Created in 1942, the Legion of Merit Medal is granted to individuals who demonstrate an exceptional level of meritorious conduct. It may be awarded either to members of the United States Armed Forces or to members of foreign military and political bodies. read more »
The United States Congress established the Air Force Cross in 1964; it is the second highest military honor that United States Air Force personnel may receive and is granted for exceptional feats of heroism in combat that do not qualify for the higher-ranking Medal of Honor. The Air Force Cross is equivalent in rank and criteria to the Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, and Coast Guard Cross. read more »
Established on July 9, 1970, the Defense Distinguished Service Medal honors U.S. Armed Forces personnel who carry out exceptional service to the end of national security. read more »
The United States Congress established the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal on July 6, 1960 to recognize U.S. Air Force personnel who perform service of an exceptional nature on behalf of the government in the execution of a significant operation. It is typically reserved for senior Air Force officers. read more »
Established on July 19, 1932, the Silver Star Medal honors United States military members who demonstrate gallantry or heroism in combat; it may also be awarded for service with friendly foreign militaries. read more »
Established on February 6, 1976, the Defense Superior Service Medal honors U.S. Armed Forces personnel who carry out superior service in a capacity of substantial responsibility and in the execution of a joint assignment, typically over an interval of one year or greater. read more »
Created in 1942, the Legion of Merit Medal is granted to individuals who demonstrate an exceptional level of meritorious conduct. It may be awarded either to members of the United States Armed Forces or to members of foreign military and political bodies. read more »
Established on July 2, 1926, the Distinguished Flying Cross Medal honors United States Armed Forces members who carry out acts of heroism or otherwise exceptional achievement in combat situations involving aerial flight on or after November 11, 1918. read more »
Established on July 6, 1960, the Airman’s Medal may be presented to members of the United States Armed forces or foreign allies who perform a heroic act or risk their lives while carrying out service on behalf of the U.S. Air Force, typically in a non-combat capacity. 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 in its current form on February 22, 1932, the Purple Heart Medal honors United States military members who are wounded or killed in the line of service on or subsequent to April 5, 1917. read more »
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 »
Established on January 16, 1969, the Meritorious Service Medal honors United States Armed Forces personnel who carry out exceptional service or achievements under circumstances other than combat. read more »
Established on May 11, 1942, the Air Medal honors individuals for heroic acts or otherwise exceptional achievement while carrying out flight or aerial combat operations. It may be awarded either to US or foreign military or civilian personnel and is only awarded during wartime operations. Eligible operations are determined at the discretion of MAJCOMs. read more »
The Air Force Aerial Achievement Medal was created in 1988 with the intent to honor Air Force personnel who are not eligible to receive the Air Medal. read more »
Established on June 25, 1963, the Joint Service Achievement Medal honors United States Armed Forces personnel who carry out exceptional service or achievement on behalf of designated organizations including the Defense Agencies, the Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Headquarters of Unified Commands, or the Office of the Secretary of Defense. read more »
Established on March 28, 1958, the Air Force Commendation Medal honors United States Armed Forces personnel who distinguish themselves through notable service to the Air Force. Eligible acts are generally of a lesser degree than those that would qualify for the Airman’s Medal. read more »
The Department of Transportation [Secretary’s] Award for Superior Achievement Ribbon honors individuals who demonstrate excellence in the execution of their duties on behalf of the Department of Transportation. read more »
Established on August 3, 1983, the Joint Service Achievement Medal honors United States Armed Forces personnel who rank below O-6 and perform noteworthy service on behalf of designated organizations including the Defense Agencies, the Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Headquarters of Unified Commands, or the Office of the Secretary of Defense. read more »