Crusade Against Communism Medal
1942-1944
This medal was
instituted by Royal Decree No. 1014 of April 1, 1942 and was awarded to
military personelirrespective of rank as well as civilians who had
distinguished themselves in the battles on the Eastern front. The medal
could be awarded without bars, but the following bars were authorized:
BUCOVINA, BASARABIA, DOBROGEA, NISTRU, ODESSA, BUG, NIPRU, AZOV,
CREMEEA, DONET, MAREA NEAGARA.
The medal is
dated 1941, and it was awarded through 1944. After 1944, Romania was
occupied by the Soviets, and this award became obsolete. In fact if
would have been very unhealthy to be found with this medal under the
Communist regime that followed the War.
This particular
example has the original ribbon, which is in perfect condition except
for a slight "pull" on the front. What appears to another pull on the
reverse is actually a stitch which holds the clasp.
The clasping
method used to secure the ribbon is unique to Romania. I have only ever
seen this method on WWII era Romanian medals. The design would make
replacing or cleaning of the medal much easier than most methods of
attachment.
The medal reads:
Obverse:
CRUCIADA IMPOTRIVA
COMUNISMULUI
Reverse:
ROMANIA
RECUNOSCATOARE
Translation:
Obverse:
Crusade against
Communism
Reverse:
Romania is thankful
