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What is the Inter-Allied Victory Medal?

The Inter-Allied Victory Medal was created in March 1919 to honor the soldiers from many different countries who fought in World War I. Marshal Ferdinand Foch, the leader of all Allied forces, came up with the plan to show that the nations were united as one team. By using a shared design, the countries celebrated how millions of people worked together to win the war.

Do all country versions look identical?

Each country made its own version of the medal to show its own national style. Even though the metal coins looked a bit different, every country agreed to use the same colorful rainbow-striped ribbon. They also all put a picture of a winged woman, representing the goddess of victory, on the front of the medal.

What words are written on the back of the medal?

The back of every medal features the important phrase, 'The Great War for Civilization.' This special message was written in the language of the specific country that gave out the award. It served as a reminder that these brave people fought to protect their homes and their way of life during this massive global conflict.

Did only combat soldiers receive this award?

The medal was not just for soldiers who fought on the front lines. Military nurses and doctors who served in dangerous war zones were also honored for their hard work. Millions of people in many different roles received this award for their service between 1914 and 1918.

Was there an identical shared medal created after World War II?

The Allied nations did not make a single shared victory medal for World War II like they did for the first war. After that later conflict, countries chose to create their own unique medals instead of one big group award. This shared medal was a very special idea that only happened for the people who served during the First World War.

What is the Inter-Allied Victory Medal?

The Inter-Allied Victory Medal was created in March 1919 to honor the soldiers from many different countries who fought in World War I. Marshal Ferdinand Foch, the leader of all Allied forces, came up with the plan to show that the nations were united as one team. By using a shared design, the countries celebrated how millions of people worked together to win the war.

Do all country versions look identical?

Each country made its own version of the medal to show its own national style. Even though the metal coins looked a bit different, every country agreed to use the same colorful rainbow-striped ribbon. They also all put a picture of a winged woman, representing the goddess of victory, on the front of the medal.

What words are written on the back of the medal?

The back of every medal features the important phrase, 'The Great War for Civilization.' This special message was written in the language of the specific country that gave out the award. It served as a reminder that these brave people fought to protect their homes and their way of life during this massive global conflict.

Did only combat soldiers receive this award?

The medal was not just for soldiers who fought on the front lines. Military nurses and doctors who served in dangerous war zones were also honored for their hard work. Millions of people in many different roles received this award for their service between 1914 and 1918.

Was there an identical shared medal created after World War II?

The Allied nations did not make a single shared victory medal for World War II like they did for the first war. After that later conflict, countries chose to create their own unique medals instead of one big group award. This shared medal was a very special idea that only happened for the people who served during the First World War.

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Campaign medal

Inter-Allied Victory Medal

An agreed-upon victory medal awarded to Allied service personnel who served during the First World War.

Allied Powers Established 1919 All servicesPrecedence: Worn after national general service medals and campaign stars of World War I.

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for honorable military service in designated operational theaters during World War I.

Eligibility

Given to military and naval personnel of Allied nations who deployed to active combat zones between 1914 and 1918.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Worn after national general service medals and campaign stars of World War I.

Inter-Allied Victory Medal, Campaign medal, Allied Powers medal

History

At the close of World War I in March 1919, Supreme Allied Commander Marshal Ferdinand Foch proposed that all Allied nations award a shared victory medal. The goal was to build unity and avoid issuing thousands of separate foreign awards to allied troops. Each nation agreed to use the same rainbow ribbon pattern and depict the winged goddess of victory on the front.

While every member country minted its own national version, they all kept standard guidelines and inscribed the reverse with 'The Great War for Civilization'. Over several years, millions of Allied soldiers, sailors, and nurses received this award to honor their active military service during the global conflict.