On February 6, 1976 President Ford issued an Executive Order creating the Defense Superior Service Medal. These military decorations are presented by the Department of Defense as a senior award to members of the U.S. military for superior meritorious service in a position of significant responsibility. These military medals are generally awarded to flag and [...]
Congress authorized the creation of the Silver Star as a U.S. Navy military award On August 7, 1942. Four months later, on December 15, 1942, Congress extended that authorization to create a U.S. Army decoration. Congress also made these military medals available for award to civilians. The Secretary of War had approved the Silver Star [...]
In July of 1970, Richard Nixon’s executive order created the Defense Distinguished Service Medal. These military medals are issued through the Defense Department and are awarded for exceptionally distinguished performance of duty contributing to national security or defense of the United States. It is the highest of our peacetime military awards, and normally is only [...]
The Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal was authorized by Congress in August of 1949. Congress recognized different types and degrees of heroism and meritorious service and included provisions for award criteria. Separate versions of the Distinguished Service Medal exist for each branch of service and a fifth version recognizes US Department of Defense personnel contributions. [...]
The Air Force Distinguished Service Medal was authorized by Congress in 1960. Congress recognized different types and degrees of heroism and meritorious service and included provisions for award criteria. Separate versions of the Distinguished Service Medal exist for each branch of service and a fifth version recognizes US Department of Defense personnel contributions. Until 1960, [...]
The Navy Distinguished Service Medal was authorized by Presidential Order and confirmed by Congress in 1919. Congress recognized different types and degrees of heroism and meritorious service and included provisions for award criteria. Separate versions of the Distinguished Service Medal exist for each branch of service and a fifth version recognizes US Department of Defense [...]
I’ve had close relatives of mine serve in the U.S. armed forces throughout the years. Sometimes they are gone for a couple of months; sometimes I hadn’t seen them for years. But no matter how many times I witness a solider leave, I’m always so relieved and excited once they return home.
To show my support [...]
The Army Distinguished Service Medal was authorized by Presidential Order and confirmed by Congress in July of 1918. Congress recognized different types and degrees of heroism and meritorious service and included provisions for award criteria. Separate versions of the Distinguished Service Medal exist for each branch of service and a fifth version recognizes US Department [...]
The Air Force Cross was first suggested in 1947, shortly after the creation of the US Air Force as a separate branch of service, but not established by an Act of Congress until July of 1960. Originally entitled the Distinguished Service Cross (Air Force), it became simply the Air Force Cross. The President may award [...]
Americans have long been a proud people. We are proud to be American, and we feel fortunate to call the United States our home. Now more than ever, our feelings of patriotism have significantly matured. Hundreds of thousands of American soldiers are defending our country overseas, and many of us have family members and loved [...]
