Established on May 11, 1942, the Civilian 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.
The Civilian Aerial Achievement Medal was created in 1988 with the intent to honor Air Force personnel who are not eligible to receive the Air Medal. Recipients of the award, which may be granted to military members by wing commanders or to civilians by the Secretary of the Air Force, are those who have demonstrated a continuously high level of achievement in aerial flight that exceeds the normal expectations. The award extends to personnel who operate unmanned aircraft as well. Eligible civilians are those who demonstrate continued exceptional achievement exceeding expectations.
The California National Guard Military Cross Ribbon honors California National Guard members who execute a heroic act. The act is not required to have been in the service of California or the United States.
The California National Guard Memorial Service Medal honors California National Guard members who are killed while carrying out service on behalf of California or the United States. It is given to the honoree’s next-of-kin. Individuals whose death results from misconduct are not eligible for the award.
The California National Guard Medal of Valor honors California National Guard members who demonstrate heroic acts or feats of bravery exceeding expectations and typically involving the risk of life.
The California National Guard Counter Narcotics Service Ribbon honors California National Guard members who carry out service supporting designated counterdrug missions including and subsequent to Operation Border Ranger in 1987; members of other agencies or military branches may also be presented with this award.
The California National Guard Commanding General’s Meritorious Unit Citation recognizes units of the California National Guard that distinguish themselves through outstanding accomplishments or comportment during peacetime. The term of service must have been carried out after September 11, 2001.
Established on October 25, 1915, the Belgian Croix de Guerre Medal honors personnel from any of the Allied military forces who carried out individual acts of heroism during World War I alone or as part of a unit; eligible acts must have been performed on Belgian soil. A second version for heroic feats performed during World War II was created in 1940.
Established on January 12, 1966, the Army Valorous Unit Citation Award honors units of the United States Army that perform exceptionally heroic acts or otherwise exhibit noteworthy bravery while carrying out operations against hostile forces. Qualifying acts are typically of a nature lesser than those that would warrant the Presidential Unit Citation. the Army Valorous Unit Citation Award is comparable in prestige to the Silver Star, which is issued at the individual level.
Established in 1985, the Army Superior Unit Award recognizes Army units that demonstrate exceptional merit or achievement in carrying out assignments of particular difficulty during a time of peace. The award originated through the 1980 Army Cohesion and Stability Study. Civilians are also eligible for the award.
