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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Catholic military medal?
A Catholic military medal is a religious necklace pendant that features a patron saint on one side and an official U.S. military branch insignia on the other. These double-sided medals combine spiritual protection with military identity, serving as both a devotional sacramental and a symbol of service. They are typically crafted in sterling silver or 14kt gold filled and come with a chain for wearing around the neck. Catholic military medals have been carried by servicemembers for centuries as a source of faith and divine protection.
Which patron saint is for the military?
St. Michael the Archangel is the universal patron saint of all military personnel. As the leader of God's heavenly army who defeated Satan, he embodies the courage and righteousness the military demands. The Prayer to St. Michael — 'St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle' — is one of the most widely recited prayers among Catholic servicemembers. Beyond St. Michael, other patron saints associated with military life include St. Joan of Arc (patron of soldiers), St. George (patron of soldiers and cavalry), the Guardian Angel (popular for Air Force), St. Christopher (patron of travelers, for those who deploy), and St. Brendan the Navigator (patron of the Navy and mariners).
Do you have medals for every military branch?
Yes. Our collection includes Catholic saint medal necklaces for all six branches of the U.S. Armed Forces: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and National Guard. Each medal features the official branch insignia on the reverse side paired with a patron saint image on the front. Available in sterling silver and 14kt gold filled with 18-inch or 24-inch chains.
What is the difference between sterling silver and gold filled medals?
Sterling silver medals are made from .925 solid sterling silver — a precious metal that's durable, beautiful, and slightly more affordable than gold. Gold filled medals (14kt gold filled) have a thick layer of 14-karat gold permanently bonded to a base metal core. Gold filled is not the same as gold plated — it contains 50 to 100 times more gold than plating, which means it resists tarnishing and wear for decades. Both options are made in the USA by Bliss Manufacturing and come with a lifetime guarantee against manufacturing defects.
Can a Catholic military medal be worn in uniform?
Yes, but it must be worn under the uniform and not visible during duty. U.S. military regulations generally permit servicemembers to wear religious jewelry and medals beneath their uniform as long as they don't present a safety hazard or show above the neckline. Many Catholic servicemembers wear their saint medal on a chain tucked inside their shirt throughout their service. The medal provides constant spiritual protection without interfering with military dress code requirements.
What medal should I give for a military deployment?
For deployment, the most popular choice is a St. Michael the Archangel medal with the servicemember's branch insignia on the reverse. St. Michael's role as divine protector in spiritual battle makes him the natural patron for anyone heading into harm's way. St. Christopher medals are also a strong choice for deployment since he is the patron of travelers and safe journeys. Some families give both a military medal and a men's wood rosary together as a complete spiritual care package — the rosary for daily prayer and the medal for constant protection.
Are these medals made in the USA?
Yes. All of our Catholic military medals are handcrafted in the USA by Bliss Manufacturing, a family-owned company that has been producing religious jewelry since 1912. Every medal is die-struck from solid sterling silver or 14kt gold filled, hand-polished, and individually inspected. Bliss medals come with a lifetime guarantee against manufacturing defects — if any medal tarnishes or shows defects, it will be repaired or replaced at no cost.
What is the Guardian Angel military medal?
The Guardian Angel military medal features an image of the Guardian Angel on the front and a military branch insignia on the back. Catholic teaching holds that God assigns a guardian angel to every person from birth for protection and guidance throughout life. This medal is especially popular among Air Force personnel and their families — the connection between angels and those who serve in the skies feels natural and comforting. It's also a meaningful choice for parents sending a child into military service, as a reminder that God's protective angel accompanies them wherever they go.
What occasions are Catholic military medals given as gifts?
Catholic military medals are among the most treasured gifts a servicemember can receive. Popular occasions include enlistment or commissioning (welcoming someone into service), boot camp graduation (marking the transition to soldier), deployment (a reminder of faith and home), promotion (honoring advancement), Veterans Day and Memorial Day (recognizing sacrifice), military retirement (a lasting memento of service), and Christmas or birthdays for active duty members stationed away from family. Many families present the medal in a gift box alongside a handwritten prayer or blessing.
Can a military medal be blessed by a priest?
Yes. Like any Catholic sacramental, a military saint medal can be blessed by any priest or deacon. Once blessed, the medal carries the spiritual graces of the Church's prayer, making it more than just jewelry — it becomes a true sacramental for divine protection. Many families have the medal blessed before giving it as a deployment or graduation gift. Military chaplains can also bless medals in the field. Our medals are not pre-blessed, as selling blessed items is considered simony under Catholic canon law, but they arrive ready for blessing.