Established on November 6, 1942, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal honors United States Military personnel who carried out service during World War II in the Pacific Theater between the years of 1941 and 1945. Initially awarded as a service ribbon, the medal version was approved in 1947 with General Douglas MacArthur as its first recipient.
The Army Superior Civilian Service Award Medal honors civilian employees who distinguish themselves through acts of valor or sustained outstanding performance on behalf of the Department of the Army.
Established on July 2, 1926, the Army Soldier’s Medal honors members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through heroic acts. Eligible acts do not entail confrontation with hostile forces but typically involve the risking of life or limb on behalf of others. The Soldier’s Medal is the greatest distinction a soldier can earn for exhibiting bravery in circumstances other than combat.
Established on March 3, 1971, the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal recognizes sustained honorable conduct in reservists and is the reserve equivalent of the Good Conduct Medal.
The second-highest award granted to civilians, the Army Meritorious Civilian Service Award is approved at the MAJCOM level. It is presented to civilian employees of the Army who demonstrate excellence in carrying out their duties for a minimum period of one year, to those who demonstrate notable initiative in improving procedures or protocols, or to those who otherwise contribute to general morale and performance.
Created on June 28, 1941, the Army Good Conduct Medal may be presented to any active member of the United States military 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).
Established in 1918, the Army Distinguished Service Medal is the Army’s version of the Distinguished Service Medal, which was created to recognize United States Armed Forces personnel who perform service of an exceptional nature on behalf of the government in the execution of a significant operation beyond normal duties. It is typically reserved for senior Army officers.
Created on January 2, 1918, the Army Distinguished Service Cross is the second highest award granted to United States Army personnel. It is awarded in instances of acts of heroism in combat with enemy forces, often involving risk of life. Operations supporting friendly forces of foreign nations are also eligible. The Army Distinguished Service Cross was first awarded in World War I.
Established in 1945, the Army Commendation Medal honors members of the United States Armed Forces who have demonstrated outstanding performance and notable behavior over a period of time. Eligible terms of service are those taking place after December 6, 1941 or, for foreign awardees, June 1, 1962; eligible acts of courage typically do not involve risking one’s life.
Established on June 30, 1976, the Army Commander’s Award for Civilian Service Medal is approximately equivalent to the Army Commendation Medal and was created as a means to recognize civilians and qualifying foreign nationals who have demonstrated an established record of high achievement in serving the Armed Forces. Awardees have typically received previous honors such as the Army Achievement Medal for Civilian Service.
