The first Army of Occupation Medals were military medals authorized for occupation service during WWI, and called the Army of Occupation of Germany Medals. A more current version called the Army of Occupation Medal was authorized by the United States War Department in 1946. These military medals were created to recognize occupation service in either [...]
Each day we take for granted the awesome country in which we live, and the tremendous freedoms we are afforded. Too often we fail to realize that young men and women are dying everyday to protect those freedoms. These proud military members have volunteered to support the ideals that this country was founded on and [...]
The Navy and Marine Corps Medal was created by an Act of Congress on August 7, 1942 as the second highest non-combat medal awarded to Navy and Marine Corps personnel. It is generally awarded to service persons for heroism that includes risking their lives in actions that do not involve combat with an enemy of [...]
Serving in the United States armed forces is an honor and a privilege. The weight we bear as troops makes us stronger so that we can lead and fight for the freedom of our country. Patriotism is one of the main reasons most join the armed forces. Proclaim your patriotism proudly by taking pride in [...]
Members of the U.S. Air Force are awarded more military decorations than any other branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. Shortly after World War II, the Air Force issued its own selection of military medals. After the Cuban Missile Crisis occurred, the Air Force began making more of an effort to establish its own selection [...]
The Defense Superior Service Medal was created with an Executive Order issued by President Ford on February 6, 1976. It is awarded by the Department of Defense as a senior decoration to members of the U.S. military for superior meritorious service in a position of significant responsibility. It is generally awarded to flag and general [...]
The United States Congress established the Airman’s Medal on July 6, 1960 to give the Air Force its own version of the Soldier’s Medal which had been awarded to all branches of service since its creation in 1926. It is bestowed upon Air Force personnel who distinguish themselves by heroism not involving actual conflict with [...]
The Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the President, to U.S. Service persons who have been wounded or killed in the service of their country. It was originally created by George Washington as the Badge of Military Merit on August 7, 1782, during the Revolutionary War. This continuous history, despite the name being [...]
President Lyndon Johnson established the Meritorious Service Medal with an Executive Order on January 16, 1969. It is presented to service members of all U.S. Armed Forces for outstanding non-combat meritorious service to the U.S., where the acts or services performed are similar to those for which the Legion of Merit is awarded, but entailing [...]
The Aerial Achievement Medal was created in 1988 and awarded in the name of the Secretary of the Air Force, and is designed to recognize sustained meritorious achievement of aircrew members whose actions in flight might not qualify for the Air Medal. These Air Force medals are recommended by local commanders, but must be approved [...]
