BACKGROUND INFORMATION American military decorations (as we know them) have evolved over a period of more than one hundred and forty years. Interestingly, the system has been in a continuous process of defining itself downward during this period. It began with the establishment of the Medal of Honor during the Civil War, which itself got […]
ESTABLISHING AUTHORITY The China Campaign Medal was established by paragraph (c) of War Department General Orders Number 5 dated January 12, 1905. EFFECTIVE DATES The China Campaign medal was awarded for qualifying service between the inclusive dates of June 20, 1900, and May 27, 1901. CRITERIA The China Campaign Medal was awarded for military service […]
ESTABLLSHING AUTHORITY The Vietnam Service Medal was established by Executive Order 11231 signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson on July 8, 1965. EFFECTIVE DATES The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded for qualifying service between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973. CRITERIA The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of […]
ESTABLISHING AUTHORITY The Southwest Asia Service Medal was established by Executive Order 12754 signed by President George Bush on March 12, 1991. EFFECTIVE DATES The Southwest Asia Service Medal is awarded for qualifying service from August 2, 1990 to November 30, 1995 (during Operations Desert Sheild and Desert Storm). CRITERIA The Southwest Asia Service Medal […]
ESTABLISHING AUTHORITY The Air Medal was established by Executive Order 9158 signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on May 11, 1942. Effective Dates The Air Medal is retroactive to September 8, 1939. CRITERIA The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, […]
ESTABLISHING AUTHORITY The Joint Service Commendation Medal was established by Secretary of Defense Robert E. McNamara on June 25, 1963. EFFECTIVE DATES The Joint Service Commendation Medal has been effective since January 1, 1963. CRITERIA The Joint Service Commendation Medal is awarded in the name of the Secretary of Defense to members of the Armed […]
Return to top of page Military Decorations (Index Page) Quick Reference to All Decorations Home Page DECORATIONS COMMON TO ALL SERVICE BRANCHES (Index Page) © 2007 Foxfall Press, Inc., All Rights Reserved. BACKGROUND INFORMATION For many years the individual components of the Armed Forces were separate and distinct entities. They had their own unique command […]
ESTABLISHING AUTHORITY The Bronze Star Medal was established by Executive Order 9419 signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on February 4, 1944. EFFECTIVE DATES The Bronze Star Medal is retroactive to December 7, 1941. CRITERIA The Bronze Star Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of […]
ESTABLISHING AUTHORITY The China Relief Expedition Medal was established for the Navy by Navy Department Special Orders Number 81 and for the Marine Corps by Navy Department Special Orders Number 82 on June 27, 1908. EFFECTIVE DATES The China Relief Expedition Medal was awarded for qualifying service between the inclusive dates of May 24, 1900, […]
ESTABLISHING AUTHORITY The Badge of Military Merit established by George Washington on August 7, 1782, was revived as the Purple Heart by War Department General Orders Number 3 on February 22, 1932. EFFECTIVE DATES The Purple Heart has been in effect since April 5, 1917; however, retroactive awards for qualifying service prior to April 5, […]
BACKGROUND INFORMATION The defense structure of the United States began as a simple concept: in 1789 Congress established the War Department to conduct all military operations by the new nation. However, nine years later (in 1798) Congress separated the naval from the land forces by establishing a separate Department of the Navy. The Secretaries of […]
ESTABLISHING AUTHORITY The Air Force Achievement Medal was established on October 12, 1980, by Secretary of the Air Force Hans M. Mark. EFFECTIVE DATES The Air Force Achievement Medal has been in effect since October 12, 1980. CRITERIA The Air Force Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United […]
ESTABLISHING LEGISLATION The Mexican Border Service Medal was established by Act of Congress (Public Law 873: Chapter 143, 40 Stat. 873, 65th Congress) on July 9, 1918. EVENT COMMEMORATED The Mexican Border Service Medal commemorates military service on the Mexican border between May 9, 1916, and March 24, 1917, or with the Mexican Border Patrol […]
ESTABLISHING AUTHORITY The Puerto Rican Occupation Medal was established War Department Compilation of Orders (Change 15), dated February 4, 1919. EFFECTIVE DATES The Puerto Rican Occupation Medal was awarded for qualifying service between the inclusive dates of August 14 and December 10, 1898. CRITERIA The Puerto Rican Occupation Medal was awarded for military service in […]
