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 »
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 in 1963, the Coast Guard Reserve Good Conduct Medal honors Coast Guard Reservists who honorably complete a tour of three years of service without disciplinary action; it is comparable to the Coast Guard Good Conduct Medal. read more »
Established on August 4, 1949, the Coast Guard Medal for Heroism, often referred to simply as the Coast Guard 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. Coast Guard, typically in a non-combat capacity. read more »