This list of military awards and decorations of World War II is an index to articles on notable military awards presented by the combatants during

World War II World War II or the Second World War, often abbreviated as WWII or WW2, was a world war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It involved the vast majority of the world's countries—including all of the great powers—forming two opposin ...

Allied Powers

Australia

Atlantic Star The Atlantic Star is a military campaign medal, instituted by the United Kingdom in May 1945 for award to British Commonwealth forces who took part in the Battle of the Atlantic, the longest continuous campaign of the Second World War. Two cla ...

Air Crew Europe Star The Air Crew Europe Star is a military campaign medal, instituted by the United Kingdom in May 1945 for award to British and Commonwealth air crews who participated in operational flights over Europe from bases in the United Kingdom during the S ...

Arctic Star The Arctic Star is a military campaign medal instituted by the United Kingdom on 19 December 2012 for award to British Commonwealth forces who served on the Arctic Convoys north of the Arctic Circle, during the Second World War. The Second Wo ...

* Africa Star *

Pacific Star The Pacific Star is a military campaign medal instituted by the United Kingdom in May 1945 for award to British and Commonwealth forces who served in the Pacific Campaign from 1941 to 1945, during the Second World War. One clasp, Burma, was ...

* Burma Star *

Italy Star The Italy Star is a military campaign medal, instituted by the United Kingdom in May 1945 for award to British Commonwealth forces who served in the Italian Campaign from 1943 to 1945, during the Second World War. The Second World War Stars On ...

France and Germany Star The France and Germany Star is a military campaign medal, instituted by the United Kingdom in May 1945 for award to British Commonwealth forces who served in France, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands or Germany and adjacent sea areas between ...

* Defence Medal * War Medal, 1939–45 *

Australia Service Medal 1939–45 Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands. With an area of , Australia is the largest country by ...

Greece

* Cross of Valour * War Cross * Medal of Military Merit

Soviet Union

Hero of the Soviet Union The title Hero of the Soviet Union (russian: Герой Советского Союза, translit=Geroy Sovietskogo Soyuza) was the highest distinction in the Soviet Union, awarded together with the Order of Lenin personally or collectively for ...

Order of the Red Banner The Order of the Red Banner (russian: Орден Красного Знамени, Orden Krasnogo Znameni) was the first Soviet military decoration. The Order was established on 16 September 1918, during the Russian Civil War by decree of th ...

Order of Lenin The Order of Lenin (russian: Орден Ленина, Orden Lenina, ), named after the leader of the Russian October Revolution, was established by the Central Executive Committee on April 6, 1930. The order was the highest civilian decoration b ...

Order of Suvorov The Order of Suvorov () is a military decoration of the Russian Federation named in honor of Russian Generalissimo Prince Alexander Suvorov (1729–1800). History The Order of Suvorov was originally a Soviet award established on July 29, 1942 ...

Order of Kutuzov The Order of Kutuzov (russian: орден Кутузова ''orden Kutuzova'') is a military decoration of the Russian Federation named after famous Russian Field Marshal Mikhail Illarionovich Kutuzov (1745–1813). The Order was established du ...

* Order of Ushakov *

Order of Nakhimov The Order of Nakhimov (russian: орден Нахимова) is a military decoration of the Russian Federation named in honour of Russian admiral Pavel Nakhimov (1802–1855) and bestowed to naval officers for outstanding military leadership. ...

* Order of Glory * Order of Alexander Nevsky *

Order of the Patriotic War The Order of the Patriotic War (russian: Орден Отечественной войны, Orden Otechestvennoy voiny) is a Soviet military decoration that was awarded to all soldiers in the Soviet armed forces, security troops, and to partisan ...

Order of the Red Star The Order of the Red Star (russian: Орден Красной Звезды, Orden Krasnoy Zvezdy) was a military decoration of the Soviet Union. It was established by decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR of 6 April 193 ...

Medal "For the Victory over Germany in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945" The Medal "For the Victory Over Germany in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945" (russian: Медаль «За победу над Германией в Великой Отечественной войне 1941—1945 гг.») was a military de ...

Medal "For the Victory over Japan" The Medal "For the Victory over Japan" (russian: Медаль «За победу над Японией») was a campaign medal of the Soviet Union established on September 30, 1945 by decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Soviet ...

