This is an original Romanian Medal for the Crusade Against Communism, issued in 1942 during World War II. The medal is made of zinc and measures approximately 32.31 mm in diameter. It features a replacement solid green ribbon, likely a field or collector’s substitution for the original multicolored ribbon.
Please refer to the pictures for the condition of this medal.
Historical and Cultural Context
Instituted in 1942, this medal was awarded by the Kingdom of Romania to military personnel and volunteers who participated in the Eastern Front campaign alongside German forces against the Soviet Union during World War II. Romania, under Marshal Ion Antonescu, joined Operation Barbarossa in an effort to reclaim territories annexed by the USSR (such as Bessarabia and Northern Bukovina).
This decoration served as both a symbol of political alignment and military participation in the broader Axis anti-communist campaign. Today, it represents a complex chapter of Romanian history, tied to both wartime alliances and post-war consequences.
Medal Design
Obverse (Front):
Profile of a woman with braided hair.
Inscription: “ROMANIA RECUNOSCĂTOARE” (“Grateful Romania”).
Reverse (Back):
Raised sword held by a hand, radiating light.
Inscription: “CRUCIADA ÎMPOTRIVA COMUNISMULUI” (“Crusade Against Communism”) encircling the sword.
Year marked: 1941.
Ribbon:
Replaced with solid green. The original ribbon was red with black and white side stripes.
Mounting:
Brass clasp with pin-back attachment.
Summary
Type: Campaign Medal
Issued: 1942
Material: Zinc
Diameter: 32.31 mm
Ribbon: Replaced, green color
Condition: Worn, surface patina and aging visible
Significance: Romanian alliance with Axis forces on the Eastern Front during WWII
Please refer to the pictures for the condition of this medal.