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 sorrounding them. You can click on any of the medals below to do so.
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 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.
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The President and the Freedom Fighter: Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass
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Our First Civil War: Patriots and Loyalists in the American Revolution
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A Complete Guide to United States Military Medals, 1939 to Present
$31.98 Get it from Amazon -
America and the Great War: A Library of Congress Illustrated History
$16.67 Get it from Amazon -
United States Tanks and Tank Destroyers of the Second World War
$31.46 Get it from Amazon