Earned, Not Decor..!!!
Military Medals is dedicated to the history, meaning, eligibility requirements, and identification of U.S. military medals and decorations. From valor awards and service medals to campaign decorations and achievement awards, this category provides detailed information to help readers understand the significance of military recognition across all branches of the armed forces.
Military medals are awarded to recognize bravery, achievement, service, sacrifice, leadership, and participation in military operations. Each medal has its own history, eligibility criteria, and place within the military awards system. Understanding these distinctions helps veterans, family members, collectors, historians, and researchers better appreciate the purpose and value of military decorations.
Within this category, you’ll find guides covering medal eligibility rules, award requirements, ribbon identification, medal comparisons, military decoration history, and explanations of some of the most recognized awards in U.S. military history. Articles also explore how medals are earned, what they represent, and how they contribute to preserving the legacy of military service.
Whether you’re researching a specific medal, identifying an award from a family collection, learning about military history, or seeking information about military honors, this category serves as a comprehensive resource for understanding military medals and the stories they represent.
A Collector’s Guide Collecting military medals is a rewarding hobby that preserves the history and sacrifices of those who served. However, the growing market for reproductions has made it increasingly important to know how to identify authentic military medals. Whether you’re buying a single decoration or an entire veteran’s medal group, understanding the differences between … Read more
Eligibility, History & Collecting Guide The Navy Good Conduct Medal is one of the oldest and most respected service awards in the United States Navy. It recognizes enlisted sailors who demonstrate exemplary behavior, efficiency, and faithful service over a qualifying period of active duty. Unlike combat decorations or campaign medals, this award reflects professionalism, discipline, … Read more
Complete Guide to Navy Medals and Ribbons The U.S. Navy Awards and Decorations system recognizes sailors for heroism, outstanding achievement, faithful service, leadership, and participation in military operations. From the nation’s highest combat decorations to campaign medals and service ribbons, these awards honor the dedication and sacrifice of Navy personnel throughout their careers. Whether earned … Read more
Eligibility, History & Collecting Guide The American Defense Service Medal is one of the earliest U.S. military service medals associated with World War II. It recognizes members of the United States Armed Forces who served during the nation’s military buildup before the attack on Pearl Harbor. Awarded to personnel who served between September 8, 1939, … Read more
Eligibility, History & Collecting Guide The Navy Occupation Service Medal is a United States military service medal awarded to members of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard who performed qualifying occupation duty following World War II. Established after the war, the medal honors those who served during the reconstruction and stabilization of former … Read more
Eligibility, History & Collecting Guide The Army of Occupation Medal is a United States Army campaign medal awarded to military personnel who served as part of occupation forces following World War II. Established to recognize the critical mission of maintaining peace, rebuilding devastated nations, and supporting military government operations, the medal honors soldiers who helped … Read more
The World War II Victory Medal is one of the most widely recognized United States military decorations awarded for service during the Second World War. Unlike campaign medals that recognized participation in a specific theater or military operation, the World War II Victory Medal was awarded to nearly every member of the U.S. Armed Forces … Read more
The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal (EAME Campaign Medal) is one of the most recognizable United States military decorations awarded for service during World War II. The medal honors members of the U.S. Armed Forces who participated in military operations throughout Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East between 1941 and 1946. Recipients of this prestigious … Read more
The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal is a United States military decoration awarded to service members who participated in military operations within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater during World War II. Established during the war, the medal recognizes the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of millions of American military personnel who fought across one of the largest and most challenging … Read more
The American Campaign Medal is a United States military decoration established during World War II to recognize service members who performed qualifying duty within the American Theater of Operations between 1941 and 1946. Although it is often overshadowed by combat medals earned overseas, the American Campaign Medal honors the essential work performed in defense of … Read more