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 Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) is one of the highest military decorations awarded by the United States Army. It recognizes exceptionally meritorious service performed in a position of great responsibility. Rather than honoring a single act of heroism, the medal acknowledges sustained leadership and extraordinary contributions that have significantly strengthened the Army and national defense. … Read more
The Homeland Security Distinguished Service Medal is the highest honorary service decoration awarded by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It recognizes individuals who have performed exceptionally distinguished service that significantly advances the department’s mission to protect the United States, its citizens, and its critical infrastructure. Although primarily awarded to members of the U.S. Coast … Read more
The Defense Distinguished Service Medal (DDSM) is the highest non-combat service decoration awarded by the United States Department of Defense. It recognizes exceptionally distinguished performance of duty in positions of great responsibility while serving in joint assignments. Because it is reserved for senior military leaders and officials whose service has a lasting impact on national … Read more
The Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) is the United States Army’s second-highest military decoration for valor, ranking only behind the Medal of Honor. It is awarded to soldiers who display extraordinary heroism while engaged in combat with an enemy of the United States. The acts of bravery recognized by the Distinguished Service Cross involve exceptional courage … Read more
Military service often extends beyond national borders. In today’s interconnected world, U.S. military personnel frequently work alongside allied nations, coalition forces, and international organizations to support peacekeeping missions, combat operations, humanitarian efforts, and global security initiatives. As a result, some service members become eligible for foreign decorations and joint service medals. These awards recognize contributions … Read more
Military decorations are much more than medals, ribbons, and badges worn on a uniform. Each award represents a story of service, sacrifice, dedication, and achievement. Behind every military decoration is an individual who answered the call to serve and demonstrated qualities that military organizations consider worthy of recognition. Whether awarded for heroism in combat, years … Read more
Military medals and decorations serve as lasting symbols of courage, sacrifice, dedication, and honorable service. Throughout the history of the United States Armed Forces, countless service members have earned awards that recognize their contributions both in combat and during peacetime service. While there are many different military awards and decorations, some medals are more widely … Read more
Military awards and decorations come in many forms, each designed to recognize a specific type of service, achievement, skill, or act of bravery. From heroic actions on the battlefield to years of dedicated service, these awards help honor the accomplishments of military personnel across all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. Understanding the different categories … Read more
When identifying a World War II medal, the ribbon is often more important than the medal itself. Many WWII medals share similar shapes, sizes, and inscriptions, but ribbon colors and stripe patterns are usually unique to each award. This guide explains how to identify WWII medals by ribbon colors, even when the medal is unnamed, … Read more
One of the most common questions asked by people who inherit or collect military medals is simple: why are military medals unnamed? Finding an old medal with no name engraved on it often leads to confusion and concern about authenticity or value. In reality, unnamed military medals are completely normal, especially for certain countries and … Read more