Army Achievement

The Army Achievement Medal is the U.S. Army-specific version of the Achievement Medal. Each branch of the military offers a version of the award, and the United States Department of Defense has also authorized a version of the award to recognize joint activity among more than one branch. The award category was established in order to offer recognition to junior officers and other personnel who do not meet the eligibility criteria for the Meritorious Service Medal or the Commendation Medal; the Army version was authorized in 1981.

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Armed Forces Service

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.

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Armed Forces Reserve Medal – Army Version

Established in 1950, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal honors Armed Forces Reserve personnel who honorably carry out 10 years of service. Although the service may be nonconsecutive, it must take place within a 12-year timeframe. Enlisted members as well as officers are eligible for the award.

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Armed Forces Expeditionary

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.

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American Defense Medal – WWII

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.

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American Campaign Medal – WWII

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.

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Air Medal

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.

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Afghanistan Campaign

Established on November 29, 2004, by then-President George W. Bush, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal honors United States military personnel who carried out service in the country of Afghanistan or its airspace. It may also be awarded to personnel who lost their life while serving in Afghanistan.

By |September 11th, 2014||Comments Off on Afghanistan Campaign