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Who created this medal?

King Michael I of Romania created this medal on April 1, 1942. He wanted a special way to reward the soldiers who fought on the Eastern Front. It was a formal award given to honor those serving in the war against the Soviet Union.

What was shown on the medal?

The front of the bronze medal showed a sharp sword pointing straight up. It also featured a cross and the year 1941 to mark when the fighting began. These symbols were meant to show strength and the religious values of the army.

Why was the medal banned in 1944?

In 1944, Romania decided to switch sides and join the Allied forces to fight against Nazi Germany. Because of this big change, the government decided to stop all awards linked to the old war against the Soviets. Owning or wearing this medal became illegal after the country changed its political goals.

Did German troops receive this medal?

Yes, many German soldiers who fought alongside the Romanian army earned this award. Over one million total medals were given out to both Romanian and German troops. It served as a sign of friendship and teamwork between the two armies during the fierce battles.

What did the ribbon look like?

The ribbon was a deep, dark red color. It had bright blue stripes running down both sides. Tiny silver threads were also woven across the fabric to give it a fancy look.

Who created this medal?

King Michael I of Romania created this medal on April 1, 1942. He wanted a special way to reward the soldiers who fought on the Eastern Front. It was a formal award given to honor those serving in the war against the Soviet Union.

What was shown on the medal?

The front of the bronze medal showed a sharp sword pointing straight up. It also featured a cross and the year 1941 to mark when the fighting began. These symbols were meant to show strength and the religious values of the army.

Why was the medal banned in 1944?

In 1944, Romania decided to switch sides and join the Allied forces to fight against Nazi Germany. Because of this big change, the government decided to stop all awards linked to the old war against the Soviets. Owning or wearing this medal became illegal after the country changed its political goals.

Did German troops receive this medal?

Yes, many German soldiers who fought alongside the Romanian army earned this award. Over one million total medals were given out to both Romanian and German troops. It served as a sign of friendship and teamwork between the two armies during the fierce battles.

What did the ribbon look like?

The ribbon was a deep, dark red color. It had bright blue stripes running down both sides. Tiny silver threads were also woven across the fabric to give it a fancy look.

Home Library RomaniaCrusade Against Communism Medal

Campaign medal

Crusade Against Communism Medal

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

Romania Established 1942 All servicesPrecedence: Chief campaign medal for Eastern Front service (1941–1944)

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for participation in military operations against the Soviet Union during World War II.

Eligibility

Romanian military personnel, civilian war workers, and allied Axis soldiers.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Chief campaign medal for Eastern Front service (1941–1944)

Crusade Against Communism Medal, Campaign medal, Romania medal

History

King Michael I instituted this bronze campaign medal on April 1, 1942. The Romanian government created it to reward troops who took part in operations against Soviet forces following the launch of Operation Barbarossa in 1941.

Over one million medals were issued to Romanian soldiers and German allies. Soldiers serving on the front line added silver or bronze bars to the ribbon showing operations such as Odessa, Crimea, or Stalingrad. The medal was completely outlawed in 1944 when Romania switched to the Allied side against Nazi Germany.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

World War II

Veterans Who Received This Award

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Gheorghe Avramescu, including Order of Faithful Service, Commemorative Cross of the 1916–1918 War, Crusade Against Communism Medal, shown against a light Romania flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

WWII

Order of Faithful Service Commemorative Cross of the 1916–1918 War Crusade Against Communism Medal

Gheorghe Avramescu

Who Was General Gheorghe Avramescu?

A high-ranking Romanian commander who served through both World Wars.

Romania1944-1945

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Sources

Back to Romania