Created in 1942, the Legion of Merit Medal is granted to individuals who demonstrate an exceptional level of meritorious conduct. It may be awarded either to members of the United States Armed Forces or to members of foreign military and political bodies. read more »
Established on February 4, 1919, the Navy Cross honors Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard personnel who carry out exceptional feats of heroism during combat or qualifying military operations against forces hostile to the United States, or while carrying out service with friendly forces in armed combat. read more »
Established on July 9, 1970, the Defense Distinguished Service Medal honors U.S. Armed Forces personnel who carry out exceptional service to the end of national security. read more »
Established in 1919, the Navy Distinguished Service Medal honors members of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps who demonstrate outstanding service in a role of significant responsibility. read more »
Established on July 19, 1932, the Silver Star Medal honors United States military members who demonstrate gallantry or heroism in combat; it may also be awarded for service with friendly foreign militaries. read more »
Established on February 6, 1976, the Defense Superior Service Medal honors U.S. Armed Forces personnel who carry out superior service in a capacity of substantial responsibility and in the execution of a joint assignment, typically over an interval of one year or greater. read more »
Created in 1942, the Legion of Merit Medal is granted to individuals who demonstrate an exceptional level of meritorious conduct. It may be awarded either to members of the United States Armed Forces or to members of foreign military and political bodies. read more »
Established on July 2, 1926, the Distinguished Flying Cross Medal honors United States Armed Forces members who carry out acts of heroism or otherwise exceptional achievement in combat situations involving aerial flight on or after November 11, 1918. read more »
Established on August 7, 1942, the Navy & Marine Corps Medal Ribbon honors Navy and Marine Corps personnel who carry out acts of heroism not typically entailing the risk of life and usually in a circumstance other than combat. read more »
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. read more »
Established in its current form on February 22, 1932, the Purple Heart Medal honors United States military members who are wounded or killed in the line of service on or subsequent to April 5, 1917. read more »
Established on November 3, 1977, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal honors outstanding service carried out in a non-combat context on joint assignment with the Department of Defense and of a lesser degree than would warrant the Defense Superior Service Medal. It is the third most prestigious award presented by the Department of Defense. Eligible service usually takes place over a period of at least one year. read more »
Established on January 16, 1969, the Meritorious Service Medal honors United States Armed Forces personnel who carry out exceptional service or achievements under circumstances other than combat. read more »
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. read more »
Established on June 25, 1963, the Joint Service Achievement Medal honors United States Armed Forces personnel who carry out exceptional service or achievement on behalf of designated organizations including the Defense Agencies, the Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Headquarters of Unified Commands, or the Office of the Secretary of Defense. read more »
Established in November of 1943, the Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal honors Navy and Marine Corps personnel who who have demonstrated outstanding performance and notable behavior over a period of time. read more »
The Department of Transportation [Secretary’s] Award for Superior Achievement Ribbon honors individuals who demonstrate excellence in the execution of their duties on behalf of the Department of Transportation. read more »
Established on August 3, 1983, the Joint Service Achievement Medal honors United States Armed Forces personnel who rank below O-6 and perform noteworthy service on behalf of designated organizations including the Defense Agencies, the Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Headquarters of Unified Commands, or the Office of the Secretary of Defense. read more »