US Army of Occupation Medal Value Guide

Established on April 5, 1946, the Army of Occupation Medal honors US military personnel who served in post-WWII Germany, Austria, Italy, Japan, or Korea. This bronze award is highly collectible for its symbolic design, featuring a bridge that represents the American mission to rebuild and maintain peace in war-torn nations.

What Is US Army of Occupation Medal Worth?

The typical price range for US Army of Occupation Medal is $40 - $60 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Presence of original campaign clasps, which can significantly increase collector interest.
• The physical condition of the silk suspension ribbon, specifically looking for fraying or fading.
• Inclusion of the original presentation box or accompanying award documents.
• Overall patina and lack of surface wear on the bronze medal's relief details.

How to Identify US Army of Occupation Medal?

• Look for the distinct bronze medal featuring a bridge on the obverse and the 'Army of Occupation' inscription.
• Verify the suspension ribbon colors, which consist of equal black and white stripes with red edges.
• Check for specific campaign clasps such as 'Germany' or 'Japan' attached to the ribbon.
• Ensure the medal is struck in solid bronze with the high-relief detailing characteristic of official 1946 issues.

History of US Army of Occupation Medal

The Army of Occupation Medal was established by the War Department on April 5, 1946. It recognized service members who performed occupation duties in Germany, Austria, Italy, Japan, or Korea after World War II. Its design features a bridge, symbolizing the role of American forces in rebuilding and maintaining peace.