This is yet another commemorative issued by the Communist government of Romania. It seems that all the Warsaw Pact countries continued to stamp out these medals at regular intervals. Perhaps to rub it into the West that they had played a large part in Germany’s defeat. As a side note, since the Romanians spent most of the war under the Axis perhaps this medal could also be described as commemorating 20 years of subjugation by the Communists?
The Type 2 Loyal Service medal was awarded from 1932 to 1947. It was awarded in three classes. Class I was made in silver gilt, class II in silver, and class III in bronze. Beginning in 1937, the type 2 medal could also be awarded with swords to members of the military.
This example has the yellow bands to the ribbon on the edge indicating it was awarded during a time of war which puts it square into WW2.
The Obverse reads “Serviciu Credincios” (Translation: Loyal Service), surrounded with a wreath of laurel and oak leaves.
In all there were 8 variations of the medal.
This medal is a post-Communist Romanian commemorative medal issued to all those who served in the Romanian Armed Forces during WW2. This medal actually similar in design to that produced after the First World War and is obviously intended to mimic it.
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 is a post-war commemorative medal from the Communist Romanian People’s Republic. The writing roughly translates as in the title of the post. Undoubtedly stamped out by the million.This medal was awarded in 1949 by the Communist Government to soldiers and civilians who participated in the ‘struggle’ against the Germans in World War II. While Romania was allied with Germany during most of the war, King Michael overthrew Marshal Antonescu (the defacto ruler of Romania) in 1945 and turned Romania’s forces against their former allies. Because there is also a medal awarded by Romania for fighting against Communism (see Crusade against Communism Medal), it is conceivable that some soldiers received both awards.
The medal is suspended by the distinctive communist tri-fold ribbon, and has four red and three white stripes in alternating fashion. The medallion depicts the bust of two soldiers, one Romanian and the other Soviet, side by side. The busts are encircled by the words; “ELIBEREA DE SUB JUGUL FACISTl” translation: Liberation from fascist subjugation.
The reverse is comprised of a laurel wreath surmounted by the letters RPR encircling the words, “IN SLUJBA POPORULUI MUNCITOR”. translation: “Workng for the working people”.
This is the Faithful Service Medal issued under King Carol of Romania. This is the second class type without swords so it would be issued for non-war service, for example civil servants, postmasters, policemen and so on. It also has the non-warlike ribbon without the yellow edge stripes.
Kiwi Medals 