MyMilitaryMedals.com Blog
The Korean Presidential Unit Citation
February 26th 2010 - 11:51 pm
The award known as the Korean Presidential Unit Citation was issued by the government of the Republic of South Korea. These military ribbons were bestowed upon active duty service members of the us armed forces and UK, as well as Korean military units. Later, these military awards were retroactively presented to every unit of the US army which had deployed to Korea between 1950 and 1954. The commander of the US Marine Corps Forces serving in Korea between December of 1999 and April of 2002 was also awarded this decoration. No corresponding military medals have been authorized for this award. In addition to South Korean, US and UK military units, there have been several other nationalities including the Canadians, the Australians, the Italians, the Puerto Ricans, the South Africans and the Dutch whose military units have won the Korean Presidential Unit Citation. The Korean Presidential Unit Citation may be worn below the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation and above the Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation in the order of precedence for all military ribbons and medals.
Philippine Liberation Medal
February 23rd 2010 - 12:25 pm
The Philippine Liberation Medal was created by order of the Commonwealth of the Philippines Army in December of 1944 as an award of the Republic of the Philippines. At first the award was only in the form of military ribbons, but by July of 1945, full sized military medals were also established. These military awards were presented to service members of the Philippine and allied militaries who participated in liberating the Philippine Islands from Japanese occupation between October of 1944 and September of 1945. The Philippine Liberation Medal is intended to recognize military service in the last days of World War II when the Japanese military was driven from the Philippines. To be awarded the medal, a service member must have served in the Philippines for at least thirty days during the eligible time period, or must have participated in one of the following actions: participation in the initial landing operation of Leyte and adjoining islands from October 7 to October 20, 1944; or participation in any engagement against hostile Japanese forces during the Philippine Liberation Campaign of October 17, 1944 to September 2, 1945 Service persons awarded the medal for service in the above mentioned operations are authorized to wear Service Stars on their Philippine Liberation Medals. Personnel who earned the medal for general service during the eligible time period are awarded the medal without device. The Philippine Liberation Medal was one of the most commonly bestowed awards to allied militaries, awarded primarily to the forces of the Philippine Commonwealth, the US armed forces, and the British Commonwealth forces. Other common Philippine military awards of the Second World War include the Philippine Defense Medal and the Philippine Independence Medal. The Philippine Liberation Medal is worn below the Philippine Defense Medal and above the Philippine Independence Medal in the order of precedence for all military medals and ribbons. These awards are generally available as full size medals, mini-medals, ribbons, a unit banner, and lapel pins. The mini-medals and service ribbons may be worn in their traditional versions and in the newer, more compact thin mini-medals and ribbons.
Philippine Defense Medal
February 22nd 2010 - 4:02 pm
The Philippine Defense Medal is awarded by the Republic of the Philippines. These military ribbons were first created in December of 1944, followed by corresponding military medals in July of 1945. These military awards commemorated the initial resistance against the Japanese invasion which began in December of 1941. Philippine Defense Medals are presented to service members, of either the Philippine military or an allied armed force, who participated in the defense of the Philippine Islands from Japanese invasion. Those eligible must have served thirty or more days of duty, or must have been engaged in a combat operation, in which case, the time requirement is waived. Members of the United States Armed Forces entitled to the Philippine Defense Medal were also eligible to receive the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with a bronze Battle Star for participation in the defense of the Philippines. The Philippine Defense Medal was awarded to the United States and Philippine troops which defended the Philippines at Bataan and would later be captured and forced to endure the Bataan Death March. There are other, similar military awards which include the Philippine Liberation Medal and the Philippine Independence Medal. The Philippine Defense Medal is worn below the Kosovo Campaign Medal and above the Vietnam Campaign Medals in the order of precedence for all military medals and ribbons awarded for country campaigns. These military awards can be worn as traditional full size military medals and mini medals, military ribbons and lapel pins. Like most military medals, it is available as traditional slide-on, full size military medals or mini-medals, slide-on military ribbons, and thin military medals, mini-medals and ribbons.
