MyMilitaryMedals.com Blog
Ribbons of the United States Air force
May 20th 2009 - 3:18 pm
There are many awards that are bestowed upon military members, and in particular members of the US Air Force. The United States Air Force is the aerial division of the U.S. Armed Forces and is the largest and most technically advanced air force in the world. Being a part of such a major and powerful force is extremely creditable. While in the Air Force a member can be awarded or earn a number of medals and along with these medals comes the beautifully crafted Air Force ribbons. A neck ribbon suspends the Medal of Honor ribbon, which is the highest medal a person can be awarded in the United States military, because it is such and honor. Most Air Force ribbons are pinned on instead of being hung around your next like the Air Force Cross. The Air Force Cross is the second highest medal overall a member of the Air Force can be awarded and the first highest to only Air Force members. The Air Force ribbons for the Air Force Cross have a wide center stripe of Brittany blue with narrow stripes of red and white on the edges. These Air Force ribbons are similar to the Distinguished Service ribbon, except the blue is a lighter shade, to show the close connection between the two. The Distinguished Flying Cross is awarded to any member of the United States military who distinguishes themselves by heroism during an aerial flight. These Air Force ribbons have stripes of Ultramarine blue and white with a beautiful stripe of Old Glory red in the middle. Another one of the Air Force medals with beautiful Air Force ribbons is the Airman’s Medal. This medal is given to any member of the Armed Forces of the U.S. or a friendly nation who, while serving the U.S. Air Force, has distinguished themselves by a heroic act not involving actual combat. In the center of these Air Force ribbons are seven gold and six dark blue stripes that alternate and the edges are a light blue. Each Air Force medal and ribbon comes with another smaller Air Force ribbon called a service ribbon. Service ribbons are 1 3/8 inches wide and are worn on the left side of the chest. These Air Force ribbons are worn instead of wearing all of your military medals for comfort and to keep your medals safe. Each service ribbon has the same color pattern as the medal itself just without the heavy medal dangling from it. Every single one of the Air Force ribbons has been strategically designed to represent what each medal stand for.
United States Medals
May 17th 2009 - 3:15 pm
The United States has seven uniformed services: The Army, The Navy, The Marine Corps, The Air Force, The Coast Guard, The Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, and The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Corps. The Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast guard are all part of the Armed Forces. Any member of the armed forces is eligible to be awarded a medal in their particular field and/or any of the other United States medals offered. United States medals are military decorations, which recognize service and personal accomplishments while a member of the United States armed forces. These United States medals are a means to outwardly display the highlights of a person military career. Some United States medals are awarded for many years of excellent service and others are awarded for heroism and bravery. The highest-ranking of all United States medals that is bestowed by the American Government is the Medal of Honor. Of all the United States medals awarded, this one is usually given posthumously. The Medal of Honor is given to any member of the U.S. military for performance against an enemy of the United States while engaged in combat. This member must show true bravery and self-sacrifice and go above the call of duty in the line of action. Because this is the highest of all the medals awarded, these United States medals have a ribbon that goes around your neck instead of being pinned on. The Distinguished Service medals are the next level of United States medals. The highest of the Distinguished Service Medals, and the highest peacetime defense award, is the Defense Distinguished Service Medal. These United States medals are awarded for exceptional performance of duty contributing to nation security or defense of the U.S. The Distinguished Service Medals of the Army, Navy & Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard are all presented to any person serving in those braches of the United States military who has distinguished themselves by remarkably commendable service to the U.S. Government in a duty of great responsibility. The U.S even has United States medals for civilians and for military personnel of an allied country. Civilian decorations are typically awarded for meritorious service over a period of time rather than for heroism like the United States medals awarded to the U.S. military. Whether you are in the U.S. Armed forces and receive one of the United States medals for heroism or you are a civilian and receive a decorations for commendable service to the U.S. government, every single one of the United States medals are an honor to have.
