Established on July 20, 1949, the Medal for Humane Action honors United States Armed Forces personnel who carried out service in operations related to the Berlin Airlift. 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 March 16, 1995, the Kuwait Liberation Medal is an award issued by the Kuwaiti government to honor United States Armed Forces personnel who carried out service in Operation Desert Shield and/or Operation Desert Storm as well as the Liberation of Kuwait between the dates of August 2, 1990 and August 31, 1993. read more »
Established on May 3, 2000, the Kosovo Campaign Medal honors United States military personnel who carried out service in qualifying operations in central and eastern Europe and around the Mediterranean for a minimum term of 30 days consecutively or 60 days nonconsecutively. read more »
Established in November of 1950, the Korean Service Medal honors United States Armed Forces personnel who carried out service in Korea between the dates of June 27, 1950 and July 27, 1954 during and shortly after the Korean War. read more »
Established in February of 2004, the Korean Defense Service Medal honors members of the United States military who carried out service in Korea or its surrounding waters and airspace for a term of thirty days consecutively or sixty days nonconsecutively. 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 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 »
Established on November 29, 2004, the Iraq Campaign Medal honors United States military personnel who carry out service in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom on or subsequent to March 19, 2003. read more »
Established on December 11, 1945, the Inter-American Defense Board Medal honors officers who served on the Inter-American Defense Board. This group works to maintain and advance the security of nations belonging to the Organization of American States. read more »
Established on January 19, 1977, the Humanitarian Service Medal honors United States Armed Forces members who carry out service in direct support of humanitarian operations or initiatives, such as natural disaster relief or efforts to mitigate the effects of epidemics. It may be awarded for service dating back to April 1, 1975. read more »
Established on March 12, 2003, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal honors United States military personnel who have carried out service in the Global War on Terror beginning on September 11, 2001 and ongoing as of 2016. read more »
Established on March 12, 2003, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal honors military personnel who have carried out service on overseas deployments in support of efforts in the War on Terror on or after September 11, 2001. It is used primarily to recognize service in countries other than Iraq and Afghanistan, which have their own corresponding campaign medals. read more »
Established on November 6, 1942, the European – African – Middle Eastern Campaign Medal (EAME) honors military personnel who carried out service in the European Theater during World War II. Initially awarded as a ribbon, the medal was authorized in July of 1947. 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 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 »
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 »
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 »