American WW2 Medal | Good Conduct Award

The U.S. Army Good Conduct Medal was created by Executive Order in June 1941, just months before America entered World War II, as a way to formally recognize the discipline and reliability of enlisted soldiers. Unlike combat decorations awarded for bravery in battle, the Good Conduct Medal honored those who demonstrated faithful service, efficiency, and clean disciplinary records over a set period of time—usually three consecutive years of honorable service, though during wartime the requirement could be reduced to one year. The medal itself features an eagle perched on a sword and a book, surrounded by the words “Efficiency, Honor, Fidelity,” which sum up the qualities the award was meant to represent.

During World War II, the medal was widely issued to millions of American soldiers, making it one of the most commonly awarded U.S. military decorations of the period. Early medals were produced beginning in 1942, and WWII versions can be identified by their slot brooch suspensions and certain manufacturer’s marks. While it may not carry the same prestige as combat awards, the Good Conduct Medal was seen as a mark of pride, especially in an era when the Army was rapidly expanding with draftees and volunteers. For many veterans, it symbolized not only their honorable service but also the Army’s recognition that reliability and steady conduct were as essential to victory as acts of heroism.

Ancient Artifacts guarantees the Authenticity of items sold through a three layer system of protection: 

1. Ancient Artifacts exclusively sources artifacts from trusted and reputable antique distributors, many of whom have been selling Artifacts for decades.  
2. Next, the Artifact is inspected by an expert team member, who is professionally trained in counterfeit detection After the artifact passes inspection, the Certificate of Authenticity is signed and the Artifact is packaged. 
3. Finally, Ancient Artifacts gives an additional layer of protection by promising a full refund with no questions asked, in the extremely unlikely event that a counterfeit slips through our vetting process.

Your medal will look very similar to the one shown in the photos. There will always be some variety, given our items are unique historical pieces.If for whatever reason you get anything that does not fit this description you are entitled to your money back! 

Today, World War II–era U.S. Good Conduct Medals are fairly easy to find, since they were produced in large numbers during the war. They often appear for sale through online military dealers and collectibles websites, as well as at major auction houses that specialize in militaria. Antique shops, flea markets, and estate sales sometimes turn them up, and many veterans’ families have also sold or donated them, making them common on platforms like eBay. While generally affordable compared to rarer combat awards, collectors often look for specific WWII versions with original brooch types and manufacturer marks, which can add to their value.