The Georgia National Guard Commendation Medal honors Georgia National Guard members who have carried out continuous outstanding service or made substantial contributions to a mission or general operations.
The Georgia National Guard consists of the Georgia Army National Guard and the Georgia Air National Guard, which are currently estimated to number 11,100 and 3,000 members respectively. The Army component, headquartered in Marietta, traces its roots back to 1751 militia activity in Savannah. The Air component was formed officially in May of 1948, although its origins lie in the 840th Aero Squadron, a non-flying unit that supported World War I efforts; the Air guard is based in Brunswick, Georgia.
The medal features a cross with the image from the Georgia State Seal in the center, encircled by an inscription reading “GEORGIA COMMENDATION.” Between the rays of the cross appear laurels and the words “NON SIBI SED ALIS,” the state motto, which means “Not for themselves but for others.” The ribbon features a red stripe on each end and two blue stripes in the center; the stripes are separated by thinner white stripes.