Philippine Independence Medal
February 22nd 2010 - 6:30 am
The Philippine Independence Medal was created by order of the Commonwealth of the Philippine Army in July of 1946 as an award of the Republic of the Philippines. These military awards were first created and presented only as military ribbons. In 1968 president Marcos authorized the addition of corresponding military medals. The Philippine Independence Medal was created to recognize Philippine and allied military members who participated in multiple Philippine liberation operations during World War II. The PIM was authorized for award to foreign service persons and a large number of retroactive awards were made right after the cessation of World War II hostilities. To be awarded the Philippine Independence Medal, a service member must have previously received both the Philippine Defense Medal and the Philippine Liberation Medal, and have served on active military duty in the Philippines after July 4, 1946. The award criteria effectively awarded the medal to anyone who had participated in both the initial resistance against invasion by the Japanese and also in the later campaigns to liberate the Philippines from Japanese occupation in 1945. The Philippine Independence Medal may be worn below the Philippine Liberation Medal and above the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation in the order of precedence for all military medals and ribbons. These awards can be worn as traditional full size military medals and mini medals, military ribbons and lapel pins. Like most military medals, it is available as traditional slide-on, full size military medals or mini-medals, slide-on military ribbons, and thin military medals, mini-medals and ribbons.
Coast Guard Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon
February 21st 2010 - 9:30 am
A Marksmanship Ribbon is awarded by the Air Force, the Navy and the Coast Guard to service persons who pass a weapons qualification course and achieve an above-average score. The Coast Guard established two marksmanship ribbons: one named the Coast Guard Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon and the other called the Coast Guard Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon. The pistol ribbon is currently awarded for qualification on the a .40 cal SIG-Sauer P229R DAK pistol, and the rifle ribbon is awarded for qualification on the M-16 semi-automatic rifle. The Coast Guard issues these military awards in three rankings: Marksman, Sharpshooter and Expert. These military ribbons are presented as a plain ribbon for Marksman qualification, with the Marksmanship Device added to denote Sharpshooter or Expert status. The Coast Guard also issues military medals called the Coast Guard Marksmanship Medal to personnel that qualify as Expert with either the M-16 semi-automatic rifle or the .40 cal SIG-Sauer P229R DAK pistol. To qualify at the expert level, a superior score must be obtained on an approved weapons qualification course. The standard weapons qualification course normally consists of several courses of fire from one handed kneeling, double handed standing, and (in the case of the M16), firing from a crouched position. A superior score, qualifying for the Marksmanship Medal, is typically 285 points out of a 300 point scale. This varies slightly depending on the awarding authority and the military command which is running a particular qualification course. The Marksmanship Medal is worn as a full sized medal, on a dress uniform, but when worn on a duty uniform the award is displayed as the standard Marksmanship Ribbon with and Expert Device. The Marksmanship Medal is the equivalent of the Expert Marksmanship Badge in the Army and the Marine Corps ribbons. Coast Guard Rifle Marksmanship Ribbons and Pistol Marksmanship Ribbons are worn below the ROK War Service Medal and above the Outstanding Volunteer Service Ribbon in the order of precedence for all Coast Guard medals and ribbons. These Coast Guard medals and ribbons are available in traditional full size medals, mini-medals, and custom thin mini-medals as well as in slide-on on ribbons and the newer, custom thin ribbons currently gaining widespread popularity for their sleeker appearance.
