Medal "For Participation In The European War 1915-1918".

[CtahhR]

The Medal "For Participation In The European War 1915-1918" (Медал „За Участие В Европейската Война 1915-918 г.“) was founded 9th December 1933 in three versions for differing types of participation in the wars. The first version was for a combative participation, second for non-combative participation and a third for participation resulting in death. c1,200,000 Bulgarians participated in the war with c87,500 Bulgarians Killed in action. These Medals were also awarded to Bulgarian allies of the European War that participated in the joint campaigns of the Bulgarian Armies. Although the number of Bulgarian, German, Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman soldiers that participated in the Bulgarian and Balkan campaigns was well over 2 million only around 249,000 of these Medals were awarded.

Here is the version for combatants which can be commonly be seen not only in wear by Bulgarian but also allied veterans in the late 1930's.

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Here is the version for fatal participation.

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Here is the version for non-combatants.

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Here is the miniature which was most likely for German and Austrian veterans and not Bulgarians as miniatures were not the style in Bulgaria at the time.

[CtahhR]

A "combatant" example in truly amazing condition (considering it has been worn).

Awarded to Manol Stojnov Stojanov on 20th April 1939.

[Ruiz]

Set of a German veteran soldier. Oberjager Herr Georg Bünte. Medal, document , letter of gratitude for services to Bulgaria and original envelope.