A look at the state awards for WWI military service.

The Connecticut WWI medal exhibits a blue ribbon with white, red, and white center stripes. Made by the Robbins Company.

When WWI broke out in 1914, most Americans thought of it as the “European War”. For the most part, Americans felt it was none of our business and was too far away to affect the United States. At the outbreak of the war, there was very little deep pro-Ally or pro-German sentiment. Over the next three years things would begin to change. On May 7, 1915, the Lusitania, eight miles off the Irish coast, was struck by two torpedoes that split into her sides, without warning. 1,198 passengers were lost, with 114 Americans in the total. America stood appalled and many demanded a declaration of war. President Woodrow Wilson addressed an ultimatum to Germany on April 18, 1916, to which the German government replied that the following orders had been given: “Merchant vessels shall not be sunk without warning and without saving human lives unless those ships attempt to escape or offer resistance.” While the press would demand action, Wilson’s words won approval from a majority of Americans as evidenced by his re-election by a narrow margin in 1916.

On Feb. 24, 1917, the American ambassador to England, Walter Hines Page, advised the government that a note was intercepted from the German government to the German minister to Mexico. The note indicated that, despite trying to keep America neutral, Germany would begin unrestricted submarine warfare. More damning was the suggestion in case of war with the U.S. that Mexico would join with Germany with its financial support, allowing Mexico to reconquer her lost territory in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona.

Historically, this was confirmed by Alfred Zimmerman, the German Minister of Foreign Affairs, but he insisted it would have been carried out only after America declared war against Germany. This was the final straw and by April 6, 1917, the declaration of war was passed by the House of Representatives by a vote of 373 to 50 and the Senate by a vote of 82 to 6. President Wilson immediately signed the bill.

Until 1917, Wilson had made minimal preparations for a land war, despite pleas for more preparedness. As of April 6, 1917, the United States had a standing army of 127,500 personnel. By the end of WWI, the U.S. had 4.7 million men and women in U.S. Forces, National Guard units, and draft units. More than 2.8 million served overseas. Out of that number 53,402 were killed, 63,000 died of disease or other causes, and more than 205,000 were wounded.

As the war started all aspects of society were mobilized. Gen. John J. Pershing, the newly appointed Commander in Chief, along with a small staff sailed May 28, 1917, to organize the forces needed and to learn training techniques from the Allies. As early as July 1917, the War Department planned to send 21 divisions of 20,000 men each to France by June 1918. Every state sent large numbers of troops for overseas duties as familiar scenes of leaving troops were seen in many cities as millions cheered “Nothing will be too good for you when you return”. Units from all 48 states supplied troops by the millions to defeat Germany.

When the troops arrived home, appreciative towns, cities, counties as well as many organizations awarded the returning soldiers medals for service. Thousands of these local medals provide a fertile collecting area for many military collectors. Because of the large number of locations and variety of issues, focusing only on the states that issued an official medal to its returning service members is a good starting point for interested collectors.

Fourteen states had an official WWI Service Medal. Authorization could have been done by state legislatures, Governor’s Proclamation or the Adjutant General. The first State under consideration is the State of Connecticut. It should be noted the medal was authorized long after the war, on June 6, 1929, by Special Act 136. This war medal was awarded for service during WWI to anyone who was a citizen of Connecticut at the time of entry into service. The obverse is a a 32mm circular bronze medal with a figure of Liberty on the right and an eagle looking toward Liberty and clutching arrows with both claws. “World War” near the top and the dates “1917-1918” along the bottom. The reverse shows the shield and heraldic scroll from the state seal with “for Service” below and “State of Connecticut” around the top. Official records show that 9,687 medals had been issued.

Connecticut

Connecticut WWI medal

The State of Delaware obverse illustrates its rainbow-colored ribbon. Medal made by the Millard F. Davis Co. in Wilmington.

Deleware

The next State to be considered is Delaware. Its state medal was authorized on April 2, 1919, by the state legislature. It was awarded for service in WWI by soldiers, sailors, and Marine Corps from Delaware. The obverse shows an eagle with outspread wings atop the coat of arms of Delaware, encircled by a border inscribed “World War Service-Delaware”. This is imposed on a barely visible key cross with a laurel wreath between the arms. The reverse shows the key cross with a circular nearly closed laurel wreath. Inside the wreath, you see the inscription “Awarded /to/___/by act of the/General Assembly/of the state of/Delaware/1919/___” It is marked sterling along the edge. It should be pointed out that a variation may be found without the eagle and is still considered official. For the collector it is one of the harder state medals to find due to the small numbers, being Sterling silver, and usually named and numbered.

Two versions of the Delaware WWI medal reverse show typically named and numbered medal with ring suspension. Examples show both a wrap and crimp brooch.

The District of Columbia medal shows a half green, half white ribbon with ring suspension. Made by Robbins Co. with safety pin brooch.