Coast Guard Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon
February 20th 2010 - 1:24 pm
A Marksmanship Ribbon is awarded by the Air Force, the Navy and the Coast Guard to service persons who pass a weapons qualification course and achieve an above-average score. The Coast Guard established two marksmanship ribbons: one named the Coast Guard Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon and the other called the Coast Guard Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon. The pistol ribbon is currently awarded for qualification on the a .40 cal SIG-Sauer P229R DAK pistol, and the rifle ribbon is awarded for qualification on the M-16 semi-automatic rifle. The Coast Guard issues these military awards in three rankings: Marksman, Sharpshooter and Expert. These military ribbons are presented as a plain ribbon for Marksman qualification, with the Marksmanship Device added to denote Sharpshooter or Expert status. The Coast Guard also issues military medals called the Coast Guard Marksmanship Medal to personnel that qualify as Expert with either the M-16 semi-automatic rifle or the .40 cal SIG-Sauer P229R DAK pistol. To qualify at the expert level, a superior score must be obtained on an approved weapons qualification course. The standard weapons qualification course normally consists of several courses of fire from one handed kneeling, double handed standing, and (in the case of the M16), firing from a crouched position. A superior score, qualifying for the Marksmanship Medal, is typically 285 points out of a 300 point scale. This varies slightly depending on the awarding authority and the military command which is running a particular qualification course. The Marksmanship Medal is worn as a full sized medal, on a dress uniform, but when worn on a duty uniform the award is displayed as the standard Marksmanship Ribbon with and Expert Device. The Marksmanship Medal is the equivalent of the Expert Marksmanship Badge in the Army and the Marine Corps. Coast Guard Rifle Marksmanship Ribbons and Pistol Marksmanship Ribbons are worn below the ROK War Service Medal and above the Outstanding Volunteer Service Ribbon in the order of precedence for all Coast Guard medals and ribbons. These Coast Guard medals and ribbons are available in traditional full size medals, mini-medals, and custom thin mini-medals as well as in slide-on on ribbons and the newer, custom thin ribbons currently gaining widespread popularity for their sleeker appearance.
Navy Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon
February 19th 2010 - 7:17 am
A Marksmanship Ribbon is awarded by the Air Force, the Navy and the Coast Guard to service who pass a weapons qualification course and achieve an above-average score. The Navy established two marksmanship ribbons in 1920: one named the Navy Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon and the other called the Navy Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon. The pistol ribbon is currently awarded for qualification on the 9mm Beretta M9 pistol, and the rifle ribbon is awarded for qualification on the M-16 semi-automatic rifle. The Navy issues these military awards in three rankings: Marksman, Sharpshooter and Expert. These military ribbons are presented as a plain ribbon for Marksman qualification, with the Marksmanship Device added to denote Sharpshooter or Expert status. In 1969 the Navy also began issuing military medals called the Navy Marksmanship Medal to personnel that qualify as Expert with either the M-16 semi-automatic rifle or the 9mm Beretta M9 pistol. To qualify at the expert level, a superior score must be obtained on an approved weapons qualification course. The standard weapons qualification course normally consists of several courses of fire from one handed kneeling, double handed standing, and (in the case of the M16), firing from a crouched position. A superior score, qualifying for the Marksmanship Medal, is typically 285 points out of a 300 point scale. This varies slightly depending on the awarding authority and the military command which is running a particular qualification course. The Marksmanship Medal is worn as a full sized medal, on a dress uniform, but when worn on a duty uniform the award is displayed as the standard Marksmanship Ribbon with and Expert Device. In the U.S. Navy, the Marksmanship Medal is considered a successor decoration to the Distinguished Marksmanship Ribbon. This award was discontinued in 1960 and had been declared obsolete by 1965. The Marksmanship Medal is the equivalent of the Expert Marksmanship Badge in the Army and the Marine Corps. Navy Rifle Marksmanship Ribbons and Navy Pistol Marksmanship Ribbons are worn below the ROK War Service Medal and above the Nato Medal in the order of precedence for all Navy medals and ribbons. These Navy medals and ribbons are available in traditional full size medals, mini-medals, and custom thin mini-medals as well as in slide-on on ribbons and the newer, custom thin ribbons currently gaining widespread popularity for their sleeker appearance.
