What is 10 Second War Stories?

10 Second War Stories brings military history to life through stories, veteran profile, force profiles, and equipment guides across all nations and conflicts.

Can an enlisted private win the Medal of Bravery?

Yes, any member of the Iraqi military can win this award. It does not matter if you are a private or a high-ranking general. If you show extreme courage in battle against an enemy, you qualify for this honor. It is designed to reward bravery at every level of the service.

Could a soldier earn it more than once?

Yes, a soldier can earn the medal many times for different acts of courage. To show this, they add special bars or devices to the ribbon. These extra pieces show others how many times the soldier was heroic in combat. It proves that their bravery was a habit, not just a one-time event.

Did the medal come with perks?

Yes, the government gave special rewards to soldiers who received this medal. Winners were often given extra money or land for their families. They also could receive early promotions to higher ranks in the army. These perks were a way for the country to thank them for their service.

In which conflict was it awarded most?

The medal was given out most often during the long Iran-Iraq War. This war lasted for eight years, from 1980 to 1988. Because the fighting was so intense, the government handed out tens of thousands of these medals. It was the main way to honor the bravery of soldiers during those years.

What is the Arabic name of the medal?

The official name of the medal in Arabic is Nut al-Shaja'ah. This phrase translates directly to the Medal of Bravery in English. It was first created in 1958 to honor soldiers who faced danger on the front lines. The name represents the pride and courage expected of Iraqi troops.

Can an enlisted private win the Medal of Bravery?

Yes, any member of the Iraqi military can win this award. It does not matter if you are a private or a high-ranking general. If you show extreme courage in battle against an enemy, you qualify for this honor. It is designed to reward bravery at every level of the service.

Could a soldier earn it more than once?

Yes, a soldier can earn the medal many times for different acts of courage. To show this, they add special bars or devices to the ribbon. These extra pieces show others how many times the soldier was heroic in combat. It proves that their bravery was a habit, not just a one-time event.

Did the medal come with perks?

Yes, the government gave special rewards to soldiers who received this medal. Winners were often given extra money or land for their families. They also could receive early promotions to higher ranks in the army. These perks were a way for the country to thank them for their service.

In which conflict was it awarded most?

The medal was given out most often during the long Iran-Iraq War. This war lasted for eight years, from 1980 to 1988. Because the fighting was so intense, the government handed out tens of thousands of these medals. It was the main way to honor the bravery of soldiers during those years.

What is the Arabic name of the medal?

The official name of the medal in Arabic is Nut al-Shaja'ah. This phrase translates directly to the Medal of Bravery in English. It was first created in 1958 to honor soldiers who faced danger on the front lines. The name represents the pride and courage expected of Iraqi troops.

Home Library IraqMedal of Bravery

Valor decoration

Medal of Bravery

Iraq's core combat gallantry medal awarded to soldiers for acts of extreme courage in battle.

Iraq Established 1958 All servicesPrecedence: Senior combat valor award below national orders

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for conspicuous bravery and heroic action against enemy forces in combat.

Eligibility

All Iraqi military personnel of any rank.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Senior combat valor award below national orders

Medal of Bravery, Valor decoration, Iraq medal

History

The Medal of Bravery (Nut al-Shaja'ah) was created in the 20th century to recognize individual frontline bravery. It served as Iraq's everyday equivalent to decorations like the Silver Star or the Military Cross, honoring soldiers who risked their lives in combat.

The medal featured a circular design showing an eagle or crossed swords, suspended from a distinctive ribbon. Soldiers who performed repeated acts of bravery could receive the award multiple times, indicated by bars attached to the ribbon.

During the long Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s, the medal was awarded to tens of thousands of soldiers. Recipients received special financial benefits and national recognition for their heroism under fire.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

1967 Six-Day War1973 Yom Kippur WarIran-Iraq WarGulf War

Veterans Who Received This Award

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Saddam Hussein, including Faisal I Coronation Medal, Order of Victory, Wounded in Action Medal, Mother of Battles Medal, 1973 October War Medal, 1948 Palestine War Medal, Order of the Republic, Medal of Bravery, Order of the Mother of Battles, Order of the Two Rivers, shown against a light Iraq flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

Gulf War

Faisal I Coronation Medal Order of Victory Wounded in Action Medal+7

Saddam Hussein

Who Was Saddam Hussein?

The long-time leader of Iraq who oversaw major military campaigns.

Iraq1979-2003

Read Story

Sources

Back to Iraq