* Medal "For the Defence of Leningrad" *

Medal "For the Defence of Odessa" The Medal "For the Defence of Odessa" (russian: Медаль «За оборону Одессы»; ) was a World War II campaign medal of the Soviet Union established on December 22, 1942 by decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of th ...

Medal "For the Defence of Sevastopol" The Medal "For the Defence of Sevastopol" (russian: Медаль «За оборону Севастополя») was a World War II campaign medal of the Soviet Union established on December 22, 1942 by decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Sovie ...

Medal "For the Defence of Stalingrad" The Medal "For the Defence of Stalingrad" (russian: Медаль «За оборону Сталинграда») was a World War II campaign medal of the Soviet Union. Medal history The Medal "For the Defence of Stalingrad" was established on ...

Medal "For the Defence of Moscow" The Medal "For the Defence of Moscow" (russian: Медаль «За оборону Москвы») was a World War II campaign medal of the Soviet Union awarded to military and civilians who had participated in the Battle of Moscow. History T ...

Medal "For the Defence of the Caucasus" The Medal "For the Defence of the Caucasus" (russian: Медаль «За оборону Кавказа») was a World War II campaign medal of the Soviet Union. Medal history The Medal "For the Defence of the Caucasus" was established on May ...

Medal "For the Defence of the Soviet Transarctic" The Medal "For the Defence of the Soviet Transarctic" (russian: Медаль «За оборону Советского Заполярья») was a World War II campaign medal of the Soviet Union. Medal History The Medal "For the Defence of th ...

Medal "For the Defence of Kiev" A medal or medallion is a small portable artistic object, a thin disc, normally of metal, carrying a design, usually on both sides. They typically have a commemorative purpose of some kind, and many are presented as awards. They may be int ...

Medal "For the Capture of Berlin" The Medal "For the Capture of Berlin" (russian: Медаль «За взятие Берлина») was a World War II campaign medal of the Soviet Union established on June 9, 1945 by decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR to s ...

Medal "For the Capture of Vienna" The Medal "For the Capture of Vienna" (russian: Медаль «За взятие Вены») was a World War II campaign medal of the Soviet Union established on June 9, 1945 by decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR to satisfy ...

Medal "For the Capture of Königsberg" The Medal "For the Capture of Königsberg" (russian: Медаль «За взятие Кёнигсберга») was a World War II campaign medal of the Soviet Union established on June 9, 1945 by decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of t ...

Medal "For the Capture of Budapest" The Medal "For the Capture of Budapest" (russian: Медаль «За взятие Будапешта») was a World War II campaign medal of the Soviet Union established on 9 June 1945 by decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR ...

* Medal "For the Liberation of Prague" *

Medal "For the Liberation of Warsaw" The Medal "For the Liberation of Warsaw" (russian: Медаль «За освобождение Варшавы») was a World War II campaign medal of the Soviet Union established on June 9, 1945 by decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet o ...

* Medal "For the Liberation of Belgrade" In the Soviet Union orders and medals were also awarded to cities, factories, ships and military units.

United States

Medal of Honor The Medal of Honor (MOH) is the United States Armed Forces' highest military decoration and is awarded to recognize American soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, guardians and coast guardsmen who have distinguished themselves by acts of valor. ...

* Navy Cross *

Distinguished Service Cross The Distinguished Service Cross (D.S.C.) is a military decoration for courage. Different versions exist for different countries. *Distinguished Service Cross (Australia) *Distinguished Service Cross (United Kingdom) *Distinguished Service Cross (U ...

Distinguished Service Medal Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) is a high award of a nation. Examples include: *Distinguished Service Medal (Australia) (established 1991), awarded to personnel of the Australian Defence Force for distinguished leadership in action * Distinguishe ...

Navy Distinguished Service Medal The Navy Distinguished Service Medal is a military decoration of the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps which was first created in 1919 and is presented to sailors and Marines to recognize distinguished and exceptionally meritoriou ...

Legion of Merit The Legion of Merit (LOM) is a military award of the United States Armed Forces that is given for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements. The decoration is issued to members of the eight ...

Silver Star The Silver Star Medal (SSM) is the United States Armed Forces' third-highest military decoration for valor in combat. The Silver Star Medal is awarded primarily to members of the United States Armed Forces for gallantry in action against an e ...

Bronze Star The Bronze Star Medal (BSM) is a United States Armed Forces decoration awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces for either heroic achievement, heroic service, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service in a combat zone. Wh ...

