World War I Victory Medal (United States)

Design and physical characteristics

Designed by sculptor James Earle Fraser, the medal is cast in bronze and measures approximately 1 3/8 inches in diameter. The obverse portrays a full‑length, full‑face winged Victory, a classical figure used to represent triumph. The reverse bears the inscription "THE GREAT WAR FOR CIVILIZATION" above a United States shield surmounted by a fasces; the areas flanking the shield contain the names of allied and associated nations connected with the Allied effort. The medal hangs from a silk ribbon about 1 3/8 inches wide, featuring two juxtaposed rainbows with red at the center. A matching lapel button, intended for civilian wear, is a five‑pointed star 5/8 inch in diameter set on a wreath with the letters "U.S." at the center.

Devices and variations

The basic medal could be augmented by devices that indicated particular service or participation. Examples of such attachments include small bronze clasps (sometimes called bars) that named specific campaigns or engagements, and other authorized insignia to denote additional recognition. Different services manufactured the medal to the same general specification, but minor stylistic variations and maker's marks can be found among surviving examples.

Eligibility, issuance and wearing

Eligibility criteria focused on service during the war in designated theaters or duties that supported the U.S. war effort overseas. The medal was issued to qualifying veterans and, in many cases, to the next of kin of those who died as a result of their service. While the Victory Medal is no longer awarded, it remains an important part of the record of World War I service and is worn today only in historical or veterans' displays according to current regulations.

Historical context and significance

The American Victory Medal reflects both national commemoration and international cooperation. Following the armistice, the Allied powers agreed to produce a family of allied Victory Medals that shared a common ribbon while each nation chose its own artistic design. James Earle Fraser, a prominent American sculptor of the era, produced the U.S. design that combined classical imagery with republican symbols—the shield and fasces—to express victory and collective purpose in defense of civilization.

Collecting, preservation and further information

Because these medals were distributed to millions of veterans, they are common in military memorabilia collections; condition, presence of original clasps, and provenance affect collector interest. Reproductions and later commemorative items also exist, so careful comparison with documented examples is recommended for authentication. For official criteria and historical summaries consult primary sources or military publications and see further information provided by repositories and veteran organizations.

• Material: Bronze
• Diameter: about 1 3/8 inches
• Ribbon: rainbow pattern, 1 3/8 inches wide
• Lapel button: five‑pointed star on wreath, 5/8 inch