MyMilitaryMedals.com Blog
Silver Star Medal
August 31st 2009 - 4:27 pm
First issued on the date of August 7, 1942, the Silver Star Medal is an award of the United States Armed Forces. The initial reason for authorizing this medal is that it was meant to be awarded to civilians as wells as members of the United States Army. The idea for the Silver Star award came from a lower rank medal called the Citation Star Medal. This medal was created by the United States Congress of the date of July 19, 1932. The Secretary of War approved the design of the new medal to replace the Citation Star Medal. The Citation Star is part of the Silver Star medal, and is set in the center of the medal. Currently the Silver Star Medal is the third highest medal issued for bravery in the line of duty.
The Silver Star Medal is awarded for bravery in action against an opposing force, and is an important award of the United States army. It is very similar to the Service Cross, the Army Distinguished Cross, the Navy Cross, and the Air Force Cross. Although it is similar, the Silver Star Medal isn't as high in rank as some of the other military medals.
This military medal is awarded to any United States Armed Forces member who performs outstanding acts of bravery or heroism. Also they had to be involved in one of the following actions; fighting against a U.S. enemy, participating in a military operation against an enemy, or while assisting a foreign allie, or were engaged in an armed combat with an enemy.
Distinguished Service Medals
August 29th 2009 - 1:02 pm
On January 2,1918, a Presidential Order created the first Distinguished Service Medal. It was the only one of its kind, and was awarded to all branches of the U.S. military until the Air Force established its own service version of these prestigious military medals in 1965. It is the highest non-valorous military decoration and civilian award conferred by the U.S. military. The Distinguished Service Medal can only be awarded with the approval of the President of the United States, and only for exceptionally meritorious service to the Government in a duty of great responsibility in time of war, or for duties performed against an enemy of the United States. A few American civilians have been awarded these medals for exceptional services in promoting the interests of the U.S. Government. Under very exceptional circumstances the President may award foreigners these prestigious military medals for wartime services of great value to the U.S. Currently, the Army Distinguished Service Cross, the Navy Cross, and the Air Force Cross are next higher than the Army Distinguished Service Medal in the order of precedence, and the Silver Star ranks just below it. The Army, Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard each have their own Distinguished Service medals, and the Department of Defense also has a version. The Distinguished Service Medal is generally available as Army medals and ribbons, Air Force medals and ribbons, Navy medals and ribbons, and Coast Guard medals and ribbons, but can be worn in the following forms: a) Full size military medals b) Military mini medals c) Military ribbons (service ribbons) d) Lapel pins This medal, like most military medals, is available in the following styles: a) Traditional slide-on full size military medals or mini-medals, b) Traditional slide-on military ribbons, c) Thin military medals, mini-medals or military ribbons.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
August 23rd 2009 - 12:49 pm
Created in the year of 1961, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is a medal of the United States military. By order of President John F. Kennedy, this medal was created. This military medal was issued to any military personnel who had assisted in U.S. military services in which no other award had been authorized. The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is awarded with different devices depending on the extent of service shown. Often awarded with this award is the device known as the service star. A device also issued along with this award is the Arrowhead device. This device is issued to members of the United States Army who had served in airborne or amphibious assault. Also issued to certain sailors, is the Fleet Marine Force combat operation insignia. This award was first issued to United States Armed Forces personnel who had participated in the military campaign Cuban Missile Crisis between the dates of October 1962 and June 1963. Shortly following the first campaign, the award was made retroactive to 1958 and was awarded for service in Lebanon, Taiwan, the Congo, Matsu, and Quemoy, and for actions in Berlin between the years of 1961 and 1963. The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal was originally issued to military personnel who had fought in the Vietnam War. Any participation in operations during the Vietnam War, were awarded by this medal until 1965. In 1965, a new military medal was created to take the place of this award. This new military medal was known as the Vietnam Service Medal, awarded for assistance in military operations in South Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. When this new medal was issued, any United States Armed Forces member who had received the Armed Forces Expeditionary in the passed were granted the option to exchange the previously received medal for the Vietnam Service Medal.
