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.
Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait) The Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait) is a foreign military decoration awarded by the Government of Kuwait to recognize members of coalition forces who participated in the liberation of Kuwait during the Gulf War. Authorized for wear by the U.S. Department of Defense, the medal honors the service and sacrifice of military … Read more
The Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi) is a foreign military decoration awarded by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to recognize members of the coalition forces who participated in the liberation of Kuwait during the Gulf War. The medal honors military personnel whose service contributed to Operation Desert Storm and the defeat of Iraqi forces in 1991. … Read more
History, Eligibility, and Identification The Southwest Asia Service Medal recognizes U.S. military personnel who served during the Gulf War and related operations in the Southwest Asia theater. It honors those who participated in one of the largest multinational military campaigns of the late twentieth century. The medal remains an important symbol of service during Operations … Read more
History, Eligibility, and Identification The United Nations Service Medal recognizes military personnel who served under United Nations command during the Korean War. It is one of the few international decorations authorized for wear by members of the U.S. Armed Forces. The medal symbolizes the multinational effort to defend South Korea during the conflict. What Is … Read more
History, Eligibility, and Identification The Korea Defense Service Medal (KDSM) honors U.S. military personnel who have served in defense of the Republic of Korea following the Korean War. Unlike campaign medals awarded for a specific conflict, the KDSM recognizes the ongoing mission of maintaining peace and security on the Korean Peninsula. For many veterans, it … Read more
History, Eligibility, and Identification The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal is one of the most recognizable foreign military decorations awarded during the Vietnam War. Although issued by the former Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam), it was presented to many members of the U.S. Armed Forces and allied militaries who served in support of the South … Read more
The Vietnam Service Medal (VSM) recognizes members of the U.S. Armed Forces who served in Vietnam and surrounding areas during the Vietnam War. Established in 1965, the medal honors military personnel who participated in combat operations, direct support missions, or qualifying service within the designated theater. It is one of the most recognized campaign medals … Read more
Several U.S. military medals recognize service during the 1990–1991 Gulf War, including Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. These awards honor service members who participated in combat operations, coalition efforts, and support missions in Southwest Asia. Major Gulf War Medals Southwest Asia Service Medal The primary U.S. campaign medal awarded for participation in the Gulf … Read more
World War II campaign medals recognize U.S. military personnel who served in specific theaters of operations during World War II. Awarded for participation in designated campaigns and military operations, these medals commemorate service across Europe, Africa, the Pacific, Asia, and the Americas between December 7, 1941, and December 31, 1946. These medals remain among the … Read more
Eligibility, History, and Significance The Korean Service Medal (KSM) is a U.S. campaign medal awarded to members of the Armed Forces who served in the Korean War. Established during the conflict, it recognizes military personnel who participated in operations in the Korean theater between June 27, 1950, and July 27, 1954. The medal honors the … Read more