District of Columbia

The District of Columbia, while not a state, is classified as a state medal in most references on the subject. The medal was issued to correspond with the Festival of Peace, scheduled to take place in February 1919. The actual celebration took place in June of 1919, but the February date was maintained on the medal. The medal is a 36mm x 51mm bronze Latin cross with beveled edges. A central figure of winged Victory stands on a globe. The wings extend into the upper cross angles. The image of the capitol dome is in the top arm and the dates 1917-1919 on the horizontal arm. In very small letters the banderol behind the figure reads “World War Service”. The reverse is inscribed “presented/by the /citizens of/the District Columbia/February 1919” and space for naming. Inside the globe is the inscription “Made for/Berry &/Whitmore/by/the Roberts Co/Attleboro/Mass.”

The Maryland WWI medal had alternating white and red stripes with ring suspension. Made by the V.H. Blackinton Co. and carries a full wrap brooch.

The State of Missouri WWI medal uses a dark blue ribbon with a thin white, red, thin white center stripe. Made by the D.L. Ault Company.

The Missouri reverses show obvious differences for the National Guard and State versions. The medals use a split wrap brooch and ring suspension.

Missouri actually issued two versions of its state medal, one for Federal Service and one for their National Guard. The Missouri state legislature authorized this medal on April 23, 1919, and recorded as House Bill 349. It was issued to each citizen of Missouri who enlisted or was mustered, drafted, or appointed in the military service of the U.S. between April 7, 1917, to Nov. 15, 1918. The obverse of both the variations of the medal is identical. The bronze 32mm circular medal with a raised edge shows the state coat of arms and the inscription “War with Germany” along the top. Near the bottom are the dates 1917-1919. The major differences between the two versions are in their reverse inscriptions. The variation I medal has “National Guard Missouri” across the top with “The State of Missouri for service inside an almost closed wreath. “United States Forces” is along the bottom. The Variation II medal has “The State of Missouri” at the top with “for service” in the center wreath.

The New Hampshire WWI medal uses a lug suspension with a red, white, and blue ribbon with a bronze brooch. Made by the C.F. Simms Co.

The State of New Jersey uses a half blue, half yellow ribbon in its WWI medal. A rectangular bronze brooch is inscribed “New Jersey”. It exhibits a double ring suspension and made by Bastian Brothers.

New Jersey also issued a war medal for service in any capacity in the military during the war with Germany. Authorized by the state legislature on April 17, 1919, the design of the 33mm bronze medal is complex. It shows Lady Liberty on the left dragging a sword with a group of soldiers advancing to the right into what looks like a dust cloud. Ships and biplanes represent the Navy and Air Corps. Large “Victory” is found at the top and the dates “1917/1918” is found at the bottom. The reverse shows the inscription “Presented/by/the state of/New Jersey/to its citizens who/served in the/World War” The State seal is at the bottom and laurel branches can be found on each side.

Our illustration shows two different size medal obverses from New York with blue ribbon and wide white stripes to a ring suspension. Typically, a slot brooch is used. Made by the Dieges & Clust Co. The larger gilt reverse is unusual.

The New York Aqueduct medal uses a ribbon of red, gray, yellow stripes with purple center stripe and ring suspension. Made by Dieges & Clust Co. The medal uses a slot brooch

New Jersey’s close neighbor, New York, also was a state legislature authorization on March 13, 1919. This is one of the more common medals for a state issued medal since 500,000 troops from New York served in WWI. The medal is a 32mm round bronze lacquered medal (A somewhat larger 35mm version has been observed) with the image of a soldier carrying a rifle advancing to the right. Behind him is a Lady of Victory with a flag seen waving to the right side of the soldier. World War in large letters is seen at the top. The reverse has the inscription “for/Service/1917-1919/presented by the/State/of/New York”. The coat of arms of New York at the top between the arms of laurel shows the names of the Allied countries fighting Germany. New York is especially unique in that it awarded a second medal by order of the governor for service by a member of the military or naval forces of New York. for service in the U.S. protecting public property, public utilities, and other facilities necessary for the conduct of WWI. It is often called the “Aqueduct Medal”. The obverse shows a soldier standing with a rifle over the arch of an aqueduct with a canal in the background. The inscription around the 32mm bronze medal reads “for faithful state service in the field during the World War”. The reverse shows the state coat of arms in the center and the inscription “Presented by the State of New York 1917-1918-1919” around the outside edge.

The North Carolina WWI medal uses a red, white, and blue ribbon to a lug suspension. Obverse seen on original Robbins Co. issue card.

The State of Oregon uses a rainbow ribbon to a lug suspension. Made by Whitehead & Hoag Company. The gold star on the obverse example is for a soldier killed in action.

