towards a new day. One foot rests on a war god's helmet. In one hand, Liberation holds the hilt of a broken sword. In the other, it holds the broken blade. Below the figure, it says "WORLD WAR II."
On the back of the medal, there are words about the Four Freedoms. These are "FREEDOM FROM FEAR AND WANT" and "FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND RELIGION." A palm branch separates these phrases. All of this is inside a circle that says "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1941 1945."
The Medal's Ribbon
The ribbon for the medal is about 1.375 inches wide. It has several stripes. There are double rainbow stripes on each side. These rainbows have colors like blues, greens, yellows, and reds in the center. There are also thin white stripes and a wider red stripe in the middle.
The rainbow design on the ribbon is a smaller version of the one used on the World War I Victory Medal.
Unlike the World War I Victory Medal, the World War II Victory Medal did not have special clasps. Instead, separate campaign medals were given out to show participation in specific battles or areas.
Images for kids
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The back of the medal
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This medal is engraved at the National World War II Memorial
See also
