MyMilitaryMedals.com Blog
Outstanding Airman Ribbon (OAR)
November 30th 2010 - 6:07 pm
The Outstanding Airman of the Year Ribbon was created on February 21, 1968 by order of the Secretary of the Air Force as its newest entry into the prestigious halls of the medals of America. These US military medals are the highest non-combat personal ribbon decoration the Air Force bestows on its personnel. These Air Force medals are presented to enlisted members nominated by their Major Command for competition in a program that elects 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year as final contestants. Then, one winner is chosen from the group to receive the Outstanding Airman Ribbon each year. The twelve airmen selected as finalists in the Outstanding Airmen of the Year contest are authorized to wear the Bronze Service Star as well as the Outstanding Airman Badge for a period of one year. Any future awards of these same Air Force ribbons to the same service person would be very rare, but would be denoted by Oak Leaf Clusters. The Outstanding Airmen of the Year ribbon is worn directly below the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, and directly above the Air Force Recognition Ribbon in the general order of precedence that has been established to ensure the proper display of all Air Force military medals and ribbons. The Air Force Outstanding Airmen of the Year ribbon is generally available as an Air Force ribbon and a lapel pin from most commercial military insignia perveyors.
The Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal (MCEM)
November 28th 2010 - 8:37 pm
On May 8, 1919 the Marine Corps created one of their earlier US military medals in the form of the Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal. These medals of America were originally only issued as Marine Corps ribbons. The military medals version of the Expeditionary Ribbon was not authorized until July of 1921. These Marine Corps medals are one of the oldest decorations still issued to current active duty personnel. These military ribbons and medals are awarded to service members who have engaged in a landing on foreign territory, participated in combat operations against an opposing force, or participated in a designated operation for which no other service medal is authorized. Personnel eligible for these Marine Corps awards after 1961 have the right to choose between the Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. The Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal is worn in a position directly below the Fleet Marine Force Ribbon and immediately above the China Service Medal in the general order of precedence that has been established to govern the proper placement of all Marine Corps military medals and ribbons which are intended for official display on uniforms of Marine Corps personnel. As with other Marine Corps decorations, additional awards are denoted by Service Stars. The Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal is generally available as Marine Corps medals, ribbons, and lapel pins.
The Navy Expeditionary Medal (NEM)
November 27th 2010 - 7:25 pm
In August of 1936 the Department of the Navy added the Navy Expeditionary Medal to the prestigious list of US military medals. These medals of America were issued by an Order of the Department of the Navy. These Navy ribbons and medals are awarded to both officers and enlisted men of the Navy who have landed on foreign territory and engaged in operations against armed enemies in a manner deemed to merit special recognition and for which no other campaign medal has been awarded. Since 1961 some Navy commands have permitted service members to choose between receiving these Navy medals and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, though both these military medals may not be bestowed for the same action. The Navy Expeditionary Medal is worn in the position directly below the Fleet Marine Force Ribbon and directly above the China Service Medal in the general order of precedence which was established to govern the placement of all military ribbons and medals intended for official display on uniforms of Navy personnel. Additional awards are denoted by gold and silver Service Stars. The Navy Expeditionary Medal is generally available as Navy medals and ribbons and is available as traditional slide-on medals, mini medals, and ribbons.
