MyMilitaryMedals.com Blog
The Air and Space Campaign Medal (Air Force)
December 29th 2010 - 12:03 pm
The Air and Space Campaign Medal was created by the Secretary of the Air Force in April of 2002. These US military medals are intended to cover extra-terrestrial operations as well as earth-bound missions, and are therefore, a completely new type of award to be entered into the pantheon of the metals of America. These military medals and ribbons are bestowed upon members of the US Air Force who supported a significant US military operation designated by the Chief of Staff of the US Air Force, after March of 1999. These Air Force ribbons and medals are awarded for direct support of a military operation for a t least 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days. The duties these Air Force medals reward include sortie generation, intelligence, surveillance, targeting, computer network attack operations, and entirely new and future missions which are not yet defined, but are anticipated to involve extra-terrestrial action. Squadron Commanders must determine the functions that meet the intent of these military awards. The Air and Space Campaign Medal is only authorized to Air Force personnel and is prohibited for issuance if another campaign or service medal has already been received for the operation in question. Additional awards of the Air and Space Campaign Medal are denoted by Service Stars. The Air and Space Campaign Medal is worn immediately after the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal and before the Air Force Overseas Service, Short Tour ribbon in the general order of precedence established for the proper display of all military ribbons and medals.
The Coast Guard Special Operations Service Ribbon
December 28th 2010 - 7:28 pm
The Coast Guard Special Operations Service Ribbon was created in 1987 by the Commandant of the Coast Guard. These U S military medals honor certain non-combat acts of meritorious service performed by Coast Guard personnel, for which no other medals of America are authorized. Eligibility for these Coast Guard ribbons falls into four broad categories: special involvement in multi-agency national security law enforcement; special support of unusual events drawing large media interest; involvement with foreign government operations for saving life or property at sea; and, operations assisting friendly or developing nations. Unlike many military ribbons, there are no military medals associated with the Coast Guard Special Operations Service Ribbon. This military award is unique to the Coast Guard and is not shared by the Navy or the Marine Corps. Additional awards of the Special Operations Service Ribbon are denoted by Service Stars. These Coast Guard ribbons are normally worn below the Humanitarian Service Medal and above the Air and Space Campaign Medal in the general order of precedence which the military services have worked out for the proper display of all military medals and ribbons.
The Global War on Terrorism Service Medal (GWOT)
December 26th 2010 - 3:45 pm
In March of 2003 President George W. Bush created a pair of medals of America for the War on Terror. The second of these US military medals was named The Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. These military medals and ribbons recognize service personnel who have performed supporting roles within the US including any administrative, logistics, planning, operational, technical, or readiness activity which provides support to an operation for troops deployed overseas and involved in direct service in the War on Terrorism after September 11, 2001. By 2007 this broad definition resulted in virtually everyone in military service receiving one or the other of these two Global War on Terrorism Medals. These military ribbons and medals were also given to reservists who completed three months of reserve duty in good standing. To receive these military decorations, service members must complete either 30 consecutive days, or 60 cumulative days, of active duty. The time requirement is waived for all personnel who engage in combat, or are wounded or killed in action. With this broad definition of "support duty", the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal has essentially become almost the same type of award as the National Defense Service Medal and graduates of training schools, ROTC, and Service Academies are typically presented both awards at the same time. The primary difference between the National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal is that the National Defense Service Medal is automatic as soon as a person joins the military whereas the N may only be presented after thirty days of duty (or three months in the case of the reserves. The Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal was created at the same time as the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. The primary difference between the two awards is that the expeditionary medals recognize those who were deployed to foreign countries, while the service medals are medals of America which are intended to honor those who performed support duty within the United States. It is possible to earn both medals, but not for duty during the same period of time. The Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal is available to members of all five branches of the military, but it is awarded only one time. However, under extremely rare circumstances, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff may award a Battle Star for extremely dangerous combat duty involving a high threat of death. These military awards are worn below the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and are worn above the Korean Defense Medal in the general order of precedence which has been established for the proper display of all military ribbons and medals.
The Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
December 24th 2010 - 2:27 pm
The Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal was one of two early medals of America created by President George W. Bush in March of 2003, by Executive Order. These US military medals recognize service personnel who have deployed overseas for direct service in the War on Terrorism after September 11, 2001. These military medals have not been given for service in Iraq or Afghanistan since April of 2005 when both theaters were granted their own Campaign Medals. To receive these military ribbons and medals service members must be deployed in an anti-terrorism duty which is based in a nation which is currently recognized as a base for anti-terrorism operations for either 30 consecutive days, or 60 cumulative days, of active duty. The time requirement is waived for all personnel who engage in combat, or are wounded or killed in action. The Global War on Terrorism Service Medal was created at the same time as the Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal. The primary difference between the two awards is that the service medals are intended for those who performed support duty within the United States, while the expeditionary medals recognize those who were deployed to foreign countries. It is possible to earn both medals, but not for duty during the same period of time. The Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal is only given one time. However, Service Stars may be granted by commanders to members of all five branches of the military for those who participated in extremely dangerous combat operations while performing service entitling them to the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal. The Arrowhead Device may also be granted for certain assault operations, and the Fleet Marine Combat Operation Insignia can be earned by sailors for certain qualifying duty. These military awards are worn below the Kosovo Campaign Medal and are worn above the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal in the general order of precedence which the military service has established for the proper display of all military ribbons and medals.
