Military awards and decorations are distinctions given as a mark of honor for military heroism, meritorious or outstanding service or achievement. A decoration is often a medal consisting of a ribbon and a medallion.
What is the Order of military decorations?
Which British honours, decorations and medals should be worn first?
- Victoria Cross
- George Cross
- British Orders of Knighthood
- Decorations, Medals for Gallantry and Distinguished Conduct
- Badge of Honour
- Campaign Medals and Stars
- Polar Medals
- Imperial Service Medal
- Police Medals for Valuable Service
- Jubilee, Coronation and Durbar Medals
What is the highest military decoration?
What is known as the highest Military Award of a country?
- The highest military decoration is a distinctively designed award given as a mark of honor for military heroism, meritorious or outstanding service or achievement for the nation.
- The highest Military Award is often a medal consisting of a ribbon and a medallion.
- The highest military decoration or award of a nation include:
What does military decoration mean?
The United States Armed Forces awards and decorations are primarily the medals, service ribbons, and specific badges which recognize military service and personal accomplishments while a member of the U.S. Armed Forces.Such awards are a means to outwardly display the highlights of a service member's career.
What is the highest award in the military?
- Congressional Medal of Honor.
- Air Force Cross.
- Navy Cross (Navy, Marines, Coast Guard)
- Distinguished Service Cross (Army)
- Silver Star.
- Purple Heart.
What are Army decorations called?
As their name suggests, military medals are actual medallions suspended from ribbons, used to recognize acts of heroism, bravery, achievements or participation in specific military conflicts. The terms “decoration” and “medal” are used almost interchangeably today, but there are recognizable distinctions between them.
What is a decoration in the Air Force?
US Air Force decorations intend to promptly and publicly recognize a member for acts of valor, exceptional service or achievement, and acts of heroism not involving actual combat.
What are the decorations on military uniforms called?
Insignia are prominently displayed on service uniforms. Service members may also wear “awards” or “decorations” above their right breast pocket. These small, color-coded stripes are awarded for specific duties, missions and accomplishments.
What is the highest decoration in the military?
the Medal of HonorThe nation's highest military award for valor is the Medal of Honor, presented by the president in Congress' name. By law, only U.S. service members who distinguish themselves “through conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty” can receive the medal.
How many points is a decoration?
Decorations are a big deal on the enlisted side because they are counted as Weight Airman Promotion System (WAPS) points toward their promotion. The BLUF is for promotion to the NCO and SNCO ranks their decorations are counted for a maximum of 25 points.
What is a decor 6 Air Force?
A recommendation for doing assigned duties or related tasks in a superior manner. Generally, a recommendation for decoration based on meritorious service must be for a completed period of service as marked by reassignment PCS, PCA, retirement, separation, death or extended period of service.
What is the difference between a medal and a decoration?
Decorations tend to be used to recognise specific deeds; Medals are used to recognise service on a particular operation or in a specific theatre, long or valuable service, and good conduct.
What are the 3 highest military medals?
Medal of Honor.Navy Cross.Silver Star.
What are military bars called?
Chevrons: Most enlisted personnel in every military service branch wear chevrons, or v-shaped stripes. Bars: Officers in the lower pay grades wear bars. Officers at the O-1 pay grade wear one gold bar, O-2 wear one silver bar, O-3 wear two silver bars and warrant officers wear striped bars.
What's the rarest military Medal?
The Victoria Cross is the 'holy grail' for medal collectors because there are only 1,357 in existence. Bearing the inscription 'For valour' and known as a VC, this medal was first awarded for 'conspicuous bravery' in 1856 and later backdated to the Crimean war of 1854.
What is the hardest military Medal to get?
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration that may be awarded by the United States government....It is awarded for gallantry in action:While engaged in action against an enemy of the United States;While engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or.More items...
What are the 3 types of Medal of Honor?
There are three versions of the Medal of Honor, one for each of the military departments of the Department of Defense (DoD): the Department of the Army, Department of the Navy, and Department of the Air Force.
How do Air Force write decorations?
Citations must capture the substance of the decoration with dignity and clarity. The narrative is a short description of the act, achievement, or service. Be specific on facts and limit to no more than two sentences, if possible. Emphasize the individual's mission contribution and use active voice and forceful verbs.
Is the Air Force Commendation Medal a big deal?
Although the Commendation Medal isn't uncommon in today's military service, it's a great achievement all the same. Service members who display acts of heroism or meritorious achievements while performing their duties should be recognized for their contribution to their unit and the nation.
Is the meritorious service medal a big deal?
It recognizes exceptionally meritorious service in a position of great responsibility while assigned to a joint services activity. It is the military's highest joint service decoration and the highest non-combat award.
What does a star on an Air Force ribbon mean?
Denotes personal. valor (combat. heroism) in combat. with an enemy of the. U.S.
What is the military decoration type?
United States Military Decoration Type Marksmanship Award. There is one Marksmanship Award decoration. It is a part of the Marksmanship Award class. This decoration type can be awarded to members of the Air Force. Ribbon.