* Soldier's Medal *

Navy and Marine Corps Medal The Navy and Marine Corps Medal is the highest non-combat decoration awarded for heroism by the United States Department of the Navy to members of the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps. The medal was established by an act of Congr ...

Purple Heart The Purple Heart (PH) is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those wounded or killed while serving, on or after 5 April 1917, with the U.S. military. With its forerunner, the Badge of Military Merit, w ...

* Distinguished Flying Cross *

Air Medal The Air Medal (AM) is a military decoration of the United States Armed Forces. It was created in 1942 and is awarded for single acts of heroism or meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight. Criteria The Air Medal was establish ...

* World War II Victory Medal *

American Defense Service Medal The American Defense Service Medal was a military award of the United States Armed Forces, established by , by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, on June 28, 1941. The medal was intended to recognize those military service members who had served ...

* Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal * European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal *

American Campaign Medal The American Campaign Medal is a military award of the United States Armed Forces which was first created on November 6, 1942, by issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The medal was intended to recognize those military members who had perfo ...

United Kingdom

Victoria Cross The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest and most prestigious award of the British honours system. It is awarded for valour "in the presence of the enemy" to members of the British Armed Forces and may be awarded posthumously. It was previously ...

George Cross The George Cross (GC) is the highest award bestowed by the British government for non-operational gallantry or gallantry not in the presence of an enemy. In the British honours system, the George Cross, since its introduction in 1940, has been ...

Order of the Bath The Most Honourable Order of the Bath is a British order of chivalry founded by George I of Great Britain, George I on 18 May 1725. The name derives from the elaborate medieval ceremony for appointing a knight, which involved Bathing#Medieval ...

Order of the British Empire The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is a British order of chivalry, rewarding contributions to the arts and sciences, work with charitable and welfare organisations, and public service outside the civil service. It was established ...

Distinguished Service Order The Distinguished Service Order (DSO) is a military decoration of the United Kingdom, as well as formerly of other parts of the Commonwealth, awarded for meritorious or distinguished service by officers of the armed forces during wartime, typ ...

Military Cross The Military Cross (MC) is the third-level (second-level pre-1993) military decoration awarded to officers and (since 1993) other ranks of the British Armed Forces, and formerly awarded to officers of other Commonwealth countries. The MC i ...

* Distinguished Flying Cross * Air Force Cross * Distinguished Conduct Medal * Conspicuous Gallantry Medal *

Military Medal The Military Medal (MM) was a military decoration awarded to personnel of the British Army and other arms of the armed forces, and to personnel of other Commonwealth countries, below commissioned rank, for bravery in battle on land. The award ...

Distinguished Flying Medal The Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM) was a military decoration awarded to personnel of the Royal Air Force and other British Armed Forces, and formerly to personnel of other Commonwealth countries, below commissioned rank, for "exceptional va ...

* Air Force Medal * Burma Gallantry Medal *

George Medal The George Medal (GM), instituted on 24 September 1940 by King George VI,''British Gallantry Medals'' (Abbott and Tamplin), p. 138 is a decoration of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth, awarded for gallantry, typically by civilians, or in circ ...

* Mention in Despatches *

1939–1945 Star The 1939–1945 Star is a military campaign medal instituted by the United Kingdom on 8 July 1943 for award to British and Commonwealth forces for service in the Second World War. Two clasps were instituted to be worn on the medal ribbon, Battl ...

* Africa Star *

* Burma Star *

* Defence Medal * War Medal 1939–1945

France

* Légion d'honneur à titre militaire *

Croix de guerre 1939–1945 The ''Croix de Guerre 1939–1945'' (English: War Cross 1939–1945) is a French military decoration, a version of the ''Croix de Guerre'' created on 26 September 1939 to honour people who fought with the Allies against the Axis forces at any ti ...

* Médaille militaire *

Resistance Medal The Resistance Medal (french: Médaille de la Résistance) was a decoration bestowed by the French Committee of National Liberation, based in the United Kingdom, during World War II. It was established by a decree of General Charles de Gaulle on 9 ...

Order of Liberation The Order of Liberation (french: Ordre de la Libération) is a French Order which was awarded to heroes of the Liberation of France during World War II. It is a very high honour, second only after the ''Légion d’Honneur'' (Legion of Honour ...

Combatant's Cross The Combatant's Cross (french: "Croix du combattant") is a French decoration that recognizes, as its name implies, those who fought in combat for France. The Poilus (French combat soldiers) of World War I worked toward recognition by the governm ...

