Collecting War Medals
Collecting war medals can be a fascinating and rewarding hobby for those interested in military history or the stories of individual soldiers. War medals are a tangible link to past conflicts and can offer insights into the experiences and sacrifices of those who served.
Here are a few things to consider if you are interested in collecting war medals:
Choose a Focus: There are countless types of war medals available, so it's important to choose a focus for your collection. You may want to focus on a specific conflict, such as World War I or II, or on a particular military branch, such as the army or navy. You may also want to focus on medals awarded for specific actions or campaigns, such as the Victoria Cross or the Battle of Waterloo medal.
Research: It's important to research the history and significance of the medals you are interested in collecting. This will help you understand the context in which they were awarded and the stories of the soldiers who earned them. You may want to consult books, websites, or other resources to learn more about the medals and the conflicts they are associated with.
Authenticity: When collecting war medals, it's important to ensure that they are authentic and not reproductions. Authenticity can be verified through a number of means, such as examining the metal and engravings, or by checking the medal against known examples. It's a good idea to buy from reputable dealers or auction houses to ensure the authenticity of the medals.
Preservation: War medals are historical artifacts that should be preserved for future generations. It's important to store them in a safe and secure location, away from light, humidity, and other environmental factors that can cause damage. You may want to invest in specialized storage and display cases to help protect and showcase your collection.
Connect with Other Collectors: Joining a community of other collectors can help you learn more about war medals and connect with other enthusiasts. You may want to join online forums or groups, attend collector's shows, or join a local club to meet other collectors and learn more about the hobby.
When collecting War medals, it's important to research the history medals to understand their context and value. Authenticity is also an important consideration, and collectors should ensure that the medals they are purchasing are genuine and not reproductions. Many reputable dealers and auction houses specialize in War Medals and can provide guidance and support for collector
In summary, collecting war medals can be a fascinating and rewarding hobby that offers insights into military history and the stories of individual soldiers. By choosing a focus, researching the history of the medals, verifying their authenticity, preserving them for future generations, and connecting with other collectors, you can build a meaningful and valuable collection.
Civil War Medals
Civil War medals are a popular collectible item among military history enthusiasts, particularly in the United States where the Civil War was a significant event in the country's history. There were a number of medals and badges awarded during the Civil War, including those for bravery, service, and loyalty.
Here are a few examples of Civil War medals that collectors may be interested in:
Medal of Honor: The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government and is awarded to members of the armed forces who have distinguished themselves by acts of valor. During the Civil War, more than 1,500 Medals of Honor were awarded, making it one of the most significant military awards of the conflict.
Civil War Campaign Medals: These medals were awarded to soldiers who served in specific campaigns during the war, such as the Gettysburg campaign or the Vicksburg campaign. They were often inscribed with the name of the campaign and the soldier's unit.
Grand Army of the Republic Medals: The Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) was a fraternal organization of Union veterans of the Civil War. Members of the organization often wore badges and medals to signify their membership in the group. These medals are often inscribed with the soldier's name, unit, and the GAR emblem.
Civil War Service Medals: These medals were awarded to soldiers who served in the Civil War but did not receive any other medals or honors. They were often issued by state governments and were intended as a way to recognize the service of ordinary soldiers.
World War One Medals
World War One medals are a popular collectible item among military history enthusiasts, particularly in countries that participated in the conflict. During World War One, several nations issued medals to recognize the service and sacrifice of their soldiers, sailors, and airmen.
Here are a few examples of World War One medals that collectors may be interested in:
British War Medal: The British War Medal was awarded to members of the British armed forces and merchant navy who served in World War One. It was issued between 1919 and 1920 and features the profile of King George V on the obverse side.
Victory Medal: The Victory Medal, also known as the Interallied Victory Medal, was issued to members of the Allied forces who served in World War One. It features the figure of Victory on the obverse side and was awarded to soldiers who served between 1914 and 1918.
Croix de Guerre: The Croix de Guerre was a French military decoration awarded to soldiers who demonstrated bravery and valor during combat. It was issued during World War One and featured a bronze or silver cross on a ribbon.
Iron Cross: The Iron Cross was a German military decoration awarded for bravery and distinguished service. It was issued during World War One and featured a black cross on a white or silver background.
World War Two Medals
World War Two medals are a popular collectible item among military history enthusiasts, particularly in countries that participated in the conflict. During World War Two, several nations issued medals to recognize the service and sacrifice of their soldiers, sailors, and airmen.
Here are a few examples of World War Two medals that collectors may be interested in:
Medal of Honor: The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government and is awarded to members of the armed forces who have distinguished themselves by acts of valor. During World War Two, more than 3,400 Medals of Honor were awarded, making it one of the most significant military awards of the conflict.