Fleet Marine Force Ribbon (FMFR)
November 26th 2010 - 6:08 am
In 1984 the Navy and Marine Corps established the Fleet Marine Force Ribbon as its newest entry into the long list of the medals of America. These Navy ribbons are presented to eligible Navy personnel serving with the Marines between 1984 and 2006. These Navy medals were only available as service ribbons, and they signified the acquisition of specific professional skills, knowledge and military experience that resulted in qualifications above those normally required of Navy personnel serving with the Marine Corps operating forces. As of October of 2006, these military ribbons became obsolete due to the creation of new Marine medals called the Fleet Marine Force Qualified Officer Insignia, and the Fleet Marine Force Enlisted Warfare Specialist Insignia. Qualifying for these US military medals can be done in several ways, but all require extensive learning and testing procedures. To be eligible, Navy officers and enlisted personnel had to be assigned to a Type 2 or 4 sea duty Marine Corps operating force, and complete sections of the Marine Battle Skills Training Handbook. These included studies in areas like Marine history, justice and war law, general leadership, weapons, tactical measures, first aid, land navigation and communications, and physical fitness. After completion, candidates must pass a written exam on this material. Lastly, candidates have to pass the Marine Corps Physical Fitness Test including a timed 3 mile run, sit-ups and pull-ups. The awarding authority could waive the above requirements in cases when Navy personnel demonstrate exceptional skill, knowledge, and leadership while providing support to the Marine Corps in a combat environment. The Fleet Marine Force Combat Operation Insignia is an attachment to the Navy service ribbons. These military medals are authorized by the Marine Corps to any member of the Navy who serves under operational control of a Fleet Marine Force unit, or is assigned directly to a Fleet Marine Force unit. The unit or individual must have engaged in active combat while in service with the unit. The Fleet Marine Force Ribbon is worn in the position below the Navy Good Conduct Medal and above the Navy Expeditionary Medal in the general order of precedence that has been established to govern the proper display of all Navy military medals and ribbons for official display on uniforms of Navy personnel.
The Coast Guard Good Conduct Medal CGGCM)
November 19th 2010 - 11:48 am
In 1923, the Coast Guard followed the Navy and the Army by adding a Good Conduct Medal to their growing list of the medals of America. These original Coast Guard medals remain largely unchanged to the current day, even though the Coast Guard has gone through several different incarnations under three different governmental bodies in the mean time, to finally arrive as a branch of the Homeland Security Department. These Coast Guard ribbons and medals are awarded to every active duty sailor who completes three years of honorable service. These military medals imply that a standard enlistment was completed without any non-judicial punishments, disciplinary infractions, or court martial offenses. If a service member commits an offense, the three-year mark "resets" and a service member must perform an additional three years of service without having to be disciplined, before the these military ribbons and medals may be authorized. Service for the Good Conduct Medal must also be performed on active duty. During times of war, the Good Conduct Medal may be awarded for one year of faithful service. These US military medals may also be awarded posthumously, to any sailor killed in the line of duty. The Coast Guard Good Conduct Medal is worn just below the Prisoner of War Medal and just above the Reserve Good Conduct Medal in the general order of precedence that has been established for the proper display of all Coast Guard military medals and ribbons. Service Stars have been used to denote additional awards since 1966. The Coast Guard Good Conduct Medal is generally available as Coast Guard medals, ribbons, and lapel pins most commonly, but hat pins and embroidered versions are also available. The Coast Guard Good Conduct Medal can be worn as full slide-on medals and mini medals and slide-on military ribbons.
Air Force Good Conduct Medal (AFGCM)
November 18th 2010 - 2:36 pm
The Air Force was the last of the five U. S. Military branches to add a Good Conduct Medal to their entries in the hallowed halls of the medals of America. These US military medals were authorized by Congress on July 6, 1960, but not created until June of 1963. Previously, between 1947 and 1963, the Air Force issued its personnel Army Good Conduct Medals, and airmen serving since before 1963 may wear both simultaneously. While the Air Force medals are the same as the Army version, the Air Force ribbons are different from the Army version. The Air Force has frequently seemed ambivalent toward the Good Conduct Medal. In addition to being the last to create one, they also discontinued it for three years between 2006 and 2009, apparently feeling that Air Force personnel were expected to behave well during their tours of duty, so why issue an Air Force decoration that honored what they considered normal behavior. However, since some Air Force personnel inevitably mess up, these military medals were reestablished to reward those who did not. The Air Force Good Conduct Medal is currently awarded to enlisted personnel during a three-year period of active military service or for a one-year period of service during a time of war. Airmen presented these military ribbons and medals must have had character and efficiency ratings of excellent or higher throughout the qualifying period including time spent in attendance at service schools, and there must have been no convictions of court martial during this period. The Air Force Good Conduct Medal is worn just below the Prisoner of War Medal and just above the Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal in the general order of precedence that has been established for the proper display of all Air Force military medals and ribbons. Additional awards of the Air Force Good Conduct Medal are denoted by Oak Leaf Clusters worn on the ribbons. The Air Force Good Conduct Medal is commonly available as Air Force medals, ribbons, and lapel pins among the more readily available forms.
Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (MCGCM)
November 17th 2010 - 9:24 am
The Marine Corps was the second branch of service to add a Good Conduct Medal to the growing pantheon of the medals of America. These Marine Corps medals were first issued in 1896, and were originally Marine Corps ribbons and medals suspended from a clasp bearing the words "U.S. Marine Corps". But, the clasp was eliminated after 1935 and these US military medals have remained unchanged in appearance since that time. These Marine Corps decorations are affectionately nicknamed, "The Good Cookie" by Marines. These military medals and ribbons imply that a standard enlistment was completed without any non-judicial punishments, disciplinary infractions, or court martial offenses. If a service member commits an offense, the three-year mark "resets" and a service member must perform an additional three years of service without having to be disciplined, before these military ribbons and medals may be authorized. Service for the Good Conduct Medal must also be performed on active duty because these Marine Corps medals are not awarded to members of the Marine Corps Reserve. During times of war, the Good Conduct Medal may be awarded for one year of faithful service. The Good Conduct Medal may also be awarded posthumously, to any Marine killed in the line of duty. The Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal is worn just below the Prisoner of War Medal and just above the Reserve Good Conduct Medal in the general order of precedence that has been established for the proper display of all Marine Corps military medals and ribbons. Originally Enlistment Bars were used to denote multiple awards, but after 1953 Service Stars became the standard to denote additional awards of the Good Conduct Medal. The Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal is generally available as Marine Corps medals, ribbons, and lapel pins among many common display styles. The Marine Corps awards can be worn as traditional slide-on military medals or mini-medals and traditional slide-on military ribbons.
The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM)
November 16th 2010 - 4:08 am
The Navy was the first branch of military service to add a Good Conduct Medal to the long list of the medals of America. These Navy medals have gone through four incarnations, with the first version dating back to 1869. This first of the US military medals issued for Good Conduct was issued between 1870 and 1884. In those days, this Navy medal was not meant to be worn on the uniform. It was merely a badge of honorable service, and was issued with discharge papers as a badge to present during reenlistment. A sailor in the Navy received a new Good Conduct Medal for each honorable enlistment completed. Between 1880 and 1884, a second version of the Navy Good Conduct Medal was issued. These Navy ribbons and medals were considered "transitional decorations" and were the first of the Good Conduct Medals to be worn on a uniform. In 1885 a third new Navy Good Conduct Medal was issued which lasted until1891. These new military medals had Enlistment Bar devices approved to denote each honorable enlistment completed instead of the currently used Service Stars. During the Spanish American War the all red ribbon of the Navy Good Conduct Medal was confused with the Specially Meritorious Service Medal which also sported an all red ribbon, and some Navy personnel had received both. So, it was decided to change the Navy Good Conduct Medal one more time. The fourth and current version of these military ribbons and medals are awarded to every active duty sailor who completes three years of honorable service, although the same award required four years of similar service before 1996. These military awards imply that a standard enlistment was completed without any non-judicial punishments, disciplinary infractions, or court martial offenses. If a service member commits an offense, the three-year mark "resets" and a service member must perform an additional three years of service without having to be disciplined, before the Navy Good Conduct Medal may be authorized. Service for the Good Conduct Medal must also be performed on active duty and the medal is not awarded to members of the Navy Reserve. During times of war, the Good Conduct Medal may be awarded for one year of faithful service. The Good Conduct Medal may also be awarded posthumously, to any sailor killed in the line of duty. The Navy Good Conduct Medal is worn just below the Prisoner of War Medal and just above the Reserve Good Conduct Medal in the general order of precedence that has been established for the proper display of all Navy military medals and ribbons. Service Stars are used to denote additional awards. Upon 12 years of honorable and faithful service, sailors are also allowed to wear gold versions of their Petty Officer insignia, something usually seen with those with the rank of Chief Petty Officer, or Petty Officer First Class. The Navy Good Conduct Medal is generally available as Navy medals, ribbons, lapel pins and hat insignia. Navy Good Conduct Medals are available in traditional slide-on military medals or mini-medals and traditional slide-on military ribbons.
