Established on November 3, 1977, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal honors outstanding service carried out in a non-combat context on joint assignment with the Department of Defense and of a lesser degree than would warrant the Defense Superior Service Medal. It is the third most prestigious award presented by the Department of Defense. Eligible service usually takes place over a period of at least one year. read more »
In the wake of the September 11 attacks, the Department of Transportation created awards to honor civilians and military personnel who assisted in subsequent relief efforts. The Transportation 9-11 Medal was established in 2002 to honor civilians and military personnel who carried out heroic and courageous acts directly following the September 11 attacks. read more »
In 1998, Congress directed the Secretary of Defense to establish a certificate to honor United States Armed Forces members as well as eligible civilians who contributed honorably to the Cold War effort between September 2, 1945 and December 26, 1991. Those who received the Cold War Recognition Certificate may wish to accompany it with a medal and ribbon, though as an independently created award it is not eligible for wear on military uniforms. read more »
Established on February 4, 1944, the Bronze Star Medal (more commonly known simply as the Bronze Star) honors members of any branch of the United States Armed Forces who demonstrate exceptional or heroic achievement so as to set themselves apart from their peers, though to a lesser degree that what would warrant a Silver Star or the Legion of Merit. read more »
Established on November 6, 1942, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal honors United States Military personnel who carried out service during World War II in the Pacific Theater between the years of 1941 and 1945. Initially awarded as a service ribbon, the medal version was approved in 1947 with General Douglas MacArthur as its first recipient. read more »
The Army Superior Civilian Service Award Medal honors civilian employees who distinguish themselves through acts of valor or sustained outstanding performance on behalf of the Department of the Army. read more »
Established on July 2, 1926, the Army Soldier’s Medal honors members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through heroic acts. Eligible acts do not entail confrontation with hostile forces but typically involve the risking of life or limb on behalf of others. The Soldier’s Medal is the greatest distinction a soldier can earn for exhibiting bravery in circumstances other than combat. read more »
Established on March 3, 1971, the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal recognizes sustained honorable conduct in reservists and is the reserve equivalent of the Good Conduct Medal. read more »
The second-highest award granted to civilians, the Army Meritorious Civilian Service Award is approved at the MAJCOM level. It is presented to civilian employees of the Army who demonstrate excellence in carrying out their duties for a minimum period of one year, to those who demonstrate notable initiative in improving procedures or protocols, or to those who otherwise contribute to general morale and performance. read more »
Created on June 28, 1941, the Army Good Conduct Medal may be presented to any active member of the United States military who demonstrates three uninterrupted years of honorable behavior in service. Infractions or any disciplinary action cause the three-year clock to start over. In wartime, one year of such behavior may be sufficient for the award. There is a Good Conduct Medal for the Navy (established in 1869), the Marine Corps (1896), the Coast Guard (1923), the Army (1941), and the Air Force (1963). read more »
Established in 1918, the Army Distinguished Service Medal is the Army’s version of the Distinguished Service Medal, which was created to recognize United States Armed Forces personnel who perform service of an exceptional nature on behalf of the government in the execution of a significant operation beyond normal duties. It is typically reserved for senior Army officers. read more »
Created on January 2, 1918, the Army Distinguished Service Cross is the second highest award granted to United States Army personnel. It is awarded in instances of acts of heroism in combat with enemy forces, often involving risk of life. Operations supporting friendly forces of foreign nations are also eligible. The Army Distinguished Service Cross was first awarded in World War I. read more »
Established in 1945, the Army Commendation Medal honors members of the United States Armed Forces who have demonstrated outstanding performance and notable behavior over a period of time. Eligible terms of service are those taking place after December 6, 1941 or, for foreign awardees, June 1, 1962; eligible acts of courage typically do not involve risking one’s life. read more »
Established on June 30, 1976, the Army Commander’s Award for Civilian Service Medal is approximately equivalent to the Army Commendation Medal and was created as a means to recognize civilians and qualifying foreign nationals who have demonstrated an established record of high achievement in serving the Armed Forces. Awardees have typically received previous honors such as the Army Achievement Medal for Civilian Service. read more »
The Army Achievement Medal is the U.S. Army-specific version of the Achievement Medal. Each branch of the military offers a version of the award, and the United States Department of Defense has also authorized a version of the award to recognize joint activity among more than one branch. The award category was established in order to offer recognition to junior officers and other personnel who do not meet the eligibility criteria for the Meritorious Service Medal or the Commendation Medal; the Army version was authorized in 1981. read more »
Established on January 11, 1996, the Armed Forces Service Medal honors United States Armed Forces personnel who have carried out service in operations or other activities deemed significant by the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Awardees must not have faced imminent danger or hostile enemy encounters during this service. Eligible operations may fall under the umbrella of peacekeeping activity, humanitarian activity, or activity supporting the United Nations or NATO. read more »
Established in 1950, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal honors Armed Forces Reserve personnel who honorably carry out 10 years of service. Although the service may be nonconsecutive, it must take place within a 12-year timeframe. Enlisted members as well as officers are eligible for the award. read more »
Established on December 4, 1961, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal honors United States Armed Forces personnel who have confronted armed enemy forces or otherwise faced danger from hostile parties while carrying out service in or related to a U.S. military operation. read more »