General John J. Pershing, Occupation of Germany

General John J. Pershing, Occupation of Germany

Object NameMedal

Designer Trygve A. Rovelstad (American, 1903 - 1990)

Date1942

MediumBronze.

Dimensions36 mm. dia.

ClassificationsMedals, Medallions, and Coins

Credit LineGift of Richard Draper. In the permanent collection, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.

Object numberUM2019.301

Status

Not on view

Collections

Medals, Medallions and Coins

CultureAmerican

Label TextThe U.S. Army Occupation of Germany Medal that recognizes soldiers of the United States military who served in the European occupation force following the close of World War I, and awarded to servicemen who performed occupation garrison duty in either Germany, or the former Austria-Hungary. https://airandspace.si.edu/collection-objects/medal-army-occupation-germany-medal The Army of Occupation of Germany Medal is a service medal of the United States military which was created by the act of the United States Congress on 21 November 1941. The medal recognizes those members of the United States military who served in the European occupation force following the close of World War I and was awarded to any service member who performed occupation garrison duty in either Germany, or the former Austria-Hungary, between the dates of 12 November 1918 and 11 July 1923. At times the occupation force was as large as 250,000 men. The medal was primarily created due to the rising tension with Germany, between 1939 and 1941, and also as a means to honor the World War I service of General of the Armies John J. Pershing. The medal was designed by Mr. T. A. Rovelstad, Heraldic Division, Office of the Quartermaster General, in June 1942, and was approved by the Secretary of War on 8 July 1942.