Army Good Conduct Medal (AGCM)
November 15th 2010 - 1:56 pm
The Army was the next to last branch of United States military service to add a Good Conduct Medal to the long list of medals of America. The President issued an Executive Order establishing the Army Good Conduct Medal on June 28, 1941. These Army ribbons and medals were authorized for award to soldiers completing three years active service after that date. Another Executive Order on March 31, 1943 amended the criteria to authorize these Army medals and ribbons for one year of service during active war duty after December 7, 1941. These US military medals are awarded on a selective basis to each soldier who distinguishes himself/herself from among his/her fellow soldiers by their exemplary conduct, efficiency, and fidelity throughout a specified period of continuous enlisted active duty service. The first presentation of these military medals can be made posthumously for those individuals who died before completing one year of active duty military service if the death occurred in the line of duty. The immediate commander must approve the award and the decoration must be announced in permanent orders. On September 1, 1982, Active Guard and Reserve personnel became eligible to receive the Army Good Conduct Medal as well. The Army Good Conduct Medal is worn just below the Prisoner of War Medal and just above the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal in the general order of precedence that has been established for the proper display of all Army military ribbons and medals. Subsequent awards are denoted with Award Clasp devices with loops worn on the military ribbons. Bronze clasps with 2 through 5 loops indicate 2 through 5 subsequent awards. Silver clasps with one through five loops indicate 6 through ten awards. Gold clasps with one through 5 loops indicate eleven through fifteen awards. The Army Good Conduct Medal is commonly available as Army medals, ribbons, and lapel pins among many other forms. These Army awards can be worn as traditional slide-on military medals or mini-medals and traditional slide-on military ribbons.
The Combat Readiness Medal
November 14th 2010 - 8:34 am
In 1964 the U.S. Air Force created a new military decoration to add to the pantheon of all the medals of America. The Air Force called these new US military medals Combat Readiness Medals. Although originally these military medals were superior to the Air Force Commendation Medal, in 1967 the criteria was changed and these Air Force ribbons and medals were designated a campaign service award. These Air Force medals and ribbons are now awarded to Active Duty and Reserve personnel who have sustained individual combat mission readiness, or who have achieved levels of preparedness for direct weapon-system employment that amount to 24 cumulative months of sustained duty performance. The Air Force Major Headquarters awards the Combat Readiness Medal to Air Force personnel, and it is not uncommon for individuals receiving it to also be awarded the Air Medal and/or the Aerial Achievement Medal at the same time, since the qualifications are quite similar. The Combat Readiness Medal is worn below the Prisoner of War Medal, and just above the Air Force Good Conduct Medal in the general order of precedence that has been established for the proper display of all military ribbons and medals. Multiple awards of the Combat Readiness Medal are denoted by Oak Leaf Clusters. If an Air Force member has transitioned into the Army, the Combat Readiness Medal must be worn as the last domestic medal/ribbon, but before any foreign awards. The Combat Readiness Medal is generally available as Air Force medals, ribbons, and lapel pins to name a few common forms.