Meritorious Service Medal
August 19th 2009 - 7:56 am
First issued on January 16, 1969, the Meritorious Service Medal is a military medal of the United States Armed Forces. This military award is authorized to U.S. Armed Forces personnel who have shown remarkable commitment to country by displaying outstanding performance in a non-combat arena. In addition to individuals performing meritorious service to the United States while in a non-combat capacity, the Meritorious Service Medal may also be awarded for non-combat support performed in a designated area. Similar to those required to receive the Legion of Merit medal, acts performed for the Legion of Merit medal are somewhat lesser than that of the Meritorious Service Medal. Another medal similar to the Meritorious Service Medal is the Defense Meritorious Service Medal. The Defense Meritorious Service Medal is awarded for similar performance but is a higher rant medal than the Meritorious Service Medal. A discussion was held on the idea of creating a third meritorious award. This idea of this third award was to recognize those United States armed forces personnel who had participated in a non-combat achievements or combat achievements similar to the Bronze Star. Preparing the design for the third meritorious award occurred during April of 1968. On November 8, 1968 they approved the name for a third medal, the "Meritorious Service Medal." President Lyndon B. Johnson issued the new medal on the date of January 16, 1969. On July 2, 1981, the Meritorious Service Medal was approved by President Ronald Reagan to be distributed to members of the armed forces of other foreign nations. Approved on March 20, 1969 by the committee of the Institute of Heraldry, Mr. Jay Morris was the designer of this military award. Choosing a unique design, Mr. Jay Morris designed the colors of this award to resemble those of the Legion of Merit medal. The star on the medal is meant to recognize effort shown by military personnel, and the eagle is a symbol of achievement, showing a feeling pride to our United States.
Military Medals & Military Ribbons Serve as a Reminder of Time Served
August 17th 2009 - 12:02 am
Most of us have experienced a time when a loved one must leave to serve in the United States armed forces. When someone we love must leave for an undefined period of time this causes much stress, and worry. When a loved one or friend makes the decision to join the U.S. Armed Forces, this is a very honorable decision. This decision shows that they are proud of their country and have the bravery to defend us in battle. When it comes time for them to leave, the best way to express your love to them, is to let them know how proud you are of them and to let them go, having the faith that they will come back safe and sound. Even though it is one of the hardest decisions letting a loved one leave to fight for our country, there is nothing that compares to the happiness and relief you feel when they return home. The overwhelming joy that comes with re-uniting with a loved one returning from war pales in comparison to the sense of pride and patriotism to the country that he or she has fought for. When a loved one or friend returns home, they have a certain glow to them. The pride, honor, and sense of accomplishment they feel radiates off their face, their smile, and of course their uniform. Seeing the military medals or military ribbons they have received serve as a symbol of the hard work and dedication it took. Displaying these wonderful treasures, in your home proudly hung over a fire place, or placed elegantly on ones uniform, shows the pride and prestige of serving in the U.S. armed forces or having a loved one back from war. Military medals or military ribbons serve in recognition of many things, bravery, courage, pride, and support, to all who are serving our country, or to those who gave their lives in the line of duty, we honor and support all of you.
The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal (RVCM)
August 10th 2009 - 9:37 am
Serving as an award of recognition, the Vietnam Campaign Medal is a military medal issued to any member of the United States, Australian, New Zealand and allied military forces, who served for at least six months of duty in South Vietnam between the dates of March 1, 1961 and March 28, 1973. This award was authorized by the Republic of Vietnam, which is also known as South Vietnam. This decoration is the most common foreign military medal issued to United States military personnel prior to the Gulf War. This award, created in 1966, is a service medal of the Vietnam War. Any service member who has participated in service outside the specified limits of the Republic of Vietnam, and has provided direct combat service to the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces for an amount of time exceeding six months is eligible for this award. This often only applies to members who assisted in the Vietnam War from Thailand and Japan. To be eligible for the Vietnam Campaign Medal under these circumstances, a U.S. service member must have received either the Vietnam Service Medal or the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. Regardless of the total time served in Vietnam, if a member had been wounded by the enemy, captured in the line of duty by an enemy, or killed in the line of duty, the Vietnam Campaign Medal is automatically awarded to that member. Issued with the Vietnam Campaign Medal, is a device known as the "1960 Bar". Displayed on the device is the date of 1960, followed by a dash and blank space. The government of the Republic of Vietnam stated that the 1960 bar should display the dates from start to finish of the Vietnam War. The ending date was meant to me placed on the other side of the device, but since South Vietnam fell, and the government ceased to exist, an ending date was never established, leaving the other end of the device blank. This award is also available as a military ribbon or military service ribbon, and it has a device with the year 1960-.
