World War II Army of Occupation

World War II Army of Occupation Medal and Ribbon

History - Established 1946

Established on April 5, 1946, the World War II Occupation Medal Ribbon honors United States Army and Air Force members who carried out occupation service in Austria, Germany, Italy, or Japan following World War II.

To qualify, individuals must have served for a minimum of 30 days consecutively in one of the eligible areas. Individuals may not receive both the Army and Navy versions of the award.

Qualifying dates and regions for the Germany Clasp are as follows:

-Austria, between May 9, 1945 and July 27, 1955
-Germany, between May 9, 1945 and May 5, 1955
-Italy, between May 9, 1945 and September 15, 1947
-West Berlin, between May 9, 1945 and October 2, 1990

Qualifying dates and regions for the Japan Clasp are as follows:

-Japan, between September 3, 1945 and April 27, 1952
-Korea, between September 3, 1945 and June 29, 1949

Details

The medal is bronze and features an image of Germany’s Remagen Bridge and an inscription reading “ARMY OF OCCUPATION.” The reverse features Mount Fuji in the background and a pair of Japanese junks over a wave with an inscription reading “1945.” The ribbon is black on the right and red on the left with white edging.

Berlin Airlift

Japan Bar

Germany Bar