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When was this medal founded?

This medal was created in 1930. It started at the same time that Emperor Haile Selassie became the leader of Ethiopia. The design followed older traditions to show the power of the new royal government.

What was the medal awarded for?

Soldiers and leaders earned this medal for showing great loyalty and bravery. It was given to people who protected Ethiopia during tough times like the Second Italo-Ethiopian War. It served as a way to thank those who gave everything to help the country.

Who chose the recipients?

Emperor Haile Selassie I was the person who decided who received this honor. He picked people he felt had shown deep love for the nation. Because the Emperor picked them himself, the medal was seen as a very special sign of his personal thanks.

Was there a lower class of this award?

Yes, there was a medal made of silver that came after this gold one. The Gold Medal of Haile Selassie I was more important and ranked higher than the silver version. Both medals were used to honor the hard work of members of the army and the royal court.

Is it still presented by the government?

No, the government stopped giving out this medal in 1974. A new group called the Derg took over the country and removed the Emperor from his throne. They chose to end many old traditions, including the use of these imperial medals.

When was this medal founded?

This medal was created in 1930. It started at the same time that Emperor Haile Selassie became the leader of Ethiopia. The design followed older traditions to show the power of the new royal government.

What was the medal awarded for?

Soldiers and leaders earned this medal for showing great loyalty and bravery. It was given to people who protected Ethiopia during tough times like the Second Italo-Ethiopian War. It served as a way to thank those who gave everything to help the country.

Who chose the recipients?

Emperor Haile Selassie I was the person who decided who received this honor. He picked people he felt had shown deep love for the nation. Because the Emperor picked them himself, the medal was seen as a very special sign of his personal thanks.

Was there a lower class of this award?

Yes, there was a medal made of silver that came after this gold one. The Gold Medal of Haile Selassie I was more important and ranked higher than the silver version. Both medals were used to honor the hard work of members of the army and the royal court.

Is it still presented by the government?

No, the government stopped giving out this medal in 1974. A new group called the Derg took over the country and removed the Emperor from his throne. They chose to end many old traditions, including the use of these imperial medals.

Home Library EthiopiaGold Medal of Haile Selassie I

Merit decoration

Gold Medal of Haile Selassie I

A senior imperial decoration for distinguished military loyalty, service, and sacrifice.

Ethiopia Established 1930 All servicesPrecedence: Ranks senior to the Silver Medal of Haile Selassie I

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for notable acts of valor, loyal military duty, and devotion to the nation.

Eligibility

Members of the armed forces and royal court.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Ranks senior to the Silver Medal of Haile Selassie I

Gold Medal of Haile Selassie I, Merit decoration, Ethiopia medal

History

Created by Emperor Haile Selassie I, this decoration was modeled on the earlier tradition of the Menelik medals. It provided a modern royal decoration for distinguished civil and military service to the throne.

Recipients during the 1930s and 1940s were often patriotic fighters and soldiers who stood against the occupation of Ethiopia. It reflected the personal esteem and gratitude of the Emperor.

Like other imperial awards, it was discontinued by the socialist Derg regime in 1974 after the Emperor was deposed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

Second Italo-Ethiopian WarWorld War II

Veterans Who Received This Award

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Meles Zenawi, including Medal for the Fight Against the Derg, Gold Medal of Haile Selassie I, Victory Star Medal, Derg Wound Medal, Gold Medal of Menelik II, Distinguished Military Medal of Haile Selassie the First, Military Medal of Merit of the Order of St. George, Medal for Participation in International Peacekeeping Operations, Modern Ethiopian Military Service Medal, shown against a light Ethiopia flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

Cold War

Medal for the Fight Against the Derg Gold Medal of Haile Selassie I Victory Star Medal+6

Meles Zenawi

Who Was Meles Zenawi?

A primary leader of the movement that ended the Derg regime in Ethiopia.

Ethiopia1989-02-15

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Sources

Back to Ethiopia