The Navy E Ribbon (NE)
November 9th 2010 - 9:02 am
In July of 1976 the Secretary of the Navy established the Navy E Ribbon, as its latest entry in the pantheon of US military medals and awards. These medals of America are more fully called the Navy Battle Efficiency Ribbon. These Navy ribbons are presented to units for permanent duty on Navy ships that have won a battle efficiency competition. These military ribbons are unit awards, and are one of the few ribbons that are not individual awards. They are used to reward particularly the enlisted personnel of any unit that has shown unusual cohesion among its members and exceptional efficiency of operations. These Navy medals are also presented to the Marine Corps for similar performance excellence. The Navy E Ribbon is worn above the right breast pocket of a full dress uniform. When in standard uniform, the ribbon is placed above the left breast pocket. Subsequent awards are denoted by placing a Navy "E" device, for up to three awards. Thereafter, a single Wreathed Battle "E" device is worn instead. The Navy E Ribbon is worn below the Meritorious Unit Commendations and the Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation, and above the Prisoner of War Medal in the general order of precedence that has been established for the proper display of all military medals and ribbons. It is considered the equivalent of the Army Superior Unit Award, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, and the Coast Guard "E" Ribbon. The Navy E Ribbon is available as traditional full size military ribbons, lapel pins, and unit banners.
Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation
November 6th 2010 - 11:41 am
In November of 1973 the Commandant of the Coast Guard established the Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation in the prestigious ranks of the medals of America. These US military medals are awarded in the name of the Coast Guard Commandant. These Coast Guard ribbons are bestowed upon units that display superior performance in exceptionally difficult tasks that sets them above other units performing similar tasks. Receiving these military ribbons requires unit performance that generally must be the equivalent to what is required of an individual to earn the Legion of Merit. These Coast Guard decorations are generally awarded to reward unit cohesion and efficiency among enlisted personnel. The Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation ranks below the Coast Guard Unit Commendation, and above the Coast Guard Team Merit Ribbon in the general order of precedence which has been established for the proper display of all military medals and ribbons. Additional Awards are denoted by gold Service Star devices. This award is also available as a Unit Banner for unit display. The Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation is generally available as Coast Guard ribbons and a unit banner, and can be worn as military ribbons and lapel pins. It is available as traditional slide-on, full size military ribbons. Nowadays however, more and more military service personnel are realizing the value to their career goals of always having their uniform decorations looking their best, and have turned to the slimmer and trimmer ultra thin military ribbons to provide them with the smartest looking military award displays possible.
Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation
November 5th 2010 - 6:28 am
In July of 1967 the Secretary of the Navy ordered the establishment of the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation as its newest entry into the medals of America. These mid-level Navy ribbons are bestowed in the name of the Secretary of the Navy to both Navy and Marine Corps units. To win these Navy and Marine Corps ribbons, the unit must display superior performance in exceptionally difficult tasks that sets them above other units performing similar tasks. The required unit performance must generally be the equivalent to what is required of an individual to earn the US military medals known as the Bronze Star. Service in the combat area is not required so long as the service performed is directly related to the combat effort. The Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation ranks below the Navy Unit Commendation, and above the Navy "E" Ribbon in the general order of precedence which has been established for the proper display of all military medals and ribbons. Additional Awards are denoted by bronze or silver Service Star devices for both the Navy and the Marine Corps. This award is also available as a Unit Banner. The Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation is generally available as Navy and Marine Corp ribbons and can be worn as traditional full size military ribbons and lapel pins. Like most military awards, it is available as traditional slide-on, full size military ribbons. Nowadays however, more and more military service personnel are realizing the value to their career goals of always having their uniform decorations looking their best, and have turned to the slimmer and trimmer ultra thin military ribbons to provide them with the smartest looking military award displays possible.
