Army Occupation Medal Anodized

Authorized on June 7, 1946 and awarded to both Army and Army Air Force personnel for at least 30 consecutive days of service in formerly held enemy territories, including Germany (1945-1955), Berlin (1945-1990), Austria (1945-1955), Italy (1945-1947), Japan (1945-1952) and Korea (1945-1949).

The front of the medal depicts the Remagen Bridge on the Rhine River with the inscription, “ARMY OF OCCUPATION” at the top. The reverse depicts Mount Fujiyama in Japan with two Japanese junks in front of the mountain. Although not specifically authorized by regulations, many veterans received Occupation Medals with reversed medallions, apparently to indicate the theater of occupation service, i.e., if occupation service was in Japan, the reverse side showing Mount Fujiyama became the front of the medal. The white and black colors of the ribbon represent Germany and the white and red colors represent Japan.