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.
Established in 1950, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal honors Armed Forces Reserve personnel who honorably carry out 10 years of service.
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.
Established on June 28, 1941, the American Defense Medal honors all personnel who carried out active duty of a term of one year or longer between the dates of September 8, 1939 and December 7, 1941.
Established on November 6, 1942, the American Campaign Medal honors members of the United States Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps who carried out service in designated areas during and following World War II, between the dates of December 7, 1941 and March 2, 1946.
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.
Initially established as a ribbon bar in 1964, the Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal took on its current medal form on May 1, 1973. It honors Reserve or National Guard personnel who complete three uninterrupted years of exemplary service without disciplinary action. Prior to July 1, 1972, the required term is four years.
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.
Created in 1963, the Air Force version of the Good Conduct Medal may be presented to any active member of the United States Air Force 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).
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.