Air Force Organizational Excellence Award
November 4th 2010 - 8:19 pm
In 1969 the Air Force created its Organizational Excellence Award as the newest of the medals of America. These Air Force ribbons are presented to internal organizations of the Air Force, which are sub-entities within larger units. These unique and unnumbered organizations perform certain functions normally performed by numbered wings, groups, or squadrons. These military ribbons are the lowest ranking Air Force unit awards, and are generally used to recognize enlisted personnel for unit cohesion and efficiency which is above the normal grade. These Air Force decorations are worn below all other Air Force unit awards in the general order of precedence which has been established for the proper display of military medals and ribbons. Subsequent awards are denoted by Oak Leaf Clusters worn on these military ribbons. If these decorations are awarded for combat operations or direct combat support roles, the "V" valor device may also be displayed. A Unit Banner has also been approved for unit display. The Air Force Organizational Excellence Award is generally available as an Air Force ribbon and can be worn as military ribbons and lapel pins. It is available as traditional slide-on, full size military ribbons, or the newer ultra thin military ribbons that have become so very popular among up and coming military personnel who know how important it is to their career advancement to always maximize the neatness and smartness of their uniform appearance.
Coast Guard Unit Commendation
November 2nd 2010 - 7:58 am
In 1963 the Coast Guard created its newest entry in the medals of America with the Unit Commendation. These US military medals and ribbons were created for presentation to members of any Coast Guard unit which distinguishes itself by valorous or extremely meritorious service which does not involve combat, but supports Coast Guard operations. These Coast Guard ribbons became the highest peacetime unit awards in the Coast Guard when this branch of service was transferred to the Department of Homeland Security. The Coast Guard Unit Commendation is considered equivalent to unit citations in the other branches of service, like the Defense Joint Meritorious Unit Award, the Army Valorous Unit Award, the Navy Unit Commendation, and the Air Force Gallant Unit Citation, which is shared by the Marine Corps. These military ribbons are worn just below the Presidential Unit Citation and just above the Meritorious Unit Commendation in the general order of precedence that has been established for the proper display of all military medals and ribbons. The Operational Distinguishing Device is authorized for units which are presented this award for field operations and conditions. Subsequent awards of the Coast Guard Unit Commendation are denoted by gold and silver Award Star devices. The Coast Guard Unit Commendation is generally available as Coast Guard ribbons and a unit banner, and can be worn as full size military ribbons and lapel pins. While traditionalist may still prefer to purchase the traditional slide-on full size slide-on military ribbons, the newer ultra thin military ribbons commercial suppliers now provide have become extremely popular among up and coming military personnel who know how important it is to their career advancement to always maximize the neatness and smartness of their uniform appearance.
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
November 1st 2010 - 5:55 pm
In 1954, the Air Force created The Air Force Outstanding Unit Award as its newest entry in the medals of America, to honor any Air Force or Reserve Air National Guard command which performs exceptionally meritorious service, specific acts of outstanding achievement, excels in combat operations against an armed enemy, or during exposure to hostile actions by an opposing foreign force. These Air Force ribbons are considered a personal decoration and may be worn whether or not a unit member continues as a member of the awarded organization. If these US military medals are bestowed for combat or combat support service, the "V" device for valor is authorized. The general order of precedence that has been established for the proper display of all military medals and ribbons requires that these Air Force ribbons be worn just below the Meritorious Unit Commendation and just above the Air Force Organizational Excellence Award when being displayed as mounted military ribbons. These Air Force ribbons are considered equivalent to the Army Superior Unit Award, the Navy Unit Commendation, and the Coast Guard Unit Commendation. Multiple awards of the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award are denoted by Oak Leaf Cluster devices. A Unit Banner is also authorized for display. The Air Force Outstanding Unit Award is generally available as an Air Force ribbon, lapel pin and a unit banner. These military awards can be worn as traditional slide on ribbons. While traditionalist may still prefer to purchase the traditional slide-on military ribbons; the newer ultra thin military ribbons commercial suppliers now provide have become extremely popular among up and coming military personnel who know how important it is to their career advancement to always maximize the neatness and smartness of their uniform appearance.
