Yugoslavia – Commemorative Medal for 30 Years of Victory over Fascism, 1945–1975

Description

YUGOSLAVIA – Commemorative Medal for 30 Years of Victory over Fascism, 1945–1975
(Spomen-medalja „30 godina pobede nad fašizmom”)

Established by order of Marshal Josip Broz Tito, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, on 27 November 1975, this commemorative medal marked the thirtieth anniversary of victory over the Axis powers and the conclusion of the Yugoslav Partisan struggle in 1945. It was presented during the Yugoslav People’s Army Day celebrations on 22 December 1975.

The medal belongs to the series of commemorative decorations associated with the Yugoslav People’s Army. Unlike Yugoslavia’s formal state orders and decorations for bravery or distinguished service, it was primarily a jubilee award representing the official remembrance of the National Liberation War, the Partisan victory and the establishment of socialist Yugoslavia. JNA commemorative medals were worn on the left side of the uniform, following the ribbon bars of regular state decorations.

The obverse features a raised arm holding a rifle together with a flaming torch. The rifle represents armed resistance and victory, while the torch symbolizes liberation and freedom. The central design is enclosed by a laurel wreath and surrounded by six stylized flags representing the six constituent republics of Yugoslavia: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Slovenia. The five-pointed stars reinforce the medal’s Partisan and socialist symbolism.

The reverse bears the inscription “30 GODINA POBEDE NAD FAŠIZMOM 1945–1975,” translating as “30 Years of Victory over Fascism, 1945–1975.”

The medal was manufactured from gilt tombac or a similar copper alloy, with a matt finish, and measures approximately 35 mm in diameter. It is suspended from a triangular silk ribbon displaying repeated blue, white and red stripes in the colours of the Yugoslav flag. The original aluminium-backed mounting is fitted with a horizontal pin.

The accompanying miniature reproduces the principal obverse design and is suspended from a small rectangular ribbon bar in matching national colours. The set therefore allowed the recipient to wear either the full-size medal or its reduced representation according to the occasion.

Condition: Extremely Fine; gilt finish remains bright with only light surface marks and minor age-related wear. Relief design and reverse inscription are sharp and clearly preserved. Original-style triangular ribbon retains strong colours, with minimal handling wear. Aluminium mounting and rear fastening pin intact. Matching miniature medal and ribbon bar included.