When identifying a World War II medal, the ribbon is often more important than the medal itself. Many WWII medals share similar shapes, sizes, and inscriptions, but ribbon colors and stripe patterns are usually unique to each award.
This guide explains how to identify WWII medals by ribbon colors, even when the medal is unnamed, damaged, or missing documentation. It is especially useful for collectors, families, and anyone researching inherited WWII medals.
Why Ribbon Identification Is So Important
During WWII:
- Many medals were issued unnamed
- Medals from different countries often look similar
- Ribbons were standardized and documented
Because of this, experienced collectors often identify a medal by the ribbon first, then confirm using the medal design.
A correct ribbon can immediately tell you:
- The type of medal
- The campaign or service
- The country of issue
- The time period
Step 1: Examine the Ribbon Carefully
Before researching, take time to study the ribbon in detail.
Key details to note:
- Main background color
- Number of stripes
- Stripe colors
- Stripe order (center vs edges)
- Width of stripes
- Overall ribbon width
Even small differences—such as a thin white stripe versus a thick one—can change the identification completely.
Step 2: Determine the Country by Ribbon Style
Different WWII nations used distinct ribbon color traditions.
United States WWII Ribbons
- Often bright, bold colors
- Clean stripe patterns
- Frequently symmetrical designs
Examples:
- Purple Heart: purple background with white edge stripes
- American Campaign Medal: blue, white, red, and black stripes
British & Commonwealth WWII Ribbons
- Softer, muted tones
- Narrow stripes
- Often symbolic of geography or service
Examples:
- 1939–1945 Star: dark blue, red, and light blue
- Africa Star: sand-colored ribbon with red and blue stripes
German WWII Ribbons
- Strong use of red, white, and black
- Bold, high-contrast designs
- Often worn without the medal as ribbon bars
Examples:
- Iron Cross 2nd Class: black, white, and red stripes
- War Merit Cross: similar pattern but reversed stripe emphasis
Step 3: Identify the Medal Type by Ribbon Pattern
Once the country is narrowed down, ribbon patterns help identify the type of award.
Campaign Medals
- Often include multiple colors
- Designed to represent specific theaters of war
- Common among British WWII awards
Service Medals
- Usually simpler color schemes
- Represent overall wartime service rather than a single campaign
Valor or Decoration Medals
- Often bold or distinctive
- Easily recognizable once known
Step 4: Watch for Common Ribbon Pitfalls
Ribbon identification is powerful—but mistakes happen.
Common issues include:
- Faded colors: blue may appear grey, red may fade to orange
- Replaced ribbons: originals were sometimes replaced post-war
- Incorrect mounting: medals mounted in the wrong order
- Ribbon swaps: collectors or families accidentally mixing medals
Always compare ribbons to multiple reference images, not just one.
Step 5: Ribbon Width and Weave Matters
Original WWII ribbons were typically:
- Slightly thicker than modern reproductions
- Made with period-appropriate weaving
- Less glossy than modern replacements
A ribbon that looks overly shiny or perfectly new may be a replacement, even if the medal is original.
Step 6: Using Ribbon Bars for Identification
Ribbon bars (small rectangular ribbon-only displays) were widely worn during WWII.
If you find a ribbon bar:
- Measure its width
- Compare stripe layout
- Check backing material
Ribbon bars can be identified using the same color and stripe logic as full-size medals.
Step 7: Confirm Ribbon Identification with Medal Design
Once you believe you’ve identified the ribbon:
- Confirm by examining the medal’s inscription
- Check dates or campaign names
- Match suspension style to known examples
Ribbon identification should always be confirmed, not used alone.
Most Common WWII Ribbons People Try to Identify
These appear frequently in collections and family finds:
- WWII Victory Medal ribbons
- Campaign Star ribbons
- Iron Cross ribbon
- British War Medal ribbon
- Defense Medal ribbon
What to Do If the Ribbon Is Missing
If the medal has no ribbon:
- Look for staining or wear marks where a ribbon once was
- Identify by medal design and size
- Compare suspension ring style
Missing ribbons can often be replaced—but only after proper identification.
Final Thoughts
Ribbon colors are one of the most reliable tools for identifying WWII medals. While medals may be unnamed and documents lost, ribbons preserve critical information that allows collectors and families to reconnect these artifacts with their history.
If you are uncertain, professional identification can help ensure the ribbon—and medal—are correctly matched and preserved.