Understanding Military Ribbons and Award Devices
Military ribbons and award devices tell the complete story of a service member’s military career. While medals are typically worn during formal ceremonies, ribbons are worn on daily uniforms and often include small devices that provide additional information about a service member’s achievements, campaigns, or multiple awards.
To someone unfamiliar with military decorations, these ribbons and devices may appear confusing. However, every color, stripe, star, cluster, and attachment has a specific meaning.
This guide explains the most common military ribbons and award devices used by the United States Armed Forces and how to identify them.
What Are Military Ribbons?
Military ribbons are colorful fabric bars that represent military medals, decorations, and awards.
Instead of wearing full-size medals every day, service members wear ribbon bars that correspond to each award they have earned.
Each ribbon has a unique color pattern that identifies a specific military decoration.
For example:
- Purple ribbon with white edges = Purple Heart
- Rainbow ribbon = World War II Victory Medal
- Red, white, and blue ribbon = National Defense Service Medal
Experienced military personnel can often recognize awards simply by their ribbon colors.
What Are Award Devices?
Award devices are small metal attachments placed on ribbons or suspension ribbons to provide additional information.
Devices may indicate:
- Multiple awards
- Participation in campaigns
- Heroism
- Assault landings
- Length of service
- Special qualifications
Without these devices, many awards would appear identical.
Ribbon Colors
Every military ribbon has a unique color combination approved by the Department of Defense.
Ribbon colors often reflect the purpose or history of the award.
Examples include:
- Purple Heart — Purple with white borders
- Medal of Honor ribbons differ by military branch
- Silver Star — Red, white, and blue
- Bronze Star Medal — Red with blue and white stripes
- National Defense Service Medal — Red, yellow, white, blue, and green
Learning ribbon colors allows veterans, collectors, historians, and family members to identify military awards quickly.
Learn more: Military Ribbon Colors Guide
Oak Leaf Clusters
Oak Leaf Clusters indicate additional awards of the same decoration.
Instead of wearing multiple identical medals, recipients wear small bronze or silver oak leaf clusters on the ribbon.
Generally:
- Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster = One additional award
- Silver Oak Leaf Cluster = Five additional awards
Oak Leaf Clusters are commonly used by the Army and Air Force.
Learn more: Oak Leaf Clusters Explained
Stars
Stars are used by several military branches to indicate additional awards or participation in military campaigns.
Common examples include:
- Bronze Service Star
- Silver Service Star
- Campaign Star
Depending on the award, stars may represent:
- Additional awards
- Participation in military campaigns
- Service in multiple qualifying operations
Because stars have different meanings depending on the medal, they should always be interpreted within the context of the specific award.
Learn more: Military Award Stars Explained
“V” Device
The “V” Device (Valor Device) identifies awards presented specifically for acts of heroism or valor in combat.
Without the “V” Device, many medals recognize meritorious service or achievement.
With the device attached, the same medal recognizes heroism while facing an enemy.
The “V” Device is most commonly associated with:
- Bronze Star Medal
- Commendation Medals
- Achievement Medals (when authorized)
The device immediately distinguishes combat heroism from non-combat achievement.
Learn more: Military V Device Explained
Arrowheads
The Arrowhead Device recognizes participation in combat parachute jumps, helicopter assaults, amphibious landings, or glider assaults.
It is awarded only under specific combat conditions and is authorized for select campaign medals.
The Arrowhead represents direct participation in an assault landing against enemy forces.
Because eligibility requirements are strict, relatively few service members wear this device.
Learn more: Arrowhead Device Guide
Numerals
Numerals indicate the total number of times a service member has earned certain awards.
Rather than adding multiple stars or clusters, numerals provide a simple way to identify repeated awards.
Examples include:
- Air Medal
- Overseas Service Ribbon
- Sea Service Deployment Ribbon
- Air Assault-related awards
Each numeral represents the cumulative number of qualifying awards or periods of service.
Learn more: Military Award Numerals Explained
Why Award Devices Matter
Small devices often provide information that cannot be determined from the ribbon alone.
For example:
- Two Bronze Star Medals may appear identical until one displays a “V” Device.
- A campaign medal with multiple stars indicates participation in several campaigns.
- Oak Leaf Clusters show repeated recognition for outstanding service.
Understanding these devices allows veterans, historians, genealogists, and family members to accurately interpret military awards.
How to Identify Unknown Military Ribbons
If you inherit military medals or discover an old ribbon rack, you can identify the awards by:
- Comparing ribbon color patterns
- Looking for attached devices
- Reviewing military service records
- Consulting official military ribbon charts
- Comparing the order of precedence
Our military ribbon identification guides make it easier to determine exactly which awards were earned.
Why Ribbon Identification Is Important
Military ribbons preserve a service member’s history and accomplishments.
Whether researching a family member, restoring a shadow box, verifying military records, or learning about military awards, understanding ribbon colors and devices provides valuable insight into a veteran’s career.
Every ribbon tells a story, and every device adds another chapter to that story.
Related Articles
Military Ribbon Colors Guide – Learn what military ribbon colors represent and how they help identify awards, campaigns, and service history.
Oak Leaf Clusters Explained – Discover what oak leaf clusters signify and how they indicate multiple awards of the same military decoration.
Military Award Stars Explained – Understand the meaning of bronze and silver stars used on military ribbons and medals to denote additional awards or service.
V Device Explained – Learn what the Valor (“V”) Device represents and which military decorations may be awarded with this distinction for heroism.
Arrowhead Device Guide – Find out when the Arrowhead Device is authorized and how it recognizes participation in combat parachute, amphibious, or airborne assaults.
Military Award Numerals Explained – Explore how numerals are used on certain military awards to indicate repeated awards or qualifying periods of service.
Military Awards Order of Precedence – See the official order in which military ribbons, medals, and decorations are worn on the uniform.
Military Awards Glossary – Browse definitions of common military awards terms, devices, abbreviations, and award-related terminology.
Veteran & Family Resources – Access helpful guides on replacing medals, requesting military records, veteran benefits, and family assistance programs.