The Composition and Craftsmanship of Military Medals: What They’re Really Made Of

Military medals represent more than just metal and ribbon—they embody honor, sacrifice, and national recognition. But have you ever wondered about the actual materials used to create these prestigious awards? Understanding what army and military medals are made of reveals fascinating details about their construction, symbolism, and lasting value.

The Primary Metals Used in Military Medals

Most military medals consist of bronze, brass, or other copper alloys as their base material. Bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, has been the traditional choice for military decorations for centuries due to its durability and workability. The U.S. military, for instance, uses bronze for many of its service medals and campaign awards.

Higher-tier decorations often incorporate precious metals. Silver is commonly used for medals of significant achievement, while gold—or more often gold plating—adorns the most prestigious awards. The Medal of Honor, America’s highest military decoration, features gold-plated bronze with specific design elements that have remained largely unchanged since the Civil War era.

Modern Manufacturing Materials

Contemporary military medals utilize a variety of materials depending on the specific award and issuing country. Common components include:

Base metals: Zinc alloy, copper-nickel alloy, and various bronze compositions form the foundation of most medals. These materials resist corrosion and maintain their appearance over decades.

Plating and finishes: Many medals receive electroplating treatments with gold, silver, or nickel to enhance their appearance and protect the base metal. The thickness of these platings varies based on the medal’s prestige and expected wear.

Ribbons and suspension: The fabric ribbons attached to medals typically consist of silk, grosgrain, or modern synthetic materials like nylon. These ribbons feature specific color combinations that instantly identify each award.

Why These Materials Matter

The choice of materials for military medals isn’t arbitrary. Bronze’s resistance to weathering ensures medals can last for generations, becoming family heirlooms that preserve military history. The weight and feel of metal medals convey gravitas appropriate to the achievements they recognize.

During my time working with veterans’ organizations, I encountered a World War II veteran who showed me his Bronze Star. The medal had developed a rich patina over seventy years, yet every detail remained crisp and readable. He explained that his grandchildren had never seen it tarnished or degraded, despite being stored in less-than-ideal conditions for decades. For those interested in learning more about what to do with old medals, there are several sustainable and meaningful options. That durability stems directly from the careful selection of materials used in its construction.

Special Considerations in Medal Production

Different branches of the military and various countries have their own specifications for medal composition. NATO medals, for example, must meet standardized requirements that member nations agree upon. Some countries use specific alloys that hold cultural or historical significance.

Environmental factors also influence material choices. Medals intended for tropical climates may use different alloys than those designed for temperate regions to prevent accelerated corrosion.

The Manufacturing Process

Creating military medals involves precision die-striking, a process where designs are stamped into metal blanks under tremendous pressure. This technique creates the raised reliefs and intricate details that make each medal distinctive.

Manufacturers carefully control the metal composition to ensure consistency across production runs. Each batch must meet strict quality standards, as medals may be awarded decades after their initial production, and recipients expect uniform appearance regardless of when their medal was manufactured.

Authenticity and Value

Understanding medal composition helps distinguish authentic awards from replicas or commemorative versions. Original military medals possess specific weight, magnetic properties, and wear patterns that collectors and experts recognize. The metals used in genuine awards typically have higher intrinsic value than reproduction pieces.

Veterans’ organizations and military historians maintain detailed records of medal specifications, including exact alloy compositions, dimensions, and manufacturing marks. This documentation helps preserve the integrity of military honors and assists in identifying authentic awards.

Preservation and Care

The materials used in military medals require minimal maintenance, though proper care extends their lifespan. Bronze medals benefit from occasional gentle cleaning with soft cloths, while silver components may need periodic polishing to prevent tarnish. Gold-plated medals should be handled carefully to avoid wearing through the thin gold layer to the base metal beneath.

Storage in cool, dry environments protects medals from humidity-related damage. Many veterans store their medals in display cases that shield them from air exposure while allowing visibility.

Conclusion

Military medals combine practical metallurgy with profound symbolism. The bronze, brass, silver, and gold used in their construction ensure these awards endure as permanent testaments to service and valor. Whether examining a newly issued campaign medal or a century-old decoration, the materials chosen for military medals reflect both technical requirements and the timeless nature of military honor.

These carefully crafted pieces of metal and ribbon carry stories of courage, dedication, and sacrifice. Understanding their composition deepens our appreciation for both the physical objects and the extraordinary achievements they represent.