Earned, Not Decor..!!!
Military Awards is your resource for understanding U.S. military awards, decorations, medals, ribbons, and honors. Whether you’re researching a specific medal, learning about award eligibility requirements, identifying military decorations, or exploring the traditions behind military recognition, this category provides clear and easy-to-understand information.
Military awards recognize service, achievement, valor, sacrifice, leadership, and dedication across all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. From the Medal of Honor and Purple Heart to Good Conduct Medals and campaign awards, each decoration has a unique purpose, history, and place in the military awards system.
Within this category, you’ll find guides covering military medals, award eligibility rules, military honors and traditions, ribbon identification, medal collecting, display ideas, and resources for veterans and their families. Whether you’re a service member, veteran, family member, collector, historian, or simply interested in military history, these articles are designed to help you better understand the meaning and significance of military awards and decorations.
Explore our growing collection of articles to learn how military awards are earned, what they represent, and why they continue to hold an important place in honoring military service and sacrifice.
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
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