MyMilitaryMedals.com Blog
Medals of America
February 23rd 2009 - 3:54 pm
Medals of America are symbols of acts of heroism, bravery, loyalty, and of honorable accomplishments. To receive any one of these medals of America, a member of the military must have the courage and drive to act above the line of duty and in the face of fear. The Distinguished Flying Cross is one American medal that requires a large amount of bravery and proficiency. The Distinguished Flying Cross is rewarded for heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight. The first award was given to Captain Charles A. Lindberg for his transatlantic solo flight. Amelia Earhart and the Wright brothers, along with a few others, are civilians who have also received this prestigious medal. During wartime, members of friendly foreign nations serving with the United States can also receive this medal. It is also given to instructors and students at flight schools. Another area of medals that America offers its Armed Forces are the medals for heroism: Soldier’s Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Medal, Airman’s Medal, and Coast Guard Medal. The Soldier’s Medal is a non-combat award given to any person who shows heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving the United States Army. The Navy and Marine Corps Medal is parallel to that of the Soldier’s Medal and is awarded to any person who displays an act of heroism not involving combat with an American enemy while serving in the American Navy or Marine Corps. The Airman’s Medal is the same as the other medals and is awarded to any person serving in the Air Force who shows a great act of bravery while in aerial flight but not involving combat with a United States enemy. The Coast guard Medal is the same as the others, given to a member of the Coast guard. A very overlooked medal of American military is the Bronze Star. The Bronze Star may be awarded by the secretary of a military department to anyone who, while serving as a part of the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard, who performs epic achievement not involving aerial flight. When the Bronze Star is awarded for bravery, it is the fourth-highest combat award and is ranked the ninth-highest military award overall. Another very honorable medal of America is the Purple Heart. George Washington established the original Purple Heart and then it fell into disuse until after World War I when it was reinstated on the celebration of the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birthday. This medal is given for military merit and to those injured in the line of duty.
Marine Medals
February 22nd 2009 - 3:52 pm
The United States Marine Corps is one of seven branches of the U.S. Armed Forces and through the mobility of the Navy they provide force projection from the sea to rapidly deliver air-ground combined task forces where needed. Being a member of this stellar branch of the U.S. military is an honor as is receiving one of its praiseworthy medals. The Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of The United States Marine Corps, regular or reserve, who have completed 3 years of continuous active service of an above-average nature. The Armed Forces Reserve Medal is awarded to any current or former service member of any branch of the U.S. Military who has competed 10 years of honorable military service in the reserves. The Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal is awarded to Marine Corps personnel who have engaged in a landing on foreign territory, participated in combat against opposing forces, or were involved with a designated procedure for which there is no medal for. Since its inception, there have been over 60 expeditions that have qualified for the award of the Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal. The Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal is awarded for the admirable service of enlisted persons in combat or non-combat situations that are not eligible for the higher Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal. The Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal is awarded for constant acts of heroism and meritorious service. The “V”, standing for valor, is given in cases of combat. The Navy & Marine Corps Medal is the second highest non-combatant medal and is awarded to those who risked their own life and showed great heroism outside of a conflict with an actual enemy. The most famous recipients of this award is John F. Kennedy. The third-highest ranking combat Marine Corps medal is the Distinguished Service Medal. These Marine medals were originally higher-ranking to the Navy Cross until August 1943 when the ranking was reversed. The Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to members of the Navy or Marine Corps who distinguish themselves from other members. To validate this decoration an exceptional performance of duty contributing to the success of a major command is required. The Navy Cross is the highest decoration awarded by the Department of the Navy and the only award higher is the Medal of Honor, which is awarded by the United States Government. The Navy Cross may be awarded to any member serving with the Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard who is engaged in action against an enemy of the U.S. This member must have performed great acts of heroism in the presence of danger and must have done so at a higher performance than other members of equal grade. The highest military decoration is the Medal of Honor and every member of the U.S. military is eligible to receive it. The President in the name of Congress presents this award to members of military service who distinguish themselves by heroism at the risk of their own life while engaged in combat.
