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.
The Airman’s Medal is the United States Air Force’s highest decoration for heroism outside of combat. It recognizes Air Force personnel who distinguish themselves through extraordinary acts of courage involving voluntary risk of life under conditions that do not involve conflict with an armed enemy. The medal honors individuals who place themselves in grave personal … Read more
The Soldier’s Medal is one of the United States Army’s highest awards for heroism outside of combat. It recognizes soldiers who distinguish themselves through extraordinary acts of bravery involving personal hazard or danger that are not connected with armed conflict against an enemy. The medal is awarded to those who willingly risk their lives to … Read more
The Coast Guard Cross is the second-highest military decoration awarded by the United States Coast Guard for extraordinary heroism in combat. It recognizes Coast Guard personnel who distinguish themselves through exceptional courage while engaged in military operations against an armed enemy. Ranking only below the Medal of Honor, the Coast Guard Cross honors acts of … Read more
The Air Force Cross is the second-highest military decoration awarded by the United States Air Force for extraordinary heroism in combat. It recognizes Air Force personnel who distinguish themselves through exceptional courage while engaged in military operations against an armed enemy. Ranking just below the Medal of Honor, the Air Force Cross honors acts of … Read more
The Navy Cross is the second-highest military decoration awarded by the United States Department of the Navy for extraordinary heroism in combat. It recognizes members of the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and, in certain cases, members of other military branches who distinguish themselves through exceptional bravery while engaged in action against an enemy … Read more
The Coast Guard Medal is one of the highest personal decorations awarded by the United States Coast Guard for heroism. It recognizes service members who distinguish themselves through extraordinary acts of courage performed in situations that do not involve conflict with an enemy. The medal honors individuals who willingly risk their own lives to save … Read more
The Defense Superior Service Medal (DSSM) is a prestigious military decoration awarded by the United States Department of Defense. It recognizes superior meritorious service performed in a position of significant responsibility while assigned to a joint activity. The medal honors military members whose leadership and accomplishments make substantial contributions to joint operations and national defense. … Read more
The Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal (CGDSM) is the highest decoration awarded by the United States Coast Guard for exceptionally meritorious service performed in a position of great responsibility. It recognizes extraordinary leadership and sustained accomplishments that significantly strengthen the Coast Guard’s ability to carry out its missions both at home and abroad. Rather than … Read more
The Air Force Distinguished Service Medal (AFDSM) is one of the highest decorations awarded by the United States Air Force. It recognizes exceptionally meritorious service performed in a position of great responsibility. The medal honors senior leaders whose sustained achievements have made significant contributions to the Air Force, national defense, and the security of the … Read more
The Navy Distinguished Service Medal (NDSM) is one of the highest decorations awarded by the Department of the Navy. It recognizes exceptionally meritorious service performed in a position of great responsibility while serving with the United States Navy or the United States Marine Corps. The medal honors sustained leadership and outstanding contributions that have significantly … Read more