Medals from United States from the Civil War and the Pre-WW1 Period
American Military Medals & Awards up to 1914
The United States has a number of Pre-WW1 medals, service ribbons, and badges that recognize military service and personal accomplishments while a member of the U.S. Armed Forces. Before World War I, military medals in the United States had a relatively simpler design and fewer variations compared to the diverse range of medals introduced later. So, let’s explore this period of American history, which includes medals and awards issued by the United States during the Civil War and other important historical conflicts.
Popular Pre-WW1 United States Medals, Orders & Decorations
Explore the most renowned medals, orders, and decorations bestowed by the United States before the onset of the First World War, and learn more about the events surrounding them. You can click on any of the medals below to do do or keep scrolling to see the complete collection of Pre-WW1 decorations.
The Kittanning Destroyed Medal
The Kittanning Destroyed Medal was the very first military medal in North America. It was awarded for courage and bravery.
The Davis Guard Medal
The Davis Guard Medal is a military decoration bestowed by the State of Texas for the victory at the Second Battle of Sabine Pass.
The Badge of Military Merit
The Badge of Military Merit is considered the first military award of the U.S. Armed Forces. Its official successor is The Purple Heart.
The Civil War Campaign Medal
The Civil War Campaign Medal was awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who had served in the American Civil War between 1861 and 1865.
The U.S. Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the United States of America’s most prestigious personal military decoration, awarded for acts of valor.
All United States Medals
from the Pre-WW1 Period
It’s important to note that while there were notable military medals awarded in the U.S. prior to World War I, such as the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, and the Purple Heart, the overall design and variety of military medals expanded significantly in the following decades as more awards were introduced to recognize various acts of valor, service, and achievements. Here is the complete database (click on the medals to learn more about them).
The U.S.S. Brooklyn Medal
The U.S.S. Brooklyn Medal was a privately issued commemorative medal presented by the citizens of Brooklyn, New York, to sailors and Marines.
The United Spanish War Veterans Medal
The USWV Membership Medal was not an official U.S. military decoration, but rather the membership badge of the United Spanish War Veterans,
The Army of Occupation Medal for Puerto Rico
This medal was established in 1919 for soldiers who performed occupation duty in Puerto Rico after the Spanish–American War.
The Army of Cuban Occupation Medal
This medal was established in 1915 for soldiers who served with the American occupation forces in Cuba after the Spanish–American War.
The U.S. Navy Philippine Campaign Medal
This campaign medal commemorates service during the Philippine–American War (1899–1902) and the subsequent pacification campaigns.
The Spanish War Service Military Medal
This medal was established in 1918 to recognize members of the U.S. Army who served but did not qualify for the Spanish Campaign Medal.
The U.S. Marine Corps Spanish Campaign Medal
This U.S. medal was awarded to sailors and Marines who served aboard vessels operating during the Spanish–American War.
The U.S. Army Spanish Campaign Medal
The Spanish War Service Medal was authorized in 1918 for Army personnel who served during the Spanish-American War.
The U.S. Navy Spanish Campaign Medal
This U.S. medal was awarded to sailors and Marines who served aboard vessels operating during the Spanish–American War.
The Coast Guard Silver Lifesaving Medal
Established at the same time as the gold grade in 1874, the Silver Lifesaving Medal recognizes extraordinary lifesaving efforts.
The Coast Guard Gold Lifesaving Medal
The Gold Lifesaving Medal is one of the oldest U.S. federal decorations, first authorized by an Act of Congress in 1874 to recognize heroism.
The Public Health Service Distinguished Service Medal
The highest honor awarded by the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, it recognizes exceptional accomplishments.
The Southern Cross of Honor
The Southern Cross of Honor a commemorative medal established by the United Daughters of the Confederacy to honor Confederate veterans.
The Mexican Service Medal
The Mexican Service Medal is an American award given for service in Mexico from 1911 to 1919. It was established in 1917.
The Indian Wars Campaign Medal
The Indian Campaign Medal was a decoration established in 1907 for participants of the American Indian Wars against the Native Americans.
The Texas Rangers Ira Aten Badge
The Texas Rangers Ira Aten Badge dates to the 1880s. It is the earliest surviving Texas Rangers badge known and belonged to Ira Aten.
The Kittanning Destroyed Medal
The Kittanning Destroyed Medal was the very first military medal in North America. It was awarded for courage and bravery.
The Society of the Army of the Potomac Medal
The Society of the Army of the Potomac was a military society founded in 1869 from officers and enlisted men of the Army of the Potomac.
The New Market Cross of Honor
The New Market Cross of Honor is a military decoration issued to cadets of the Virginia Military Institute for their service to the Confederacy.
The Davis Guard Medal
The Davis Guard Medal is a military decoration bestowed by the State of Texas for the victory at the Second Battle of Sabine Pass.
The Fidelity Medallion
The Fidelity Medallion or André Capture Medal was created in 1780 and is the oldest decoration of the United States military.
The Badge of Military Merit
The Badge of Military Merit is considered the first military award of the U.S. Armed Forces. Its official successor is The Purple Heart.
The Dewey Medal
The Dewey Medal is a military decoration of the United States Navy established by the United States Congress during the Spanish–American War.
The Sampson Medal
The Sampson Medal is a commemorative medal of the United States Navy for operations in the waters of the West Indies and Cuba.
The Civil War Campaign Medal
The Civil War Campaign Medal was awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who had served in the American Civil War between 1861 and 1865.
The U.S. Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the United States of America’s most prestigious personal military decoration, awarded for acts of valor.
American Medals from the
WW1 and Interwar Period
Explore American medals from WWI and get a glimpse into the recognition bestowed upon the heroes who shaped the course of the Great War. Below are 6 random decorations (click on the buttons below them if you want to see all of them).
United States Medals from the
WW2 and Post-WW2 Period
Explore American medals from the Second World War and the post-WW2 period.
Featured Articles about the United States
Delve into captivating articles that offer in-depth insights into various aspects of the United States. From historical events and influential figures to cultural phenomena and significant milestones, these articles hope to provide a comprehensive exploration of the diverse and fascinating aspects of American history, society, and culture.
Further Reading About American Medals
Explore books that delve into the rich history and significance of American military medals and decorations and discover stories of valor, sacrifice, and bravery that have shaped the legacy of these esteemed awards.