American Military Patches, Other Insignia and Decorations
of World War Two by Dr. Howard G. Lanham c.2002
BECAUSE OF MULTIPLE IMAGES MAY LOAD SLOWLY
Ribbons of Medals
United States Army
Second World War Period and Prior
At the time of the Second World War campaign medals existed which had been awarded back to the Civil War. Although I cannot know what the earliest campaign medals that an active member of the armed services serving in the Second World War might have worn, I have decided to arbitrarily begin the series of campaign medals with
the China Campaign Metal of 1900.
Army ribbon bars are three-eighths inch (9 mm) high. Various devices may appear on ribbons. A bronze oak leaf cluster
indicates an additional awards of the same medal. A silver oak leaf cluster is equal to five bronze ones. A star on a campaign
medal indicates participation in a major engagement. A silver star equals five bronze stars. In 1944 a one-quarter inch arrowhead was authorized for wear on the campaign ribbons of those soldiers who particupated in a landing or combat jump on hostile territory.
Most of the examples of ribbons pictured are originals and may have minor damage or fading. The links within the section go the a discussion of the background of the corresponding medal.
