The USA was no different from other allied nations and at the end of the great war (world war one) issued an inter allied victory medal. Notable about the USA victory medal is that the USA was the only country to issue bars shwing either the zone of service or particular battles or engagements.
The 2nd world war India Service medal was awarded to Indian military personal for three years service within India whilst the war was ongoing. Those soliders in the Indian regiments deployed to overseas postings (in this case outside India) were awarded the corresponding British medals, Eg The “Burma star” for service in SE Asia.
Mess dress or Miniature medals have long been a part of the British army tradition and whilst not officially issued soldiers had to have the miniature medals on hand if they wished (or “made to volunteer” in the army sense) to attend social events. The victory medal was no exception and due to the numbers produced they are encountered frequently.