The Kosovo Campaign Medal (KCM)
December 23rd 2010 - 10:09 am
The Kosovo Campaign Medal was the first of the medals of America established by President Bill Clinton in May of 2000. These US military medals recognize military service performed in Kosovo from 1999 to the current time. These military medals and ribbons are presented to service personnel from all branches of service who have performed active duty for 30 consecutive days, or 60 cumulative days, in support of one or more of the two broad campaigns recognized for Kosovo: the Kosovo Air Campaign which ended in June of 1999, and the Kosovo Defense Campaign which continues to the current day. These military ribbons and medals honor flight operations performed in the land area or air space of Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, Macedonia, Bosnia, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, Greece, Bulgaria, Italy and Slovenia, and including the waters and air space of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. Participants in the ground operations supporting peacekeeping in Serbia, Montenegro, Albania and Macedonia, and Naval actions in the Adriatic Sea since June of 1999 may also receive the Kosovo Service Medal. Service persons who receive the Kosovo Service Medal are also eligible to receive the NATO Medal for peacekeeping services rendered in Kosovo. Service Stars are awarded to member of all five branches of the military for the Kosovo Service Medal for qualified duty in either or both of the two major campaigns, and these military decorations are always granted at least one Service Star. The Fleet Marine Force Combat Operation Insignia is also authorized for certain sailors. The Kosovo Service Medal is worn below the Armed Forces Service Medal, and above the Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal in the general order of precedence which has been established for the proper display of all military ribbons and medals.
The Armed Forces Service Medal (AFSM)
December 22nd 2010 - 12:49 pm
The Armed Forces Service Medal is one of the few medals of America that President Bill Clinton created. All five branches of the military began issuing these military medals and ribbons in January of 1996. These US military medals are presented to service members who engage in significant activity for which no other campaign or service medal is authorized. These military decorations are often awarded for participation in peace-keeping and humanitarian actions or support for NATO or the United Nations forces. The significant activity for which these medals of America stand, is determined by the theater commander to have a high degree of scope, impact, and international significance. The primary difference between the Armed Forces Service Medal and the Armed forces Expeditionary Medal is that the former is awarded for actions where no foreign armed opposition or imminent threat of hostile action was encountered, while the later is issued for combat operations or support thereof. Generally, the Armed Forces Service Medal is awarded to personnel who serve at least 30 days of consecutive duty in the theater region. Aircrews may earn these military ribbons and medals for thirty mission days of flying into and around the theater area. Additional awards of the Armed Forces Service Medal are denoted by Service Stars in all five branches of the military. The Armed Forces Service Medal is worn below the Korea Defense Service Medal, and above the Humanitarian Service Medal in the general order of precedence which has been established for the proper display of all military ribbons and medals. The Armed Forces Service Medal s generally available for all branches of service, and can be worn as traditional full size military medals and mini medals, military ribbons, and lapel pins.
The Afghanistan Campaign Medal
December 20th 2010 - 9:12 am
In November of 2004 President George W. Bush issued an Executive Order that established the Afghanistan Campaign Medal as his newest entry into the hallowed halls of the medals of America. These US military medals are presented to all military personnel who have performed duty within the borders of Afghanistan for a period of 30 consecutive days, or a period of 60 non-consecutive days. These military ribbons and medals are currently retroactive to October of 2001 and are still being presented. These military medals are awarded to personnel who have engaged in actual combat or been wounded in combat regardless of the number of days of duty service completed. These military decorations replace the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal for Afghanistan service, and both medals may not be received for the same period of duty. The Arrowhead Device and the Fleet Marine Corps Combat Operation Insignia may be worn on these military ribbons and medals for participation in certain designated assaults. The Defense Department divides this war into 3 campaigns so far, and Service Stars may be worn to denote participation in one or more of them. The Afghanistan Campaign Medal is worn below the Southwest Asia Service Medal and above the Iraq Campaign Medal in the general order of precedence that has been established by the Pentagon for the proper display of all military ribbons and medals. The Afghanistan Campaign Medal is generally available as Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Awards, and can be worn as traditional full size military medals or mini medals, military ribbons and lapel pins.
The Southwest Asia Service Medal (1991)
December 18th 2010 - 8:10 am
The Southwest Asia service medal was established In March of 1991. The award followed the United Staes miliatry entering into the war termed (Desert Sterm/ Desert Shield). These US military medals are intended to recognize service personnel of all branches of military service who performed active duty during the years of the Persian Gulf War. These military medals and ribbons were presented for service in either Operation Desert Shield or Operation Desert Storm between August of 1990 and November of 1995. To receive these military ribbons and medals, a service member must also have served in the geographical land area of Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Israel, Egypt, Turkey, Syria, or Jordan. The Defense Department has divided this war into four campaigns, and a maximum of three Service Stars can be worn on these military ribbons and medals to denote service in these campaigns. The Southwest Asia Service Medal is worn below the Vietnam Service Medal and above the Kosovo Service Medal in the general order of precedence that has been established for the proper display of all military ribbons and medals. The Southwest Asia Service Medal is generally available as Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Awards, and can be worn as traditional full size military medals, mini medals, military ribbons and lapel pins.