The Oregon state medal was authorized by the state legislature on March 4, 1919. It was issued to its citizens and residents of Oregon. Although it was estimated that 44,166 Oregonians served in WWI, only 27,500 medals were issued beginning in 1929. The medal is a four Rarm Rupert’s pate cross, with scrollwork at the ends of the cross arms. An eagle with outspread wings stands atop a circular state seal with a large scroll above its head inscribed “World War Service reverse is inscribed “Presented/by/the/State of Oregon/in/grateful/recognition/of faithful service/rendered during the/1917 World War 1918”. Upright fasces facing toward the center are on each horizontal arm with a vertical fasces draped in a banner is on the bottom arm.

The Pennsylvania State Medal uses a dark blue ribbon with rainbow center edged with thin white stripes to a ring suspension. Made by J.K. Davison Co.

The reverse of the Pennsylvania medal shows a concealed brooch with open catch. Minor differences are found with US or PNG in the bottom keystone.

Pennsylvania actually had two versions of its World War I Service Medal. The type I medal was authorized in 1920 and awarded to members of the Pennsylvania National Guard’s 28th Infantry Division. A type II medal was issued for non-guard members and was only authorized by the legislature on April 21, 1937, by Act 94 State Law. The type II was available upon request, at cost, to eligible personnel. The 34mm bronze medal shows a bust of William Penn facing right encircled by a border of banded reeds with the inscription “Pennsylvania National Guard”(type I) or “Pennsylvania Federal Service for the Type 2. A cluster of oak leaves at the bottom has the inscription World — War on each side of a keystone. The type 1 keystone is marked “PNG” while the type 2, the keystone has a five-point star. The reverse for both medals is identical showing a flying eagle with storm clouds and land and sea images below. Type 1 has “US” in a bottom keystone while type 2 has “28” inside its bottom keystone.

Rhode Island WWI medals are found with half blue, half white ribbons with ring to planchet suspension. The manufacturer is unknown.

The Rhode Island WWI Service Medal is somewhat different since it was awarded to members of the State Guard for service performed during WWI with a cut-off date of June 1, 1920. The medal was authorized on May 3, 1920. Basically, a 32mm circular bronze lacquered medal with an eagle with outstretched wings sitting atop a shield with an upright anchor from the state arms. A thin banner is in the eagle’s talons reading “for home and state” A larger inscription around the edge reads “Rhode Island State Guard”. The reverse has a simple inscription “The State of/Rhode Island/to those/who have served/for her protection/ during the World War/1918-19-20”. The basic design was used in Rhode Island’s WWII State Guard & Reserve medals and looks similar except for ribbons used.

Also unusual with a stylized unique brooch inscribed “Presented by/the/State of Wyoming” The reverse of the Wyoming WWI medal shows horizontal pin to open catch and ring suspension. Small maker mark at bottom indicates Dan S. Park & Co. Cheyenne, Wy.

Also unusual with a stylized unique brooch inscribed “Presented by/the/State of Wyoming” The reverse of the Wyoming WWI medal shows horizontal pin to open catch and ring suspension. Small maker mark at bottom indicates Dan S. Park & Co. Cheyenne, Wy.

Another western state to authorize a WWI Service Medal is Wyoming. Its medal was authorized on Feb. 22, 1919, and created for presentation to every Wyoming soldier who served in WWI. An estimated 11,393 medals were issued and often found attributed. The obverse is described as a 33mm x 33mm key cross imposed on a disc and outside laurel wreath. The center bears the design of the state seal. The words “for World War Service” are found at the intersection of the crossarms. The horizontal arms bear the dates 1917 and 1918, with the vertical arms showing the words liberty and freedom. The reverse is quite simple with the back of the wreath as a border and the inscriptions “Presented by/the/State of Wyoming/for services rendered/in the war with/Germany and her Allies.” A tiny maker mark is found at the bottom and space is found for naming the participant.

The reverse of the Oklahoma medal shows a crimp brooch ribbon with open catch. Clearly seen is the hallmark of Jostens Co. of Owatonna.

The reverse of the Oklahoma medal shows a crimp brooch ribbon with open catch. Clearly seen is the hallmark of Jostens Co. of Owatonna.

Our final medal is the Oklahoma WWI Service Medal, which was authorized to all federally recognized members of the Oklahoma NG who were in federal service between April 6, 1916, to Nov. 11, 1918. It was authorized by the Adjutant General years later on May 26, 1933, and often is omitted in the discussion of state WWI Service medals. The usually issued medal is a 34mm circular bronze medal showing three doughboys crouching and advancing with fixed bayonets over rough terrain. To the right is the inscription “Oklahoma/National Guard with the inscription beneath “For/World War/Service”. This author’s example is an especially rare gold version-probably a presentation piece. The reverse is plain with a Josten maker mark. Unusual is the 2A144 number and indication it is GF (gold filled).

This rundown will hopefully provide the collector with all the basic information needed to acquire and collect all the known state WWI awards. This would be a pursuit much more easily achieved than ultimately collecting all the known and even yet unknown awards of county, city, and organization medals of WWI.