ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

European–African–Middle Eastern Campaign Medal

The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal is a special piece of metal that was given to American soldiers who helped fight in World War II in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

When America went to war, they had a very big job to do, and they needed help from many people. So, they sent soldiers to different parts of the world to help fight. Some went to Europe to battle against Nazis, some went to Africa to help protect important places, and others went to the Middle East to help with the war effort there.

After some time, when the war was finally over, the government wanted to thank the soldiers who had helped with the war effort by awarding them with special medals. And one of these medals was the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal.

The medal is a round metal circle that has some designs on it. On one side of the medal, there is a picture of a bald eagle holding a shield with stars and stripes. On the other side, there are many different images like a tank, an airplane, a palm tree, and a sunrise.

You could only get this medal if you were a soldier who helped the United States during World War II in Europe, Africa, or the Middle East. It’s a way for our country to say thank you to these brave men and women who risked their lives to help save the world from terrible people who wanted to do bad things.