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What is the Victory Medal?

This medal was a special award created in 1920 to honor Greek soldiers and sailors. It was given to those who served on the battlefields during the First World War. By wearing this, veterans showed they had fought for Greece on the Allied side between 1917 and 1918.

Why does the ribbon look like a rainbow?

All the countries that won the war used this exact same ribbon design. The colors represent a double rainbow and stand for the peace that came after the fighting ended. It was a way to show that all these different nations stood together as one big team.

Who is the figure on the front of the medal?

The front of the medal shows a woman with large wings. She is Nike, who was known in ancient Greek stories as the goddess of victory. She holds a laurel wreath, which has been a sign of winning a great honor since ancient times.

When did Greece enter World War I?

Greece joined the fight as a unified nation in 1917. Before that, the country was split, but by 1917 they officially picked a side. They sent troops to fight on the front lines in the Balkan region for the remainder of the war.

Did other countries give out similar medals?

Yes, many countries like the United States, Britain, and France handed out their own versions of this medal. Even though the medals were made in different countries, they were all part of one big plan. This helped all the winning nations remember their shared victory together.

What is the Victory Medal?

This medal was a special award created in 1920 to honor Greek soldiers and sailors. It was given to those who served on the battlefields during the First World War. By wearing this, veterans showed they had fought for Greece on the Allied side between 1917 and 1918.

Why does the ribbon look like a rainbow?

All the countries that won the war used this exact same ribbon design. The colors represent a double rainbow and stand for the peace that came after the fighting ended. It was a way to show that all these different nations stood together as one big team.

Who is the figure on the front of the medal?

The front of the medal shows a woman with large wings. She is Nike, who was known in ancient Greek stories as the goddess of victory. She holds a laurel wreath, which has been a sign of winning a great honor since ancient times.

When did Greece enter World War I?

Greece joined the fight as a unified nation in 1917. Before that, the country was split, but by 1917 they officially picked a side. They sent troops to fight on the front lines in the Balkan region for the remainder of the war.

Did other countries give out similar medals?

Yes, many countries like the United States, Britain, and France handed out their own versions of this medal. Even though the medals were made in different countries, they were all part of one big plan. This helped all the winning nations remember their shared victory together.

Home Library GreeceVictory Medal 1914–1918

Campaign medal

Victory Medal 1914–1918

Greece's official Allied Victory Medal awarded to personnel who served during the First World War.

Greece Established 1920 All servicesPrecedence: Worn among First World War campaign decorations

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for honorable military service during the First World War on active battlefronts.

Eligibility

Members of the Greek Armed Forces who served actively on the Macedonian and Balkan fronts between 1917 and 1918.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Worn among First World War campaign decorations

Victory Medal 1914–1918, Campaign medal, Greece medal

History

After the conclusion of World War I, the victorious Allied nations agreed to issue an Inter-Allied Victory Medal. Greece instituted its national version in October 1920 to recognize soldiers and sailors who served between 1917 and 1918.

The Greek version features a winged figure of the goddess Nike standing tall on the front, holding a laurel wreath. On the reverse, the names of the allied nations are inscribed around the perimeter in Greek script.

The medal shared the rainbow-pattern ribbon used by all Allied nations, cementing Greece's role in the global coalition that secured victory in the Great War.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

World War I

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