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Why was this medal created?

This medal was made in 1913 to honor the soldiers and sailors who fought in the Second Balkan War. This was a short but very intense fight between Greece and Bulgaria over land in Macedonia. The government wanted to thank the troops for their hard work and bravery during these battles. It served as a special way to remember the victory for everyone involved.

What is shown on the front of the medal?

The front of the medal shows the face of King Constantine I. He was the commander-in-chief who led the Greek army during this war. The design also includes old symbols from the Byzantine Empire to celebrate the country's national pride. This made the medal look important and connected to Greek history.

What are battle bars on this medal?

Battle bars are small metal pieces that could be pinned onto the medal's ribbon. Each bar was named after a specific fight, such as the battles at Kilkis-Lahana, Doiran, or Kresna Gorge. These helped people identify exactly where a soldier had served. It was a proud way for veterans to show which big fights they took part in.

Was there also a medal for the First Balkan War?

Yes, there was a different medal for the First Balkan War which happened in 1912 and 1913. That earlier war was fought against the Ottoman Empire. The 1913 medal was designed to be worn after that first medal. This meant soldiers who fought in both wars had a way to show their full service history.

Is this medal still awarded today?

No, this medal is no longer given out anymore. It was only made as a one-time award to recognize the people who fought in that specific war in 1913. Today, these medals are considered historical items kept by families or museums. They help us remember the soldiers who fought over one hundred years ago.

Why was this medal created?

This medal was made in 1913 to honor the soldiers and sailors who fought in the Second Balkan War. This was a short but very intense fight between Greece and Bulgaria over land in Macedonia. The government wanted to thank the troops for their hard work and bravery during these battles. It served as a special way to remember the victory for everyone involved.

What is shown on the front of the medal?

The front of the medal shows the face of King Constantine I. He was the commander-in-chief who led the Greek army during this war. The design also includes old symbols from the Byzantine Empire to celebrate the country's national pride. This made the medal look important and connected to Greek history.

What are battle bars on this medal?

Battle bars are small metal pieces that could be pinned onto the medal's ribbon. Each bar was named after a specific fight, such as the battles at Kilkis-Lahana, Doiran, or Kresna Gorge. These helped people identify exactly where a soldier had served. It was a proud way for veterans to show which big fights they took part in.

Was there also a medal for the First Balkan War?

Yes, there was a different medal for the First Balkan War which happened in 1912 and 1913. That earlier war was fought against the Ottoman Empire. The 1913 medal was designed to be worn after that first medal. This meant soldiers who fought in both wars had a way to show their full service history.

Is this medal still awarded today?

No, this medal is no longer given out anymore. It was only made as a one-time award to recognize the people who fought in that specific war in 1913. Today, these medals are considered historical items kept by families or museums. They help us remember the soldiers who fought over one hundred years ago.

Home Library GreeceCommemorative Medal for the Greco-Bulgarian War of 1913

Campaign medal

Commemorative Medal for the Greco-Bulgarian War of 1913

This campaign medal commemorated the victory and service of Greek troops during the Second Balkan War.

Greece Established 1913 Army, NavyPrecedence: Campaign medal category; worn after the Greco-Turkish 1912-1913 War Medal

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for active military participation in combat operations during the Greco-Bulgarian War of 1913.

Eligibility

Greek soldiers, sailors, and recognized medical personnel serving in the theater of operations.

Branch

Army, Navy

Precedence

Campaign medal category; worn after the Greco-Turkish 1912-1913 War Medal

Commemorative Medal for the Greco-Bulgarian War of 1913, Campaign medal, Greece medal

History

In 1913, King Constantine I created this commemorative war medal following the conclusion of the Second Balkan War. The conflict pitted Greece and its regional allies against Bulgaria in a rapid, intense campaign for control of Macedonia.

The medal was struck in bronze and depicted King Constantine I on the front, with historical Byzantine imagery celebrating national triumph. Distinct bars were awarded for specific battles, such as Kilkis-Lahana, Doiran, and Kresna Gorge.

This decoration marked a turning point in early 20th-century Greek military heraldry, setting the standard for campaign medals awarded in the World Wars that followed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

Second Balkan War

Veterans Who Received This Award

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Constantinos Ventiris, including Commemorative War Medal 1940–1941, Commemorative War Medal 1941–1945, Medal of Military Merit, Medal for Outstanding Acts, War Cross, Victory Medal 1914–1918, Commemorative Medal for the Greco-Bulgarian War of 1913, shown against a light Greece flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

WWII

Commemorative War Medal 1940–1941 Commemorative War Medal 1941–1945 Medal of Military Merit+4

Constantinos Ventiris

Who Was General Constantinos Ventiris?

A decorated Greek general who served with distinction across multiple Balkan and World conflicts.

Greece1940-1941

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Sources

Back to Greece