World War I Victory Medal (United States)

The World War I Victory Medal, also known as the Victory Medal, was a service medal of the United States military which was established by an Act of Congress on July 9, 1920. It was awarded to any member of the U.S. military who served on active duty between April 6, 1917, and November 11, 1918.

The medal was intended to recognize service during World War I. To qualify, service did not necessarily require duty in a combat zone. Personnel serving stateside, at training camps, or on ships in non-combat zones were eligible for the medal. Additional campaign clasps were authorized for those who performed specific types of service or served in particular locations. These clasps denoted participation in specific campaigns and engagements during the war.

The obverse of the medal depicts a winged Victory figure, while the reverse shows the inscription "The Great War for Civilization" surrounded by the names of the Allied nations.

The medal was commonly presented with a ribbon bearing a rainbow pattern, signifying the dawn of a new era following the war. Clasps, worn on the ribbon, included the Aisne, Aisne-Marne, Defensive Sector, Lys, Meuse-Argonne, Montdidier-Noyon, Oise-Aisne, St. Mihiel, Somme, Toul, Champagne-Marne, Vittorio Veneto, and Ypres-Lys. A silver citation star was authorized for those who were cited for bravery in action but did not receive the Distinguished Service Cross or Medal of Honor. Navy and Marine Corps personnel could also receive engagement devices on the ribbon, indicating specific shipboard engagements.