What is the military ribbon?
United States Military Decoration Type Combat Action Ribbon. There are three Combat Action Ribbon decorations. They are a part of the Personal Decoration class. This decoration type can be awarded to members of the Air Force, Coast Guard, Marines and Navy. Ribbon.
What is the prisoner of war medal?
United States Military Decoration Type Prisoner of War Medal. There is one Prisoner of War Medal decoration. It is a part of the Service Award class. This decoration type can be awarded to members of the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines and Navy. Ribbon.
What is the non combat heroism medal?
United States Military Decoration Type Non-Combat Heroism Medal. There are six Non-Combat Heroism Medal decorations. They are a part of the Personal Decoration class. This decoration type can be awarded to members of the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines and Navy. Ribbon.
How many meritorious units are there in the military?
United States Military Decoration Type Meritorious Unit Commendation. There are seven Meritorious Unit Commendation decorations. They are a part of the Unit Award class. This decoration type can be awarded to members of the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines and Navy.
What is the military medal of honor?
United States Military Decoration Type Medal of Honor. There is one Medal of Honor decoration. It is a part of the Personal Decoration class. This decoration type can be awarded to members of the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines and Navy. Ribbon.
How many types of medals are there in the military?
United States Military Decoration Type Commendation Medal. There are five Commendation Medal decorations. They are a part of the Personal Decoration class. This decoration type can be awarded to members of the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines and Navy. Ribbon.
How Do I Request Military Awards and Decorations?
For the Veteran: in general, the military services will work replacement medal requests for the veteran at no cost. This includes family members with the signed authorization of the veteran.
Does the NPRC issue medals?
Cold War Recognition Certificate. The National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) does not issue service medals; that is a function of each military service department. Requests for the issuance or replacement of military service medals, decorations and awards should be directed to the specific branch of the military in which the veteran served.
Is a discharge date of 1959 a non-archival date?
Records with a discharge date of 1959 or prior are archival and are open to the public. Records with a discharge date of 1960 or after are non-archival and are maintained under the Federal Records Center program. Non-archival records are subject to access restrictions.
Precedence
Across all six branches of the military, awards and decorations are to be displayed on dress uniforms in order of precedence (left to right, top to bottom, from the viewer's perspective).
Earning Awards
Upon initially earning an award, your commander or company-level supply specialist should issue the medal or ribbon to you directly. Some units may conduct small, informal ceremonies for the conveyance of certain awards, but only the most prestigious awards are issued during official recognition ceremonies.
Award Display Regulations
Each branch of the military has slightly different rules about how to display your awards on your uniform. Here's a quick summary of the most basic criteria to keep in mind. These requirements aren't exhaustive, though, so be sure to refer to a full copy of your branch's regulations as needed.
What are the foreign decorations that military members are authorized to wear on their uniform?
There are certain foreign decorations that military members are authorized to wear on their uniform, such as the United Nations Medal, the NATO Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry medal, the Kuwait Liberation Medal-Kuwait and certain nations’ parachutist wings or foreign jump wings.
What is a personal decoration?
Personal Decorations—The Secretary of Defense for Manpower and Reserve Affairs defines personal decorations as a class of awards given to a member of the military to signify specific acts they have completed. Personal decorations can be medals, ribbons and other types of decorations. Examples of personal decorations include the Congressional Medal of Honor (the highest and most prestigious personal decoration that can be awarded to a member of the military), the Service Cross and the Distinguished Service medals, as well as the Combat Action Ribbon.
What are the awards for service?
Service Awards—Service awards include medals and ribbons that are awarded for time in service and other time-related occurrences–i.e., the U.S. Air Force’s Longevity Ribbon or each services’ Good Conduct Medal. Other awards within this class include the Special Service Medal, the Campaign Medal and the Reserve Medal.
What is a medallion in the military?
As their name suggests, military medals are actual medallions suspended from ribbons, used to recognize acts of heroism , bravery , achievements or participation in specific military conflicts. The terms “decoration” and “medal” are used almost interchangeably today, but there are recognizable distinctions between them. Medals are awarded for good conduct, participation in a particular campaign or expedition or a noncombatant service and normally come in a round shape. Decorations, are awarded for acts of gallantry and meritorious service and usually have distinctive (and often unique) shapes such as crosses or stars.
What is a badge made of?
Badges are usually displayed as metal devices and, like insignia, indicate an individual’s job specialty or proficiency within its service. Military Insignia or Rank—Military insignia is either made of cloth or metal depending on the type of uniform they are affixed to and signify one’s rank and status.
What is a marksmanship award?
Marksmanship Awards—This class of awards is presented to military members who excel in precision shooting, marksmanship competitions and marksmanship programs within their military branch or joint service marksmanship competitions.
What is a medal awarded for?
Decorations, are awarded for acts of gallantry and meritorious service and usually have distinctive (and often unique) shapes such as crosses or stars. Campaign or service medals are issued to individuals who participate in particular campaigns or periods of service for which a medal is authorized.
When is the Iraq Campaign Medal period?