Marine Medals
May 14th 2009 - 3:14 pm
The United States Marine Corps is the branch of the U.S. military responsible for providing force projection from the sea with the help of the U.S. Navy. Basically, the Marines conduct expeditionary warfare by means of force and threat in areas from home. The Marines are tough and strong and to stand out above the rest and receive one of the Marine medals is a true honor. Marine medals can be awarded for many reasons. You could receive one for countless expeditions or if you get wounded. You can also receive one of the Marine medals for multiple years of excellent service and for acts of heroism. The highest ranking medal is The Medal of Honor which is awarded to any member of any of the Armed Forces by the President of the United States, in the name of Congress, who risks their lives and goes above the call of duty while in combat with an enemy of the United States. The highest-ranking of the Marine medals, second to The Medal of Honor, is the Navy Cross. The Navy Cross is very impressive because it is the highest Marine medal awarded to members of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps who distinguish themselves in action by astonishing bravery not justifying the Medal of Honor. The Navy Cross was established by Congress in February of 1919 and was designed by James Earl Fraser. The Navy Cross is a cross that had arms which are narrower at the center and broader at the ends, also known as a cross pattée (the end of the arms are rounded whereas a conventional cross would be straight). In the center of these Marine medals a sailing ship is on waves sailing to the viewer’s left. The vessel is symbolic of the type of ships used around 1490. These Marine medals have four laurel leaves in between each of the arms of the cross and berries that symbolize achievement. In the center of the back of The Navy Cross are crossed anchors with cables attached and the letters USN appear in the middle of the anchors. The Navy Distinguished Service Medal is the second highest of the Marine medals, fourth overall, to be awarded to a member of the U.S. Navy or Marine Corps. These Marine medals are awarded to those who differentiate themselves by remarkably commendable service to the U.S. Government in a duty of great responsibility while serving in any capacity with the U.S. Navy or Marine Corps. In the center of these Marine medals are an American bald eagle with is wings stretched out. The eagle holds and olive branch and arrows. On the other side is a trident surround by a wreath of laurel. The trident symbolizes Poseidon, the Greek God of the sea. There are handfuls more Marine medals a member may be awarded for: The Silver Star, The Legion of Merit, The Navy and Marine Medal, and more. Because there are many different categories, any member of the U.S. Navy has a chance to earn one of the Marine medals and be a hero.
Medals of America
May 11th 2009 - 2:12 pm
Throughout history there have been many medals of America a person can be awarded for involving the United States military and Armed Forces. Also, there have been many medals of America that can be awarded to civilians at world’s fairs and expositions and even civilian military medals as well. Regardless of the status of each of the medals of America there is no doubt that each and every one of them is unique and special in its own right. World’s fairs and expositions is nothing new to America, in fact it is sort of a way of life, making some of the old medals of America very precious and valuable. One of the most treasured of these medals is the 1893 Saint Gauden’s award medal. This American medal is even in the book of 100 Greatest Medals. This is one of the medals of America that was made for the 1893 Chicago Columbian Exposition. This medal has a full-length figure of Christopher Columbus stepping ashore on the soil of the New World. On the other side is a six line commemorative inscription with two semi-nude females flaked above and a sailing ship underneath. These medals of America represent America’s 400th birthday and the astounding world’s fair that celebrated it. The American Campaign Medal is one of the most popular medals of America representing a war campaign. Originally issued as the American Theater Ribbon, these medals of America were intended to recognize members of the U.S. military who served in the American Theater of Operations during World War II. The American Theater was important in Submarine warfare and had the Axis Powers ever invaded the United States, they would have been the front line. This is one of the medals of America that celebrates bravery and valor. The World War I Victory Medal is one of the more cheerful medals of America. Over 15 million people died in World War I and finally having a victory gave America some hope. This is the only one of the medals of America that was not created by and act of Congress. Instead, the Victory Medal was created through the service departments through general orders. All who served in the war wanted these medals of America, so the United States Army published orders for the Victory medal in April of 1919 and the United States Navy followed in June of that same year. The highest-ranking of all the medals of America is the Medal of Honor. Usually given posthumously, this medal is the greatest honor of all. To receive this award a member of the United States Armed Forces must go about the call of duty and show true heroism and self-sacrifice while engaged in combat against an enemy of the United States. This is one of the medals of America that is usually sad to give because in a lot of cases the heroism required also requires death. Even though The Medal of Honor may be sad for some it is truly the most admirable of all the medals of America.
Air Force Medals and criteria
May 8th 2009 - 2:10 pm
The United States Air Force is aerial branch of the U.S Armed Forces and was the last military branch to be formed. The U.S Air Force is the largest and most technically advanced Air Force in the world. Being accepted into the U.S. Air Force in a true honor and so is being awarded an Air Force medal. An Air Force medal may be awarded for multiple years of commendable service or for injury. Other Air Force medals are awarded for combat and heroism. The highest-ranking overall Air Force medal is a medal that is awarded to all branches of the U.S. Military. The Medal of Honor is awarded to those who show extraordinary heroism while engaged in combat with an enemy of the United States. The highest-ranking Air Force medal, second overall, is the Air Force Cross. The Air Force Cross is awarded for extraordinary heroism, not justifying The Medal of Honor, to any person serving in the U.S. Air Force while engaged in operations with an opposing foreign force. This Air Force medal was established by Congress in July of 1960 and is the Air Force version of the Distinguished Service Cross. The Air Force Cross was designed by an employee of the Air Force, Eleanor Cox, and sculpted by Thomas Hudson Jones of the Institute of Heraldry. The Air Force Cross is a beautiful Air Force medal. It is a bronze cross with an oxidized satin finish. In the center of the front of the cross is a gold-plated American bald eagle with its wings displayed against a cloud formation (just like on the seal of the Air Force). A laurel wreath in green enamel edged in gold encircles the design. The back is blank and perfect for engraving. This Air Force medal has a ribbon of Brittany blue with narrow stripes of red and white on the edges. The Air Force Distinguished Service Medal is the second highest Air Force medal, fourth highest-ranking overall, which a member of the U.S. Force may receive. This Air Force medal is awarded to members who distinguish themselves by incredible service to the U.S. Government in a duty of great responsibility, in combat or otherwise. Congress also established the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal in July of 1960 and was designed by Frank Alston of the Institute of Heraldry. This Air Force Medal is a sunburst design of thirteen gold rays separated by thirteen white enameled starts with a semiprecious blue stone in the middle. The blue stone represents the vault of the heavens, the starts represent man’s achievements, the sunbursts represent the glory that accompanies these achievements, and the rays represent man’s quest for light and knowledge. There is much meaning and spirit behind each Air Force medal. Every medal has been intricately designed to honor what each of them represents; honor, courage, expeditions, years of service. Each and every Air Force medal is a piece of art, representing the American heart and soul.
