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Romania

Romania is a country located in Eastern Europe. During World War II, it joined the Axis alliance before switching sides late in the war.

Founded 1859 4 military units 10 Combat Medals & Awards 10 cataloged weapons, vehicles & equipment

History

Romania is a nation located in southeastern Europe with a rich military past. Modern Romania came together in the late nineteenth century. In 1916, the country entered World War I on the side of the Allied forces, fighting against Germany and Austria-Hungary. Even though the Romanian army faced harsh defeats early in the conflict, the Allies eventually won the war. As a result of peace treaties signed in 1918, Romania gained new territories and greatly increased in size.

During the 1930s, Romania tried to stay safe from powerful neighbors like the Soviet Union. When World War II began, Romania decided to join the Axis alliance alongside Nazi Germany in 1940. Romanian soldiers fought heavily against Soviet troops on the Eastern Front. However, as the Axis armies began to lose, Romania experienced a government change in August 1944. The nation switched sides and joined the Allies, sending its soldiers to fight against German forces for the rest of the war.

After World War II ended, the Soviet Union helped set up a communist government in Romania. During the Cold War, Romania became a member of the Warsaw Pact, a military alliance led by the Soviets. The country did not send combat troops to fight in Asian conflicts like the Korean War or the Vietnam War, but it did send medical help and economic aid to other communist nations. Communist rule in Romania finally ended during a revolution in 1989, and the country later joined the NATO alliance to secure its modern defense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Notable Operations

Battle of OdessaBattle of StalingradOperation Jassy-Kishinev

Conflicts

Romania Forces & Equipment

Browse the armed forces, weapons, and vehicles fielded by Romania.

Combat Medals & Awards

Commemorative Cross of the 1916–1918 War, Campaign medal, Romania medal
Campaign medal

Commemorative Cross of the 1916–1918 War

1918

A campaign medal given to Romanian troops who fought for the nation in World War I.

Crusade Against Communism Medal, Campaign medal, Romania medal
Campaign medal

Crusade Against Communism Medal

1942

A World War II campaign medal given to Romanian and allied troops fighting on the Eastern Front.

Emblem of Honor of the Romanian Armed Forces, Merit decoration, Romania medal
Merit decoration

Emblem of Honor of the Romanian Armed Forces

2006

A modern military decoration honoring troops and units for exceptional service during NATO and international operations.

Military Virtue Medal, Valor decoration, Romania medal
Valor decoration

Military Virtue Medal

1872

This valor decoration honors non-commissioned officers and enlisted soldiers for bravery during combat operations.

Order of Aeronautical Virtue, Valor decoration, Romania medal
Valor decoration

Order of Aeronautical Virtue

1930

An aviation-specific decoration awarded to military pilots and crew members for air combat heroism.

Order of Faithful Service, Distinguished service decoration, Romania medal
Distinguished service decoration

Order of Faithful Service

1932

A distinguished service decoration given to soldiers and commanders who show long-lasting devotion to Romania.

Order of Michael the Brave, Valor decoration, Romania medal
Valor decoration

Order of Michael the Brave

1916

This is Romania's highest military decoration awarded to officers for extraordinary heroism on the battlefield.

Order of Tudor Vladimirescu, Distinguished service decoration, Romania medal
Distinguished service decoration

Order of Tudor Vladimirescu

1966

A communist-era decoration awarded to officers for political loyalty and military defense achievements.

Order of the Crown of Romania, Distinguished service decoration, Romania medal
Distinguished service decoration

Order of the Crown of Romania

1881

A distinguished service order created to celebrate Romanian statehood and reward important military achievements.

Order of the Star of Romania, Distinguished service decoration, Romania medal
Distinguished service decoration

Order of the Star of Romania

1877

Romania's premier national order awarded with crossed swords to troops for distinguished military achievements.

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