ESTABLISHING AUTHORITY The Air Force Combat Action Medal was established on March 15, 2007 by the Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne . EFFECTIVE DATES The Air Force Combat Action Medal is retroactive to September 11, 2001. CRITERIA The Air Force Combat Action Medal may be awarded to members of the United States […]

ESTABLISHING LEGISLATION The Four Chaplains’ Medal was established by Act of Congress (Public Law 86-656, 86th Congress) on July 14, 1960. EVENT COMMEMORATED This medal commemorates the extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty displayed by four American chaplains during the Second World War. It was awarded posthumously to Chaplains George L. Fox, Alexander D. Goode, […]

BACKGROUND INFORMATION American military commemorative medals, established by Congress to reward a particular individual for some noteworthy event or personal achievement, have a long and distinguished history. The first was awarded to General George Washington for his recovery of Boston on March 17, 1776. The earliest American military commemorative medals were struck in Paris, but […]

Establishing Authority The Department of Homeland Security Presidential Unit Citation was established under the authority of Executive Order 10694 (signed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower on January 10, 1957), as amended by Section 74 of Executive Order 13286 (signed by President George W. Bush on February 28, 2003, which amended Executive Orders, and other actions, […]

ESTABLISHING AUTHORITY Also known as the State of Vietnam Friendship Ribbon, the Republic of Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation was established by the Government of South Vietnam on August 15, 1950. It was awarded to United States Military Assistance Advisory Group (Indo-China) pursuant to a citation dated October 7, 1954, signed by the President of the […]

ESTABLISHING AUTHORITY The Coast Guard “E” Ribbon was established on September 25, 1990, by Commandant of the Coast Guard, Admiral J. William Kime. EFFECTIVE DATES The Coast Guard “E” Ribbon has been in effect since September 25, 1990. CRITERIA Awarded by area commanders, the “E” Ribbon provides visible recognition for personnel of cutters earning the […]

ESTABLISHING AUTHORITY The Navy “E” Ribbon was established in July of 1976 by Secretary of the Navy J. William Middendorf. EFFECTIVE DATES The Navy “E” Ribbon has been in effect from July 1, 1974, to the present. CRITERIA The Navy “E” Ribbon denotes permanent duty on ships or in squadrons that won the battle efficiency […]

ESTABLISHING AUTHORITY The Air Force Presidential Unit Citation was established by Executive Order 9075 signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on February 26, 1942, as superseded by Executive Order 10694, signed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower on January 10, 1957. Prior to 1965 it was known as the Distinguished Unit Citation. This award was “carried […]

ESTABLISHING AUTHORITY The Meritorious Unit Commendation was originally established by War Department Circular 345 on August 23, 1944, as the Meritorious Service Unit Plaque. Change 12 to Army Regulation 672-5-1 dated April 6, 1966, changed this award from a patch to a scarlet ribbon worn inside a gold frame. EFFECTIVE DATES The Meritorious Services Unit […]

ESTABLISHING AUTHORITY The Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation was established on November 13, 1973, by the Commandant of the Coast Guard, Admiral Chester R. Bender. EFFECTIVE DATES The Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation has been in effect since November 13, 1973. CRITERIA The Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Commandant (or […]

ESTABLISHING AUTHORITY The Meritorious Team Commendation Ribbon was established on December 22, 1993, by Commandant of the Coast Guard, Admiral J. William Kime. EFFECTIVE DATES The Meritorious Team Commendation Ribbon has been in effect since December 22, 1993 (the action or accomplishment must have occurred or concluded on or after this date). CRITERIA This ribbon […]

ESTABLISHING AUTHORITY The Presidential Unit Citation was originally established as the Distinguished Unit Citation by Executive Order 9075, signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on February 26, 1942 (as amended by Executive Order 10694 signed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower on January 10, 1957). Its official designation was changed to the Presidential Unit Citation (Army) […]

ESTABLISHING AUTHORITY The Organizational Excellence Award was established on August 26, 1969 by Secretary of the Air Force Robert C. Seamans, Jr. EFFECTIVE DATES The Organizational Excellence Award has been in effect since August 26, 1969. CRITERIA The Organizational Excellence Award may be awarded in the name of the Secretary of the Air Force to […]

ESTABLISHING AUTHORITY The Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross was established by Decree 74-b/QT of August 15, 1950; Decree 96/DQT/HC of May 2, 1952; Ordinance 10-b of August 15, 1950; Ordinance 1 of February 2, 1956; and Decree 200-b/QP of December 30, 1956. It was authorized as a unit citation by Decree 58/QP/ND of January 20, […]