*US, Post-1941 Issue, Army Good Conduct Medal, “Efficiency • Honor • Fidelity”, Vanguard Marked “G27”*
A United States Army Good Conduct Medal, awarded to enlisted soldiers who demonstrated exemplary conduct, efficiency, and fidelity during active Federal military service.
The circular bronze medal features, on the obverse, a spread-wing American eagle standing upon a closed book and sword, symbolising discipline, knowledge, and military authority. Around the border appears the inscription “EFFICIENCY • HONOR • FIDELITY.” The reverse displays a five-pointed star above a blank scroll intended for engraving of the recipient’s name, surrounded by a wreath of laurel and oak branches. Above the star is the inscription “FOR GOOD CONDUCT.”
The medal is suspended from its original red ribbon with three narrow white stripes on each side, mounted on a brass brooch with pin fitting. The reverse of the brooch is stamped “G27,” a contractor code used by Vanguard Industries, a long-standing manufacturer of U.S. military insignia.
Approx. Measurements – Medal diameter: 32 mm.
History Note:
The U.S. Army Good Conduct Medal was established by Executive Order on 28 June 1941 and remains one of the oldest continuously awarded decorations in the United States military.
It is presented to enlisted personnel who complete a qualifying period of honorable service with exemplary behaviour, efficiency, and fidelity. During peacetime the standard requirement is three consecutive years of service, though in wartime or under special circumstances the period may be reduced. The decoration was commonly awarded to soldiers who completed a full enlistment without disciplinary infractions.
The design of the medal emphasises traditional military virtues. The eagle represents the United States, while the book and sword symbolize knowledge and readiness for service. The reverse wreath combines laurel (achievement) and oak (strength and endurance).
Because the ribbon resembles the packaging of Dentyne chewing gum, American servicemen humorously nicknamed the decoration the “Dentyne wrapper medal,” particularly during the Vietnam War era. This example, fitted with a modern brooch mount and bearing the Vanguard “G27” contractor mark, represents a later production example of the long-serving award design. While Vanguard Industries was an official supplier of U.S. military insignia during the Second World War, the “G27” code belongs to a later contractor identification system administered by the U.S. Institute of Heraldry, indicating manufacture from the late 20th century to the present day rather than a wartime issue.
*Condition*
Good overall condition with an even aged patina to the bronze medal. Light surface wear consistent with handling and storage. Ribbon clean and well-mounted to the brooch. Pin and clasp intact and functional. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