Victoria Cross: The Victoria Cross is the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to members of the British and Commonwealth armed forces. It was issued during World War Two and features a bronze cross on a red ribbon.
Order of the Patriotic War: The Order of the Patriotic War was a Soviet military decoration awarded to soldiers who demonstrated bravery and distinguished service during the conflict. It featured a gold or silver star on a red ribbon.
Iron Cross: The Iron Cross was a German military decoration awarded for bravery and distinguished service. It was issued during World War Two and featured a black cross on a white or silver background.
Korean War Medals
Korean War medals are a popular collectible item among military history enthusiasts, particularly in countries that participated in the conflict. The Korean War was fought between 1950 and 1953 and involved several nations, including the United States, South Korea, and China.
Here are a few examples of Korean War medals that collectors may be interested in:
Korean Service Medal: The Korean Service Medal was issued by the United States government to members of the armed forces who served in the conflict between 1950 and 1953. It features a Korean gateway on the obverse side and a dragon breathing fire on the reverse side.
United Nations Service Medal: The United Nations Service Medal was awarded to members of the armed forces who served in Korea as part of a United Nations peacekeeping force. It features the emblem of the United Nations on the obverse side and a map of Korea on the reverse side.
Korean War Service Medal: The Korean War Service Medal was issued by the South Korean government to members of the armed forces who fought in the conflict. It features a soldier holding a Korean flag on the obverse side and a dove of peace on the reverse side.
Korean War Service Medal (China): The Korean War Service Medal was issued by the Chinese government to members of the People's Liberation Army who served in the conflict. It features a soldier holding a rifle on the obverse side and the inscription "Korean War Service Medal" on the reverse side.
Vietnam War Medals
The Vietnam War was a prolonged conflict that occurred from 1955 to 1975 between the communist government of North Vietnam and the government of South Vietnam, which was supported by the United States and other anti-communist allies.
Here are some Vietnam War Medals:
Vietnam Service Medal: The Vietnam Service Medal was issued by the United States government to members of the armed forces who served in Vietnam between 1961 and 1973. It features a map of Vietnam on the obverse side and an eagle holding arrows and an olive branch on the reverse side.
National Defense Service Medal: The National Defense Service Medal was issued by the United States government to members of the armed forces who served during periods of national emergency. It was awarded to those who served during the Vietnam War, among other conflicts.
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal: The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal was issued by the South Vietnamese government to members of the armed forces who served in Vietnam. It features a stylized dragon and tiger on the obverse side and the inscription "Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal" on the reverse side.
Vietnam Gallantry Cross: The Vietnam Gallantry Cross was a military decoration issued by the South Vietnamese government to recognize acts of valor and bravery during the conflict.
Desert Storm Medals
The Gulf War, also known as Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm, was a military conflict that took place between August 1990 and February 1991, when a coalition of 35 nations led by the United States, launched an operation to expel Iraqi forces from Kuwait.
Several medals were awarded to the military personnel who served in Operation Desert Storm, including:
Kuwait Liberation Medal - This medal was awarded by the Kuwaiti government to members of the coalition forces who served in Kuwait or the Persian Gulf region during the period of August 2, 1990, to March 3, 1991.
Southwest Asia Service Medal - This medal was awarded to members of the US armed forces who served in support of Operation Desert Shield or Operation Desert Storm between August 2, 1990, and November 30, 1995.
Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia) - This medal was awarded by the Saudi Arabian government to members of the coalition forces who served in Saudi Arabia or the Persian Gulf region during the period of August 2, 1990, to January 31, 1991.
National Defense Service Medal - This medal was awarded to members of the US armed forces who served during the Gulf War or other periods of national emergency.
These medals were awarded to recognize the service and sacrifice of the military personnel who served in Operation Desert Storm.
Peacetime War Medals
There are several medals that have been awarded to military personnel for service during times of peace. Some examples include:
Army Commendation Medal - This medal is awarded to members of the US Army who have demonstrated acts of heroism, meritorious achievement, or service during peacetime.
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal - This medal is awarded to members of the US Navy and Marine Corps who have demonstrated acts of heroism, meritorious achievement, or service during peacetime.
Air Force Commendation Medal - This medal is awarded to members of the US Air Force who have demonstrated acts of heroism, meritorious achievement, or service during peacetime.
Humanitarian Service Medal - This medal is awarded to members of the US Armed Forces who have participated in humanitarian operations during times of peace.
Armed Forces Service Medal - This medal is awarded to members of the US Armed Forces who have served in a designated military operation during times of peace.
National Defense Service Medal - This medal was awarded to members of the US armed forces who served during the Gulf War or other periods of national emergency.
These medals are designed to recognize the contributions of military personnel during peacetime and to honor their service to their country.
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