Earned, Not Decor..!!!
The U.S. Marine Corps and Navy Military Combat Aircrew Wings with Stars recognize enlisted and officer aircrew members who have demonstrated exceptional performance while participating in combat aviation operations. The addition of gold stars to the Combat Aircrew Wings signifies multiple combat deployments or additional qualifying combat missions, making this badge one of the most … Read more
The Hourglass Device is a military ribbon device awarded with the Armed Forces Reserve Medal to recognize extended honorable service in the Reserve Components of the U.S. Armed Forces. Different hourglass colors represent specific service milestones, allowing Reserve members to display decades of dedicated service on a single ribbon. What Does the Hourglass Device Represent? … Read more
The “R” Device recognizes service members whose direct, hands-on actions from a remote location significantly contributed to combat operations. As warfare has evolved, many military personnel influence the battlefield without being physically present. The R Device acknowledges these important contributions. What Does the R Device Mean? The “R” stands for Remote. It recognizes direct operational … Read more
The “C” Device is a military ribbon device that identifies awards earned under combat conditions. It distinguishes meritorious service performed while exposed to combat but does not signify heroism. What Does the C Device Mean? The “C” stands for Combat. It indicates the recipient performed exceptionally while serving in combat conditions where hostile action was … Read more
The Silver Service Star is a military ribbon device that represents participation in five designated military campaigns or operations. It replaces five Bronze Service Stars, making military ribbon racks easier to read while accurately displaying campaign participation. The Silver Service Star should never be confused with the Silver Star Medal, one of the nation’s highest … Read more
The Bronze Service Star, often called a campaign star, is a small bronze device worn on certain U.S. military ribbons and medals to represent participation in designated military campaigns or operations. It should not be confused with the Bronze Star Medal, which is a separate decoration awarded for heroism or meritorious service. Campaign stars provide … Read more
A military ribbon rack tells the story of a service member’s career through a carefully arranged display of ribbons and award devices. Every ribbon represents a specific military award, while the order and attached devices provide additional information about combat service, deployments, achievements, campaign participation, and repeated awards. At first glance, a ribbon rack may … Read more
Complete Guide to U.S. Military Ribbon Identification Military ribbon charts are one of the easiest ways to identify U.S. military awards and decorations. Every ribbon represents a specific medal, campaign, achievement, valor award, or period of honorable service. Because many medals look similar, ribbon charts provide a quick visual reference that helps veterans, collectors, historians, … Read more
Military ribbon devices are small metal attachments worn on military ribbons and suspension ribbons to provide additional information about a service member’s awards. Rather than issuing multiple identical medals, the U.S. military uses ribbon devices to indicate extra awards, participation in specific campaigns, valor, combat conditions, or years of service. If you’ve ever wondered what … Read more
Military ribbons are one of the quickest ways to identify a service member’s awards and decorations. Each ribbon features a unique combination of colors, stripes, and patterns that correspond to a specific medal or military decoration. While ribbon colors do not always have official symbolic meanings, they are carefully designed to distinguish one award from … Read more