Military Medals & Military Ribbons: Their Ultimate Price
August 9th 2009 - 11:59 am
As a United States Armed Forces service member, one must understand the hardships that will be endured and the obstacles that one must overcome in serving our country. The price some brave troops have paid for the freedom and independence of this country is far more than we as average citizens could ever comprehend. We have lost countless courageous soldiers in the line of duty, losing someone in the line of duty is an unimaginable grievance to go through. The strength it takes to let a loved one go, a father, a brother, maybe even a son is not the strength that the non-patriotic citizen has. The confidence and faith one must posses in these trying times is what helps us endure the emptiness one feels in being apart from a friend or loved one that has made this honorable commitment in honoring our country with their service.
When a friend or loved one has made the decision of joining in the courageous fight for our freedom, the most important thing to do for them is to give them the support they need to carry on. Being supportive and having a great amount of pride, in knowing that they are serving for a much greater cause in our nation, is a key factor in letting them leave. Most of the time it is one of the most difficult times letting a loved one go to war, not knowing if they will come back the same, and fear of not having them their like you always have in the past. This is the hardship a great amount of citizens have endured in our military history.
When someone we love is lost at war, we tend to focus on the devastation of the war instead of the honor they had for their country fighting in this war. Remember them in that proud uniform, willing to risk their life for the freedom of this nation. By purchasing military medals, you will be able to see the achievements they have made, and the honor they had by wearing these elegant medals.
By owning military medals, you not only show that you are proud of that loved one, but you also show that you support all those troops who are fighting now. Medals can be a beautiful decoration in your home, on display for everyone to see. Each medal can tell its own story, have its own legacy to share with the world. Honor those who've fought for this country, and those who are fighting with a gleaming set of military medals.
The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
August 8th 2009 - 1:21 pm
Issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal is a military medal of the United States armed forces. This award was made to honor those military service members who had assisted in performing military duty in the European Theater during the time of World War II. The different colored bands on the ribbon represent different places. The bands symbolize Germany (right side of ribbon), Italy (left side of ribbon), and the United States (the center of the ribbon). The terrain of the area where there had been conflict, ranged from grass and forests, to sandy beaches, to mountainous areas. The brown and green areas on the ribbon symbolize these different terrains. Awarded to personnel for performance within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater, this award was issued under any of the following conditions: Taking part in a permanent assignment, participating in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive/ 60 non-consecutive days, or in active combat against opposing forces and was authorized a certificate that he/she participated in any actual combat. This military medal, originally known as the "EAME Ribbon", was given for any service performed between December 7, 1941 and March 2, 1946 provided such service was fulfilled in the geographical theater areas of Europe, North Africa, or the Middle East. For service members who may have assisted in multiple battle campaigns, issued to those members is the award with service stars. Also issued with the award is the arrowhead device, for any airborne or amphibious operations performed. Also often authorized to certain sailors with this award is the Fleet Marine Force combat operation insignia. The Pacific Theater equivalent to the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal is the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal. Awarded as a ribbon throughout World War II this military medal was not issued as a full sized medal until 1947. In recognition of his service as Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force during WWII, General of the Army Dwight Eisenhower was the first recipient of the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal. This is just one of many distinguished Army Medals that have been awrded over the years.
