Army of Occupation Medal Value Guide

The Army of Occupation Medal is a significant post-WWII award established in 1946 to recognize service members stationed in defeated Axis territories. This specific bronze medal is highly collectible for its depiction of the Remagen Bridge and the 'Germany' clasp, representing service in the European theater through 1955.

What affects the value of Army of Occupation Medal?

• Presence and condition of the original 'Germany' clasp on the suspension ribbon.
• Condition of the bronze patina and the crispness of the Remagen Bridge strike.
• Inclusion of the original presentation box or accompanying service documentation.
• Integrity of the silk ribbon, specifically looking for fading or fraying of the black and red dyes.

How to Identify Army of Occupation Medal?

• Verify the presence of the 'Germany' rectangular bronze clasp on the ribbon.
• Check the obverse for the detailed relief of the Remagen Bridge (Ludendorff Bridge) and the 'ARMY OF OCCUPATION' inscription.
• Inspect the silk ribbon for the specific color pattern: black and red edges representing Germany, flanking a white center.
• Confirm the reverse features Mt. Fuji and two junks, which remained the standard design regardless of the theater clasp.

History of Army of Occupation Medal

Established by the War Department in 1946, this medal was awarded to service members who performed occupation duty in either Germany or Japan following World War II. The ribbon colors represent the Axis powers, with black and red for Germany and red and white for Japan. This specific example features the Germany clasp, indicating service in the European theater between May 1945 and May 1955.