Medals

The Air Medal is awarded to anyone serving in the U.S. Armed Forces who has participated in an operational flight.

The American Campaign Medal is a military award of the United States Armed Forces that was established on November 6, 1942, to recognize soldiers who have distinguished themselves in the American theater of operations during World War II.

The American Defense Service Medal is a military medal awarded to a soldier who has distinguished himself in service prior to the entry of the United States into the war from 1939 to 1941.

The Good Conduct Medal is awarded only to enlisted men and non-commissioned officers. To obtain it, the soldier must justify one year of exemplary service in wartime or three consecutive years in peacetime.

The Bronze Star Medal is awarded to any member of the armed forces who has distinguished himself or herself by courage in action or merit in an operation against the enemy outside the air.

Instituted by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, the Legion of Honor has been awarded since its origins to military and civilian persons who have rendered "eminent merits" to the Nation.

On November 15, 1943, to enhance the image of the infantryman, the War Department created the Combat Infantryman Badge retroactive to December 7, 1941. The badge was accompanied by a monthly bonus of $10. The badge was awarded to officers and enlisted men whose conduct in combat was exemplary.

The Cross of War 1939-1945 is a French military decoration intended to distinguish persons (civilian and military), units, cities or institutions having been the subject of a citation for acts of war during the Second World War.

The DFC recognizes members of the armed forces for "extraordinary heroism and achievement in aerial flight."

The SDC is awarded to members of the armed forces who have distinguished themselves by an act of heroism that does not warrant the HSM.

The DSM is awarded to members of the Army who have distinguished themselves by outstanding work in a position of high responsibility.

Campaign medal awarded for 30 consecutive days of service in Europe, Africa or the Middle East between December 7, 1941 and November 8, 1945.

The Legion of Merit may be awarded to a foreign national. This medal recognizes outstanding service outside of combat zones.

The Medal Of Honor is the highest decoration awarded to a member of the armed forces for an act of extreme bravery in the face of the enemy, at the risk of life and beyond the call of duty. It is awarded by the President in person.

The Purple Heart is awarded to any armed forces personnel injured or killed in action.

The Silver Star is awarded to members of the Army who have served gallantly in combat against the enemy.

This decoration is awarded to someone who has risked his or her life to save the lives of others. The Soldier's Medal is awarded in peacetime for an action that would have warranted the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross in wartime, in a theater of operations.

The decoration commemorates military service during World War II and is awarded to any member of the United States Army.

Stay informed

*
*
*
*