Your Military Awards Represent an Entire Nation
August 6th 2009 - 11:21 am
Wearing a military medal is not only a badge of honor, but also a testament of the past. Military medals honor all service members, including all those troops who have gave their lives defending our freedom. For people who are currently in the military, or have served in the past, wearing medals gives off a sense of pride and can serve as reassurance to others. Military medals serve as much more than just an elegant decoration. They remind us of the hardships we have gone through as a nation, and with everything we have gone through, that we are still a thriving and beautiful nation. An Afghanistan Campaign Medal or an Iraq Campaign Medal serves as a reminder of those brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for freedom. A World War II Victory Medal serves as a testament to the struggle our nation went through, the battle we fought to win our independence from an evil tyranny. A Vietnam Service Medal reminds us of all those who shall never be forgotten, they will be remembered through out history as honorable brave soldiers who made the bright and beautiful nation we live in now. Military medals serve as a reminder of all the times in history that we have lost brave honorable individuals, but gained the freedom we have for generations to come. Carry that history with you by wearing proud military medals on a uniform. Medals and military ribbons add an elegant gleaming look of confidence to any uniform. Advances in military medals have changed a lot since World War II. The options available when ordering your replacement medals are many. The traditional slide-on military medals and military ribbons are still available, but many service members prefer the custom thin military medals, and thin military ribbons. These new custom medal and ribbon sets are thinner, liter, and more professional looking. However you choose to wear your military decorations, do it with pride and know that you are representing the entire country.
Military Medals Serve as a Reminder
August 1st 2009 - 10:05 am
Changing history irrevocably, war transforms the world, changing all aspects such as the way we live to politics. World War medals are tributes to the sacrifice some endured so that others could be free. These medals are historical artifacts that should be displayed for all to see.
These military medals, and military ribbons are often obtained through family. They get passed down through the family from one of your relatives who had the honor of serving in one of the greatest wars of their time. Most of us aren’t as fortunate as to have one of theses historical tokens to admire, but it is possible to order a replica that looks just like the real medal that was awarded to a military member that fought proudly. Buying a World War medal is a great way to pay respect to those who have lost their lives, or for those who were never the same once they had returned
Owning a military medal/military ribbon, or in this case a World War metal will not only add a bit of historical culture, but it will also show your pride and patriotism to our country even through those difficult times. By displaying a medal in your home, it will brighten up the room and give a sense of pride to any one, saying that you are proud to support this country.
Displaying military medals show that you honor your country and can be a great gift for any services personnel, veteran, or even those history buffs out there. Military medals and military ribbons not only show the pride we have for our country, but they also remind us of those who died so that freedom maybe spread across this great nation. A military decoration can be a reminder of history, or a symbol of patriotic pride, but in the end military medals will always serve as a reminder of the unfortunate costs of our freedom.
The Chosen Few
August 1st 2009 - 9:47 am
In every war America has fought, our military has always answered duty’s call of bravery. The history of America’s fighting forces is proof of how powerful freedom can be. American soldiers have always gone out and fought, never faltering in their determination to protect freedom.
As a tribute to the legacy of America’s bravest, we wear our military uniforms proudly and honorably. By wearing a uniform, you not only represent yourself, but you also represent those troops who gave their lives so that we could live as a free and independent country. The official military attire should suggest a sense of elegance and pride. When wearing a uniform you should always look your best and you should catch the eye of on lookers in your community. A great way to catch the public attention and look proud is by wearing a custom set of thin military medals, or thin military ribbons.
In these times we live in, our country strives to come out of the darkness of war and fear. That’s where we as U.S. citizens look to our troops. We look to our troops for the confidence, pride and the perseverance to get through these times of hardship. When walking down the street, or maybe into a church service, seeing that uniform is what lifts the hearts of citizens everywhere. Catching the eyes of the public most are the shining military medals and array of colorful military ribbons our troops don on their uniform and wear with pride. Keep military decorations polished and gleaming proudly for these decorations tell your individual story of the time you have dedicated in service to this great country.
When wearing your thin military medals, and thin military ribbons always keep in mind that you represent a higher cause than yourself and are looked on as an inspiration. Men and women that have come before you, and those still serving know of the great sacrifices that you have made to protect the freedoms that so many take for granted. Above all we dedicate our efforts to our fallen comrades, those who have lost their lives defending the principles that this country was founded on, and these are the people you are fighting for, show them how honored and dedicated to this cause you are, and above all the admiration you have for those that have stood beside you fighting for this noble cause, freedom. In honor and respect for all, we the chosen few, should stand tall, chest out, wearing our finely pressed military uniform, and display the awesome military medals we have so deservingly been awarded. This is the least of tributes that we should bear the responsibility for carrying on.
