US Victory Medal with Russia Clasp

Product Description: An original and increasingly scarce U.S. World War I Victory Medal featuring the highly sought-after “Russia” clasp, awarded to American servicemen who participated in the Allied intervention in North Russia or Siberia between 1918 and 1920. The medal retains its full rainbow-colored silk ribbon and bronze planchet depicting the winged Victory on the obverse, with the reverse showing the inscription “The Great War for Civilization” surrounded by the names of Allied nations. The attached “Russia” clasp is officially impressed and correct for the issue. Only a small number of U.S. troops—primarily from the 339th Infantry Regiment (“Polar Bears”) and associated units—qualified for this clasp, making it one of the rarest in the Victory Medal series. In very good condition, with light age toning to medal and clasp, as well as wear  and whiting to the ribbon. A significant and desirable piece representing a unique and lesser-known chapter of American military involvement in the post-WWI period.

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Historical Description: At the end of World War I, American forces found themselves engaged in a little-known chapter of the conflict: military intervention in Russia. As part of the Allied intervention in the Russian Civil War, the United States deployed troops to both Northern Russia and Siberia in 1918. The objective was to support the Allied war effort, protect strategic supply routes, and assist anti-Bolshevik forces against the rising Red Army.

Two distinct American expeditions were sent:

• The North Russia Expedition (Polar Bear Expedition) – Approximately 5,000 U.S. soldiers from the 339th Infantry Regiment, primarily from Michigan, were sent to Archangel, Russia, under British command. They faced extreme winter conditions and fierce resistance from Bolshevik forces.
• The Siberian Expedition – Around 8,000 American troops were deployed to Vladivostok, primarily to safeguard the Trans-Siberian Railway and provide security for Allied interests.

Both missions were politically contentious, with heavy casualties and unclear objectives, leading to the withdrawal of U.S. forces by 1920.

The Russia clasp was awarded exclusively to American service members who participated in these campaigns, making it one of the rarest and most sought-after attachments in the U.S. Victory Medal series. This medal stands as a lasting tribute to the men who served in one of the most overlooked yet significant operations of the early 20th century.

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