Overview
The World War I Victory Medal was authorized by the United States Congress in 1919 and awarded to all service members of the U.S. Armed Forces who served on active duty between April 6, 1917, and November 11, 1918. This medal commemorates American participation in the Great War and honors those who served during this pivotal period in world history.
Battle Clasps and Service Ribbons
Eligible service members could wear bronze battle clasps or service clasps on the medal's rainbow ribbon. These clasps denoted participation in specific military campaigns, operations, or service in particular theaters of operation. The specific campaigns and service areas varied by branch of service.
U.S. Army Battle Clasps
- Aisne – May 27, 1918 to June 5, 1918
- Aisne-Marne – July 18, 1918 to August 6, 1918
- Cambrai – May 12, 1917 to December 4, 1917
- Champagne-Marne – July 15, 1918 to July 18, 1918
- Lys – April 9, 1918 to April 27, 1918
- Meuse-Argonne – September 26, 1918 to November 11, 1918
- Montdidier-Noyon – June 9, 1918 to June 13, 1918
- Oise-Aisne – August 18, 1918 to November 11, 1918
- St. Mihiel – September 12, 1918 to September 16, 1918
- Somme Defensive – March 21, 1918 to April 6, 1918
- Somme Offensive – August 8, 1918 to November 11, 1918
- Vittorio Veneto – October 24, 1918 to November 4, 1918
- Ypres-Lys – August 19, 1918 to November 11, 1918
U.S. Navy Battle Clasps
- Aisne – June 1, 1918 to June 5, 1918
- Aisne-Marne – July 18, 1918 to July 20, 1918
- Meuse-Argonne – September 29, 1918 to October 10, 1918
- Meuse-Argonne – October 25, 1918 to November 11, 1918
- St. Mihiel – September 12, 1918 to September 16, 1918
- Ypres-Lys – Service in support of the Northern Bombing Group
U.S. Navy Operational Clasps
- Armed Guard – Service aboard merchant vessels (freighters, tankers, and troop ships) – April 6, 1917 to November 11, 1918
- Asiatic – Service on any vessel that visited a Siberian port for more than ten days – April 6, 1917 to November 11, 1918; extended service through March 30, 1920
- Atlantic Fleet – Service in the Atlantic Fleet – May 25, 1918 to November 11, 1918
- Aviation – Service involving flight operations over the Atlantic Ocean – May 25, 1918 to November 11, 1918
- Destroyer – Service aboard destroyers on the Atlantic Ocean – May 25, 1918 to November 11, 1918
- Escort – Personnel regularly attached to escort vessels on the North Atlantic – April 6, 1917 to November 11, 1918
- Grand Fleet – Personnel assigned to any ship of the United States Grand Fleet – December 9, 1917 to November 11, 1918
- Mine Laying – Sea duty involving mine laying operations – May 26, 1918 to November 11, 1918
- Mine Sweeping – Sea duty involving mine sweeping operations – April 6, 1917 to November 11, 1918
- Mobile Base – Service on tenders and repair vessels – April 6, 1917 to November 11, 1918
- Naval Battery – Service as a member of a naval battery detachment – July 10, 1918 to November 11, 1918
- Overseas – Shore service in Allied or enemy countries of Europe – April 6, 1918 to November 11, 1918
- Patrol – War patrol service on the Atlantic Ocean – May 25, 1918 to November 11, 1918
- Salvage – Salvage duty performed at sea – April 6, 1917 to November 11, 1918
- Submarine – Submarine duty on the Atlantic Ocean – May 25, 1918 to November 11, 1918
- Submarine Chaser – Anti-submarine duty on the Atlantic Ocean – May 18, 1918 to November 11, 1918
- Transport – Personnel regularly attached to transport or cargo vessels – April 6, 1917 to November 11, 1918
- White Sea – Service on vessels visiting Russian ports or war patrols in the White Sea for not less than ten days – November 12, 1918 to July 31, 1919
U.S. Army Service Clasps (Non-Combatant)
- England – April 6, 1917 to November 11, 1918
- France – April 6, 1917 to November 11, 1918
- Italy – April 6, 1917 to November 11, 1918
- Russia – Any service
- Siberia – Any service
U.S. Navy Service Clasps (Non-Combatant)
- England – April 6, 1917 to November 11, 1918
- France – April 6, 1917 to November 11, 1918
- Italy – April 6, 1917 to November 11, 1918
- Russia – Any service
- Siberia – Any service