Navy Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon
February 18th 2010 - 7:09 pm
A Marksmanship Ribbon is awarded by the Air Force, the Navy and the Coast Guard to service who pass a weapons qualification course and achieve an above-average score. The Navy established two marksmanship ribbons in 1920: one named the Navy Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon and the other called the Navy Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon. The pistol ribbon is currently awarded for qualification on the 9mm Beretta M9 pistol, and the rifle ribbon is awarded for qualification on the M-16 semi-automatic rifle. The Navy issues these military awards in three rankings: Marksman, Sharpshooter and Expert. These military ribbons are presented as a plain ribbon for Marksman qualification, with the Marksmanship Device added to denote Sharpshooter or Expert status. In 1969 the Navy also began issuing military medals called the Navy Marksmanship Medal to personnel that qualify as Expert with either the M-16 semi-automatic rifle or the 9mm Beretta M9 pistol. To qualify at the expert level, a superior score must be obtained on an approved weapons qualification course. The standard weapons qualification course normally consists of several courses of fire from one handed kneeling, double handed standing, and (in the case of the M16), firing from a crouched position. A superior score, qualifying for the Marksmanship Medal, is typically 285 points out of a 300 point scale. This varies slightly depending on the awarding authority and the military command which is running a particular qualification course. The Marksmanship Medal is worn as a full sized medal, on a dress uniform, but when worn on a duty uniform the award is displayed as the standard Marksmanship Ribbon with and Expert Device. In the U.S. Navy, the Marksmanship Medal is considered a successor decoration to the Distinguished Marksmanship Ribbon. This award was discontinued in 1960 and had been declared obsolete by 1965. The Marksmanship Medal is the equivalent of the Expert Marksmanship Badge in the Army and the Marine Corps. Navy Rifle Marksmanship Ribbons and Navy Pistol Marksmanship Ribbons are worn below the ROK War Service Medal and above the Nato Medal in the order of precedence for all Navy medals and ribbons. These Navy medals and ribbons are available in traditional full size medals, mini-medals, and custom thin mini-medals as well as in slide-on on ribbons and the newer, custom thin ribbons currently gaining widespread popularity for their sleeker appearance.
Air Force Basic Training Honor Graduate Ribbon
February 15th 2010 - 11:27 pm
Both the Air Force and the Coast Guard offer Basic Training Honor Graduate Ribbons for exceptional recruits who graduate at the top of their basic training classes. The Air Force was the first to create these military awards by order of the Air Force Chief of Staff back in April of 1976, and the Coast Guard did not follow suit with their version until March of 1984. These military ribbons are bestowed upon those Air Force service members who have obtained an honor graduate designation and demonstrate excellence in all areas of academic and military training. An airman must achieve the "Thunderbolt" physical fitness level during the final AFBMT physical fitness test. Lacking this achievement, the airman is ineligible no matter how well he or she performed in other areas of basic training. Additionally, the airman must average over a 90 percent on all the written examinations, and never fail a graded inspection (graded inspections are conducted randomly after week #3). Finally, the airman must also never receive a negative mark in his or her written evaluations. The number of airmen to receive this award is limited to no more than ten percent of the flight. Those exceptional airmen who receive this award are entitled to wear these military ribbons for the rest of their Air Force Careers. The Air Force has no corresponding military medals for these awards. The Air Force Basic Military Training Honor Graduate Ribbon is not awarded retroactively, and due to the one-time-only nature of graduating from basic training, there are no provisions for additional awards. These military ribbons are worn below the Air Force Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon, and above the Air Force Small Arms Expert Marksman Ribbon in the order of precedence for all military awards. The Air Force Basic Military Training Honor Graduate Ribbon is available as a lapel pin, and in both the traditional slide on, or custom thin ribbon configurations.
Air Force Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Military Education Ribbon
February 14th 2010 - 4:18 am
Both the Air Force and the Army offer a Non-Commissioned Officer Development Ribbon. The Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard have no equivalent decorations. These military awards honor those non-commissioned officers who have completed a prescribed leadership course at an NCO training school. The Air Force does not have corresponding military medals for this award. The Air Force version is called the Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon. These military ribbons are presented to airmen for completion of prescribed NCO development programs. The Air Force programs include Airman Leadership School, Non-Commissioned Officer Academy, and the Senior Non-Commissioned Officer Academy courses. Additional awards of the Air Force Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon are denoted by Oak Leaf Clusters. These military ribbons are worn below the Armed Forces Reserve Medal and above the Air Force Basic Military Training Honor Graduate Ribbon in the order of precedence for all military medals and ribbons. These military awards are available as lapel pins, and as traditional slide on ribbons or the newer custom thin ribbon versions that have a trimmer, more professional appearance.