American Medals
May 5th 2009 - 2:07 pm
There are many American medals a person can be awarded for great military heroism and service. There are also American medals that were made as award medals at expositions and world fairs in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Official medals, award medals and souvenir medals have been made, awarded and bought throughout America’s history. Of all the American medals awarded at expositions and world fairs, the 1893 Saint Gauden’s award medal is most beautiful and is included in the book of 100 Greatest Medals. This is one of the American medals that were made for the 1893 Chicago Columbian Exposition. This medal has a full-length figure of Christopher Columbus stepping ashore on the soil of the New World. On the other side is a six line commemorative inscription with two semi-nude females flaked above and a sailing ship underneath. This American medal represents America’s 400th birthday and the incredible world’s fair that celebrated it. There were many American medals that celebrated campaigns and wars but possibly the most popular would be the American Campaign Medal. Originally issued as the American Theater Ribbon, these American medals were intended to recognize members of the U.S. military who served in the American Theater of Operations during World War II. The American Theater was important in Submarine warfare and had the Axis Powers ever invaded the United States, they would have been the front line. This one of the American medals that celebrated bravery and courage. One of the happiest of all the American medals would be the World War I Victory Medal. This is the only one of the American medals that was not created by an Act of Congress but instead was created through the service departments through general orders. The United States Army published orders for the Victory medal in April of 1919 and the United States Navy followed in June of that same year. This is one of the American medals at that time that was received and cherished by all. The highest-ranking of all American medals that is bestowed by the American Government is the Medal of Honor. Of all the American medals awarded, this one is usually given posthumously. The Medal of Honor is given to any member of the U.S. military for performance against an enemy of the United States while engaged in combat. This member must show true bravery and self-sacrifice and go above the call of duty in the line of action.
WWII Medals
May 2nd 2009 - 2:04 pm
WWII was a global military conflict between two opposing alliances: the Allies and the Axis. The war killed over seventy million people most of which were civilians. WWII involved the mobilization of over 100 million military personnel, making it the most extensive war in history. Because this was such a widespread war, United States military members were awarded many WWII medals. The United States was part of the Allies, which ended up winning the war. This victory brought much joy to the spirits of the men and women who we a part of WWII. One of the WWII medals that were awarded to all military personnel for service between December 1941 and December 1946 is the WWII Victory Medal. These WWII medals have a woman standing full length looking to her right representing looking for the dawn of a new day. Her right foot is resting on a war helmet and in her right hand is the handle of a sword and in her left hand is the broken blade. World War II is written just below center. On the back of these WWII medals the inscription reads, “freedom from fear and want” and “freedom of speech and religion”. These WWII medals are truly beautiful and stand for America’s freedom. The American Campaign Medal is one of the most popular WWII medals representing one of the war campaigns of World War II. Originally issued as the American Theater Ribbon, these WWII medals were intended to recognize members of the U.S. military who served in the American Theater of Operations during World War II. The American Theater was important in Submarine warfare and had the Axis Powers ever invaded the United States, they would have been the front line. This is one of the WWII medals that celebrated bravery and valor. Another one of the respectable WWII medals is the American Defense Service Medal. President Franklin D. Roosevelt created this medal in 1941 to recognize those members of the U.S. military who served on active duty during the initial years of the European conflict before American’s entry into World War II. These WWII medals were awarded to any military member who performed duty between September 8th, 1939 and December 6th, 1941. Members of the U.S. Army were required to perform at least one year of consecutive duty during that time period while the U.S Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard members were awarded the medal for any length of time served during that time period. World War II was a terrible war that killed many innocent people and members of the United States military. When it was over millions of people were dead and wounded. The U.S., as always, made sure those who were brave and showed great heroism was recognized. WWII medals are a true treasure and a major part of U.S. history.