* 1939–1945 Commemorative war medal * Médaille de la France libérée * Fourragère

Belgium

Croix de guerre The ''Croix de Guerre'' (, ''Cross of War'') is a military decoration of France. It was first created in 1915 and consists of a square-cross medal on two crossed swords, hanging from a ribbon with various degree pins. The decoration was first awa ...

* Maritime Medal 1940–1945 * Medal of the Armed Resistance 1940–1945 *

Political Prisoner's Cross 1940–1945 The Political Prisoner's Cross 1940–1945 (french: Croix du Prisonnier Politique 1940–1945, nl, Politieke Gevangenkruis 1940–1945) was a Belgium, Belgian war medal established by royal decree of the Prince Charles, Count of Flanders, Regent ...

* Civilian Resistance Medal *

Prisoner of War Medal 1940–1945 The Prisoner of War Medal 1940–1945 (french: Médaille du Prisonnier de Guerre 1940–1945, nl, Krijgsgevangenenmedaille 1940–1945) was a Belgian war service medal established by royal decree on 20 October 1947 and awarded to all members of t ...

* 1940–1945 Military Combatant's Medal * Volunteer's Medal 1940–1945 *

1940–1945 African War Medal The 1940–1945 African War Medal (french: Médaille de la Guerre Africaine 1940-1945, nl, Afrikaanse Oorlogsmedaille 1940-1945) was a Belgian war service medal established by royal decree of the Regent on 30 January 1947 and awarded to officers ...

* 1940–1945 Colonial War Effort Medal * Fourragère

Netherlands

Military Order of William The Military William Order, or often named Military Order of William (Dutch: , abbreviation: MWO), is the oldest and highest honour of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It is named after St. William of Gellone (755–814), the first Prince of Oran ...

Dutch Cross of Resistance The Verzetskruis 1940–1945 (English: ''Cross of Resistance 1940–1945'') is a decoration for valour in the Netherlands. Instituted on May 3, 1946, it was awarded in recognition of the individual courage shown in resistance against the ...

Bronze Lion The Bronze Lion ( nl, Bronzen Leeuw) is a high Royal Dutch award, intended for servicemen who have shown extreme bravery and leadership in battle favouring The Netherlands; in some special cases it can be awarded to Dutch or foreign civilians. It ...

Resistance Star East Asia {{Infobox military award , name=Resistance Star East Asia , image=Verzetsster Oost Azie met baton.jpg , image_size=100px , caption=The Resistance Star East Asia with corresponding ribbon bar. , presenter= Kingdom of the Netherlands , type= Civil dec ...

* Bronze Cross * Cross of Merit *

Airman's Cross The Airman's Cross ( nl, Vliegerkruis) is a military decoration of the Kingdom of the Netherlands created in 1941. The cross is awarded to members of the Dutch military who display initiative, courage, and perseverance against the enemy or during ...

Honorary Medal for Charitable Assistance The Honorary Medal for Charitable Assistance ( nl, Erepenning voor Menslievend Hulpbetoon) was created at 18 June 1822 and is after the Military William Order the oldest decoration for bravery in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Furthermore, the Hon ...

Luxembourg

* Luxembourg War Cross * Order of the Resistance

Poland

Virtuti Militari The War Order of Virtuti Militari (Latin: ''"For Military Virtue"'', pl, Order Wojenny Virtuti Militari) is Poland's highest military decoration for heroism and courage in the face of the enemy at war. It was created in 1792 by Polish King Stan ...

