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.
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.
Established on February 4, 1944, the Bronze Star Medal (more commonly known simply as the Bronze Star) honors members of any branch of the United States Armed Forces who demonstrate exceptional or heroic achievement so as to set themselves apart from their peers, though to a lesser degree that what would warrant a Silver Star or the Legion of Merit.
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.
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 July 7, 1960, the Antarctica Service Medal honors members of the United States Armed Forces who have carried out service in Antarctica, as well as civilians who have supported U.S. operations there after January 1, 1946.
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.
