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Why were there two ribbon types?

The medal used two different ribbons to tell the difference between where a soldier served. A ribbon with black borders was given to the brave troops who fought directly on the dangerous front lines. The ribbon with green borders was for those who worked in the rear guard to provide supplies and support. This helped people see at a glance who had been in the middle of the fighting.

Who created this campaign medal?

The Nationalist government created this medal in 1938 while the Spanish Civil War was still raging. They wanted a special way to reward every soldier and volunteer who helped their cause. This medal became the most important service award for all of the people who fought from 1936 until the war ended in 1939.

Did foreign troops receive this medal?

Yes, volunteers who came from other countries to fight in the war were also able to earn this award. One famous group that received it was the German Condor Legion. This medal was a way for the Nationalist leaders to say thank you to the foreign soldiers who helped them win their battles.

What is on the front of the medal?

The front of the bronze medal shows a strong Spanish lion fighting against a dragon. The design also included military symbols that were meant to represent power and success in battle. It was built to look tough and impressive, showing that the person who wore it had been part of a major historical event.

Is this medal still awarded today?

No, this medal is not given out anymore because the war ended long ago. It stopped being an active award as soon as the Spanish Civil War finished in 1939. Today, the medal is kept in museums and collections as a way to remember that specific time in history.

Why were there two ribbon types?

The medal used two different ribbons to tell the difference between where a soldier served. A ribbon with black borders was given to the brave troops who fought directly on the dangerous front lines. The ribbon with green borders was for those who worked in the rear guard to provide supplies and support. This helped people see at a glance who had been in the middle of the fighting.

Who created this campaign medal?

The Nationalist government created this medal in 1938 while the Spanish Civil War was still raging. They wanted a special way to reward every soldier and volunteer who helped their cause. This medal became the most important service award for all of the people who fought from 1936 until the war ended in 1939.

Did foreign troops receive this medal?

Yes, volunteers who came from other countries to fight in the war were also able to earn this award. One famous group that received it was the German Condor Legion. This medal was a way for the Nationalist leaders to say thank you to the foreign soldiers who helped them win their battles.

What is on the front of the medal?

The front of the bronze medal shows a strong Spanish lion fighting against a dragon. The design also included military symbols that were meant to represent power and success in battle. It was built to look tough and impressive, showing that the person who wore it had been part of a major historical event.

Is this medal still awarded today?

No, this medal is not given out anymore because the war ended long ago. It stopped being an active award as soon as the Spanish Civil War finished in 1939. Today, the medal is kept in museums and collections as a way to remember that specific time in history.

Home Library SpainCampaign Medal of the Civil War

Campaign medal

Campaign Medal of the Civil War

A historical campaign medal given to troops who fought in the Spanish Civil War.

Spain Established 1938 All servicesPrecedence: Historical campaign medal; worn after primary valor awards of the era

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for active military service during the Spanish Civil War between 1936 and 1939.

Eligibility

Nationalist soldiers, sailors, aviators, and allied foreign volunteers.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Historical campaign medal; worn after primary valor awards of the era

Campaign Medal of the Civil War, Campaign medal, Spain medal

History

This medal was created in 1938 by the Nationalist government during the Spanish Civil War. It was instituted to reward all soldiers and volunteers who participated in active operations on the front lines or in the rear guard. It was the main service decoration of the conflict.

The medal was struck in bronze and featured two ribbons: one with black borders for combat troops at the front, and one with green borders for rear-guard service. It was also presented to foreign volunteers, such as the German Condor Legion. It became inactive after the war ended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

Spanish Civil War

Veterans Who Received This Award

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Francisco Franco, including Campaign Medal of the Civil War, Long Military Service Cross, Royal and Military Order of Saint Hermenegild, Cross of Military Merit with Red Decoration, Military Medal, Laureate Cross of Saint Ferdinand, shown against a light Spain flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

WWII

Campaign Medal of the Civil War Long Military Service Cross Royal and Military Order of Saint Hermenegild+3

Francisco Franco

Who Was Generalissimo Francisco Franco?

The supreme leader of Spain who rose to power through a military uprising.

Spain1936-1939

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Sources

Back to Spain