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.
Manufacturer marks are one of the most valuable clues when identifying and authenticating U.S. military medals. These markings can reveal who produced the medal, help estimate when it was manufactured, and support research into its authenticity. While not every medal carries a visible mark, understanding manufacturer markings is an important skill for collectors, historians, veterans, … Read more
Whether you’re a collector, veteran, historian, or family member researching a loved one’s service, understanding the difference between original and reproduction military medals is essential. While many reproduction medals are legally manufactured for replacement, display, and ceremonial purposes, they do not carry the same historical significance or collector value as authentic government-issued awards. Learning to … Read more
GWOT-SM The Global War on Terrorism Service Medal (GWOT-SM) recognizes U.S. military personnel who supported the Global War on Terrorism through service on active duty. Unlike campaign medals awarded for deployment to combat zones, this medal honors those who contributed to the overall mission from locations around the world, including within the United States. Established … Read more
The Afghanistan Campaign Medal (ACM) recognizes members of the United States Armed Forces who served in direct support of military operations within Afghanistan. Established in 2004, the medal honors service members who deployed to one of the longest military conflicts in U.S. history and participated in combat, security, counterterrorism, and stability operations. The Afghanistan Campaign … Read more
The Iraq Campaign Medal (ICM) recognizes U.S. military personnel who served in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and subsequent operations within Iraq. Established in 2004, the medal honors those who served in designated combat zones after the initial invasion and before the official end of qualifying operations. Unlike general service medals, the Iraq Campaign … Read more
The Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (GWOT-EM) recognizes U.S. military personnel who deployed overseas in support of approved Global War on Terrorism operations. Established in 2003 following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the medal honors service members who participated in designated expeditionary missions outside the United States. Unlike the Global War on … Read more
Losing military medals can be frustrating, especially when they represent years of honorable service and sacrifice. Fortunately, eligible veterans and, in many cases, their next of kin can request replacement medals from the appropriate military branch. Whether your medals were lost, stolen, damaged, or never received, the replacement process is straightforward once you know where … Read more
The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM) recognizes U.S. military personnel who participate in designated military operations after July 1, 1958. It honors service members who deploy in support of operations where no specific campaign medal has been authorized. The medal has been awarded for hundreds of operations worldwide, ranging from peacekeeping missions and humanitarian efforts … Read more
The Coast Guard Achievement Medal (CGAM) recognizes members of the United States Coast Guard who distinguish themselves through outstanding professional achievement or meritorious service that is significant but does not meet the higher standard required for the Coast Guard Commendation Medal. Established to honor exceptional performance, the medal is awarded to officers, enlisted personnel, reservists, … Read more
The Air and Space Achievement Medal (ASAM) recognize members of the United States Air Force and United States Space Force who demonstrate outstanding achievement or meritorious service that does not warrant a higher military decoration. It honors exceptional performance that contributes directly to mission success and operational excellence. Whether earned through innovation, leadership, technical expertise, … Read more