Coast Guard Basic Training Honor Graduate Ribbon
February 10th 2010 - 7:40 am
Both the Air Force and the Coast Guard offer decorations for exceptional recruits who graduate at the top of their basic training classes. The Coast Guard created their Basic Training Honor Graduate Ribbon in March of 1984. These military awards are bestowed upon those service members who graduate in the top three percent of their basic training instruction class. These military ribbons may be awarded retroactively upon application from a service member to the Coast Guard, but supporting documentation and a written request must be supplied for the request to be granted. The Coast Guard has no corresponding military medals for these awards. Due to the one-time-only nature of graduating from basic training, there are no provisions for additional awards of the Coast Guard Basic Training Honor Graduate Ribbon. These military ribbons are worn below the Coast Guard Restricted Duty Ribbon and above the Philippine Defense Medal in the order of precedence for all military awards. The Restricted Duty Ribbon is available as a lapel pin, and in both the traditional slide on or custom thin ribbon configurations.
Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon
February 8th 2010 - 6:12 am
The Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon was first issued in August of 1981. These military awards are only presented to the Army Reserve and Army National Guard. These military ribbons are awarded to all members of the drilling reserves who complete ten or more consecutive days of active duty for training outside the contiguous United States. Additional awards of the Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon are denoted by Award Numerals. These military ribbons are worn below the Army Overseas Service Ribbon and above the Philippine Defense Medal in the order of precedence for all military medals and ribbons. These military ribbons are generally available as Army ribbons and lapel pins. They may be worn as traditional slide-on military ribbons and thin military ribbons.
Army Overseas Service Ribbon
February 7th 2010 - 4:07 pm
The Army Overseas Service Ribbon was first issued in August of 1981. These military awards are presented to any member of the United States Army who completes a standard overseas tour of duty. These military ribbons may be awarded for the same duty as other authorized military medals and ribbons. The Army also issues an Overseas Service Bar which is an entirely different decoration from the Overseas Service Ribbon. Additional awards of the Army Overseas Service Ribbon are denoted by Award Numerals. For those Army service members performing overseas duty prior to 1981, the Army Overseas Service Ribbon may be awarded retroactively, provided that a service member was on active duty subsequent to 1981. These military ribbons are generally available as Army ribbons and lapel pins. They may be worn as traditional slide-on military ribbons and thin military ribbons.
Air Force Basic Military Training Instructor Ribbon
February 3rd 2010 - 10:39 am
The Air Force created the Air Force Basic Military Training Instructor Ribbon in December of 1998. These military awards are granted to any member of the Air Force who completes 12 consecutive months or more of duty as a military training instructor attached to the Air Force Training Command. These military ribbons may be awarded retroactively provided a service member was on active duty, or a member of a reserve component, as of December 1998. The Air Force does not offer corresponding military medals for this award. The Air Force also awards the Air Education and Training Command Instructor Badge for military instructors who qualify, and both of these awards may be presented for the same tour of service. The Air Force Basic Military Training Instructor Ribbon is worn below the Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon and above the Air Force Recruiting Ribbon in the order of precedence for all military ribbons and medals. Additional awards of the Basic Military Training Instructor Ribbon are presented for each consecutive three year tour of duty as a military training instructor with such additional awards denoted by Oak Leaf Clusters. These Air Force awards are available as military ribbons and lapel pins, and may be worn as traditional slide-on military ribbons or thin military ribbons.
Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon
February 1st 2010 - 3:22 pm
The Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon was created in June of 2003. These military awards are bestowed upon any member of the Air Force who completes a standard contingency deployment. These military ribbons represent either 45 consecutive days or 90 non-consecutive days in a deployed status. Temporary duty qualifies toward the 90 day requirement, but deployments exceeding the 45-90 day requirement for a single duty tour only qualify for a single issuance of this ribbon. The Air Force does not issue military medals in association with this award. A Gold Frame is available for these military ribbons for service members who serve in official combat zones while deployed, whether they participate in actual combat or not. This Gold Frame is a one-time decoration regardless of the number of combat operations in which a service member may be involved. The Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with gold border may also be awarded to certain "over-the horizon" combat assignments, such as remotely piloted vehicle operators for employing a long-range weapon into a combat zone. Such personnel, however, must have first earned the Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon before the ribbon can be upgraded with a Gold Frame. The Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon is worn below the Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon and above the Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon in the order of precedence for all military medals and ribbons. These military ribbons are available as retroactive awards to October of 1999, and additional awards are denoted by Oak Leaf Clusters. These Air Force awards are available as military ribbons and lapel pins, and may be worn as traditional slide-on military ribbons or thin military ribbons.
