Earned, Not Decor..!!!
Unc Troy Military Award Stars Explained Military award stars are small metal devices attached to medals and service ribbons to indicate additional awards or participation in multiple campaigns or operations. Although they are commonly called “stars,” their meaning depends on the type of medal and the military branch that authorizes their use. One of the most common … Read more
V Device Explained The V Device, often called the Valor Device, is a small bronze letter “V” worn on certain U.S. military medals and ribbons to signify that the award was earned for acts of heroism or valor during combat. It distinguishes awards received for courageous actions under enemy fire from those earned solely for … Read more
Arrowhead Device Guide The Arrowhead Device is a military award device that recognizes a service member’s participation in a combat parachute jump, combat helicopter assault, combat glider landing, or amphibious assault landing. Unlike devices that indicate additional awards or acts of valor, the Arrowhead Device identifies direct participation in one of these hazardous assault operations. … Read more
Military Award Numerals Explained Military award numerals are small metal devices attached to certain U.S. military medals and ribbons to show the number of times a service member has earned a particular award or completed qualifying service. Instead of wearing multiple copies of the same medal, numerals provide a simple and standardized way to display … Read more
Military Awards Glossary Understanding military awards can be challenging because of the specialized terms used throughout the U.S. Armed Forces. From medals and ribbons to devices and citations, each term has a specific meaning that helps explain how military honors are earned, displayed, and recorded. This Military Awards Glossary provides easy-to-understand definitions of the most … Read more
Defense Meritorious Service Medal The Defense Meritorious Service Medal (DMSM) is one of the United States Department of Defense’s highest awards for non-combat achievement. It recognizes members of the U.S. Armed Forces who perform exceptionally meritorious service or outstanding achievement while serving in a joint military assignment. Unlike service-specific decorations, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal … Read more
Legion of Merit The Legion of Merit is one of the United States military’s highest decorations awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements. Unlike many military awards that recognize acts of valor in combat, the Legion of Merit honors sustained excellence in leadership, command, and service that significantly benefits … Read more
Distinguished Flying Cross The Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) is one of the United States military’s most prestigious decorations for heroism and extraordinary achievement during aerial flight. Awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces, the medal recognizes pilots, aircrew members, and others whose exceptional actions in the air demonstrate courage, skill, and dedication beyond what … Read more
Silver Star Medal The Silver Star Medal is one of the most respected military decorations awarded by the United States Armed Forces. It recognizes extraordinary acts of heroism performed during combat against an enemy. As the nation’s third-highest decoration for valor in combat, the Silver Star represents exceptional courage, selfless service, and unwavering dedication under … Read more
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal The Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (NAM) is a personal military decoration awarded by the Department of the Navy to recognize outstanding achievement or meritorious service. Presented to members of the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps, the medal honors individuals whose performance exceeds normal … Read more