Army Occupation Medal Anodized

Service: Army/Air Force

Instituted: 1946

Dates: 1945-55 (Berlin: 1945-90)

Criteria: 30 consecutive days of service in occupied territories of former enemies during above period

Devices: Gold Airplane Bars: “Germany”, “Japan”

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.

A gold-colored C-54 airplane device is authorized to denote participation in the Berlin airlift. Medal clasps inscribed: Germany and Japan are authorized for the suspension ribbon of the medal for occupation service in those respective territories. An individual who performed occupational service in both areas is authorized to wear both clasps with the upper clasp representing the area where occupation was first performed. However, regardless of the clasp configuration, no attachment is authorized for the ribbon bar.

• Italy, May 9, 1945 - Sept. 15, 1947
• Germany (except West Berlin), May 9, 1945 - May 5, 1955
• Austria, May 9, 1945 - Jul. 27, 1945 - Oct. 2, 1990
• Germany (West Berlin), May 9, 1945 - Oct. 2, 1990
• Korea, Sept. 3, 1945 - Jun. 29, 1949
• Japan, Sept. 3, 1945 - Apr. 27, 1952