The Iraq Campaign Medal period of eligibility is on or after 19 March 2003 to a future date to be determined. The AOE encompasses all land area of the country of Iraq, all air spaces above the land area of Iraq and the contiguous waters of Iraq out to 12 nautical miles.
What is a service ribbon?
With Service Ribbon (Navy-Marine Corps-Coast Guard) For gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life, above and beyond the call of duty, in action involving actual conflict with an opposing armed force.
What does the V mean in the military?
For meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight. Bronze "V" device worn to denote valor.
What is the V in the Navy?
Awarded by the Navy and Marine Corps for heroic or meritorious achievement or service. Bronze " V" device worn to denote valor.
When did meritorious direct participation in a significant military act or operation of a humanitarian nature occur?
For meritorious direct participation in a significant military act or operation of a humanitarian nature performed after April 1, 1975.
What is meritorious achievement?
For meritorious achievement or service while assigned to a joint activity after Aug. 3, 1983. (Navy-Marine Corps) For junior officers and enlisted personnel whose professional and/or leadership achievements on or after May 1, 1961, are clearly of a superlative nature.
Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest and most coveted military decoration the U.S. government can bestow on a member of the Armed Forces. Presented by the president in the name of Congress, there are three distinct variations: one for the Air Force, one for the Army, and one for the Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy.
Distinguished Service Cross
The Distinguished Service Cross is the second-highest honor that can be awarded to a member of the Army. It recognizes heroism in combat that is extraordinary enough to rise above the requirements for all other medals save the Medal of Honor.
Navy Cross
Like the Distinguished Service Cross, the Navy Cross recognizes heroism of such a high degree that it supersedes all medals except the Medal of Honor. It is awarded to members of the Navy or members of the Coast Guard when operating under Navy command.
Coast Guard Cross
The Coast Guard Cross is awarded for extraordinary heroism in combat. The second-highest honor a member of the Coast Guard can receive beyond only the Medal of Honor, it is awarded to members who serve in any capacity with the Coast Guard when the Coast Guard is not operating under Navy command.
Air Force Cross
The Air Force Cross is awarded to members of the Air Force who display gallantry in combat that don't quite merit the Medal of Honor, but that supersede the requirements of all lesser medals. It is the second-highest honor a member of the Air Force can receive.
Silver Star
The Silver Star is the third-highest decoration that can be awarded to a member of the Armed Forces. It recognizes gallantry in action that rises above the requirements for all medals except for the Medal of Honor and a branch-specific Service Cross.
Defense Distinguished Service Medal
Established in 1970 by President Richard Nixon, the Defense Distinguished Service Medal is awarded by the Secretary of Defense. It recognizes exceptionally meritorious service in a position of great responsibility while assigned to a joint services activity. It is the military's highest joint-service decoration and the highest non-combat award.
What is the Soldier's Medal?
The Soldier's Medal is a non-combat award given to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the army, displays heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy after 2 July 1926. It is a highly respected sign of personal bravery usually indicating risk of life. On 6 July 1960, Congress authorized the equivalent Airman's Medal.
What is the oldest military medal?
Established by George Washington on 7 August 1782, for meritorious service and extraordinary fidelity, the Order of the Purple Heart is America's oldest military decoration. After the Revolution it fell into disuse until the War Department reestablished it in 1932 to recognize a "singularly meritorious act," including wounds received in action, retroactive to 5 April 1917. Since 1942, when the Legion of Merit was established, the Purple Heart has been awarded to members of the armed forces and, in some cases, civilians, for wounds and other specific injuries received in action.
When was the Air Medal established?
Established on 11 May 1942, the Air Medal is given to any person who, while serving with the armed forces subsequent to 8 September 1939, performs meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight.
When was the Marine Corps Medal awarded?
Authorized by Congress on 7 August 1942, the Navy and Marine Corps Medal parallels the Soldier's Medal and is awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the navy or the Marine Corps, displays heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy after 6 December 1941. Persons to whom the secretary of the navy, before 7 August 1942 , awarded a letter of commendation for heroism may also win this medal, regardless of the date of the act of heroism. President John F. Kennedy won this award as the commander of PT 109 in World War II.
When was the Legion of Merit created?
Congress created the Legion of Merit, which ranks just below the Silver Star, on 20 July 1942, retroactive to 8 September 1939, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt proclaimed a state of emergency before World War II. It is awarded to members of the American armed forces and of friendly foreign nations who "have distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services." It is the only U.S. decoration with specific degrees of rank.
When was the Distinguished Service Medal awarded?
Congress authorized the army version on 6 July 1918, making it retroactive to 6 April 1917. The first recipients were the Allied Army commanders.
What is the Distinguished Service Cross?
Ranking next below the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross was established for the army on 2 June 1918; the Navy Cross for the navy on 4 February 1919; and the Air Force Cross for the air force on 6 July 1960 (whose members had been eligible for the Distinguished Service Cross). The award is made to armed forces members who distinguish themselves by extraordinary heroism while engaged in action against an enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with a foreign opponent; or while serving with friendly foreign forces in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force.