* Order Krzyża Grunwaldu * Order Krzyża Niepodległości * Krzyż Walecznych (Cross of the Valorous) * Krzyż Zasługi z Mieczami (Cross of Merit with Swords) * Medal Wojska (Army Medal for War 1939–45) * Medal Lotniczy (Air Force Medal for War 1939–45) * Medal Morski (Navy Medal for War 1939–45) * Medal Morski Polskiej Marynarki Handlowej (Merchant Marine Medal for War 1939–45) * Krzyż Kampanii Wrześniowej 1939 (Cross of September Campaign 1939) * Krzyż Pamiątkowy Monte Cassino (Monte Cassino Commemorative Cross) * Krzyż Armii Krajowej (Home Army Cross) * Medal "Zasłużonym na Polu Chwały" (Medal for Merit on the Field of Glory) * Krzyż Partyzancki (Partisan Cross) * Krzyż Czynu Bojowego Polskich Sił Zbrojnych na Zachodzie (Polish Armed Forces in the West Military Action Cross) * Krzyż Bitwy pod Lenino (Battle of Lenino Cross) * Krzyż Oświęcimski (Auschwitz Cross) * Medal "Za udział w wojnie obronnej 1939" (Medal for the War of 1939) * Warszawski Krzyż Powstańczy (Warsaw Cross of the Uprising) * Medal za Warszawę 1939–1945 (Medal for Warsaw 1939–1945) * Medal za Odrę, Nysę, Bałtyk (Medal for Oder, Neisse and Baltic) * Medal Zwycięstwa i Wolności 1945 (Medal of Victory and Freedom 1945) * Medal "Za udział w walkach o Berlin" (Medal for Participation in the Battle of Berlin) * Krzyż Batalionów Chłopskich (Peasant Battalions Cross) * Krzyż Narodowego Czynu Zbrojnego (National Military Action Cross) * Krzyż Zesłańców Sybiru (Cross of the Deported to Siberia) *

Krzyż Powstania Warszawskiego The Cross of the Warsaw Uprising ( pl, Krzyż Powstania Warszawskiego) was an informal award used by soldiers of the Home Army, Polish resistance during the Warsaw Uprising of 1944. It consisted of a captured German Iron Cross, with a pre-war 1 Po ...

(Cross of the Warsaw Uprising)

Yugoslavia

* Order of the National Hero (''Orden narodnog heroja'') * Order of the National Liberation *

Order of Bravery (Yugoslavia) The Order of Bravery was a Yugoslav gallantry medal, the twenty-third overall Yugoslav decoration.Order of the Partisan Star (Yugoslavia) * Order of Brotherhood and Unity (Yugoslavia) * The Medal of Bravery (Yugoslavia)

Axis Powers and Allies

Nazi Germany

Iron Cross The Iron Cross (german: link=no, Eisernes Kreuz, , abbreviated EK) was a military decoration in the Kingdom of Prussia, and later in the German Empire (1871–1918) and Nazi Germany (1933–1945). King Frederick William III of Prussia est ...

Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross (german: Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes), or simply the Knight's Cross (), and its variants, were the highest awards in the military and paramilitary forces of Nazi Germany during World War II. The Knight' ...

* German Cross

Romania

Order of Michael the Brave The Order of Michael the Brave ( ro, Ordinul Mihai Viteazul) is Romania's highest military decoration, instituted by King Ferdinand I during the early stages of the Romanian Campaign of the First World War, and was again awarded in the Second Wor ...

Order of the Star of Romania The Order of the Star of Romania (Romanian: ''Ordinul Steaua României'') is Romania's highest civil Order and second highest State decoration after the defunct Order of Michael the Brave. It is awarded by the President of Romania. It has five r ...

* Cruciada împotriva comunismului

Finland

* Order of the Cross of Liberty **

Mannerheim cross The Mannerheim Cross ( fi, Mannerheim-risti, sv, Mannerheimkorset), officially Mannerheim Cross of the Cross of Liberty ( fi, Vapaudenristin Mannerheim-risti, link=no, sv, Frihetskorsets Mannerheimkors, link=no) is the most distinguished Finnish ...

(awarded 1941–1945) * Order of the White Rose of Finland *

Order of the Lion of Finland The Order of the Lion of Finland ( fi, Suomen Leijonan ritarikunta; sv, Finlands Lejons orden) is one of three official orders in Finland, along with the Order of the Cross of Liberty and the Order of the White Rose of Finland. The President o ...

Non-Participants

Israel

* Volunteer Ribbon *

Fighters against Nazis Medal Fighters against Nazis Medal ( ''Ot Halohem BaNatzim'') is an Israeli decoration that is awarded to World War II veterans. First instituted as a ribbon bar in 1967, it was first awarded to World War II veterans at Yom HaShoah (7 May) the same y ...

* Decoration of State Warriors

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Military Awards Of World War Ii

WWII World War II or the Second World War, often abbreviated as WWII or WW2, was a world war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It involved the vast majority of the world's countries—including all of the great powers—forming two opposin ...

World War II-related lists

military awards and decorations of World War II A military, also known collectively as armed forces, is a heavily armed, highly organized force primarily intended for warfare. It is typically authorized and maintained by a sovereign state, with its members identifiable by their distinct ...