The Vietnam Service Medal (VSM)
December 17th 2010 - 12:51 pm
In July of 1960 President Lyndon Johnson issued and Executive Order establishing the Vietnam Service Medal as his first entry into the medals of America. These US military medals are issued to recognize service by any member of the US military during the Vietnam War. These military ribbons and medals were presented for 31 days or more of consecutive duty, or 60 days of non-consecutive duty with one or more organizations participating in direct support of ground operations, or for service aboard naval vessels in support of military operations in the Republic or Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia or Laos, between the dates of November 1961 and March of 1973. These military medals were also issued for service on the two days at the end of April of 1975. The Air Force awards these military medals for personnel who flew missions over Vietnam air space. The Defense Department divides the Vietnam War into 30 military campaigns, and awards Service Stars to one or more service branches for participation in each of them. The Arrowhead Device is authorized for certain amphibious assaults, as is the Fleet Marine Force Combat Operation Insignia. The Vietnam Service Medal is worn below the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and above the Southwest Asia Service Medal in the general order of precedence that has been established governing the proper display of all military ribbons and medals in uniform award displays. The Vietnam Service Medal is generally available as Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Awards, and can be worn as traditional full size military medals, mini medals, military ribbons and lapel pins.
The Coast Guard Arctic Service Medal
December 15th 2010 - 7:17 am
In 1976 Admiral Owen Siler of the United States Coast Guard established the Coast Guard Arctic Service Medal as the first entry of its kind into the medals of America. These US military medals and ribbons are awarded to Coast Guard personnel who perform 21 days of cumulative duty afloat or ashore in the Arctic Circle, or for flight personnel who participate in 21 flight days above the Arctic Circle. These military ribbons and medals are also presented for remote radio station service in Alaska, Greenland and Norway. These military medals were made retroactive to 1946. The US Navy also offers an Arctic Service Ribbon as its equivalent for this Coast Guard Medal. There are no devices authorized for additional periods of Arctic service. These military awards are worn below the Antarctica Service Medal and above the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal in the general order of precedence that has been established for the proper display of all military ribbons and medals. The Coast Guard Arctic Service Medal is generally available as a Coast Guard Award, and can be worn as traditional full size military medals, mini medals, military ribbons and lapel pins.
The Antarctica Service Medal (ASM)
December 14th 2010 - 6:49 am
In July of 1960 the US Congress established the Antarctica Service Medal as its newest addition to the medals of America. These US military medals replaced a commemorative decoration which had been issued between 1928 and 1941. These military ribbons and medals are issued by the Department of Defense and honor both US military personnel and US civilians who have served between 15 and 30 days active duty on the Antarctic continent. Flight crews flying transport missions to Antarctica qualify for one day of service for each flight mission completed within a 24 hour period. For those personnel performing extended winter service in Antarctica, a Wintered Over Device is authorized. The "Wintered Over" bar is only worn on the suspension ribbon of the full-sized military medals. A smaller "disc" device is worn on the uniform ribbon to recognize this same service. These devices are available in bronze representing one winter service, gold representing two winters, and silver representing three or more winters of service. There are also Arctic equivalents of the Antarctica Service Medal. These military medals and ribbons are the Arctic Service Ribbon issued by the Navy and Marine Corps; the Coast Guard Arctic Service Medal; and the Air Force Overseas Service Ribbon with the Arctic "A" Device. The Department of Defense Antarctica Service Medal is worn below the Korean Service Medal and above the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal in the order of precedence that has been established for all military medals and ribbons. The Antarctica Service Medal is generally available as Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Awards, and can be worn as traditional full size military medals, mini medals, military ribbons and lapel pins.
The National Defense Service Medal (NDSM)
December 11th 2010 - 6:32 pm
President Dwight Eisenhower created the National Defense Service Medal as an addition to the hallowed medals of America, in 1953. These US military medals were intended to honor any service person who served honorably during a designated time period after a National Emergency had been declared by the United States government. These military ribbons and medals have been awarded to service persons who have performed active duty in a number of engagements between June of 1950 and July of 1954. The conflicts included are the Korean War, between January of 1961 and August of 1974; the Vietnam War, between August of 1990 and November of 1995; the Gulf War for its entire call-up and deployment period; and for all service rendered after September 11 of 2001 in the War on Terrorism, including all Iraq and Afghanistan service. Military members who have received National Defense Service Medals and have served in more than one eligible campaign are authorized to wear Service Star devices to denote additional issues of these military awards. These military medals and ribbons are worn below the Navy Occupation Service Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal, and above the Korean Service Medal in the general order of precedence that has been established to govern the proper display of all military decorations. The National Defense Service Medal is generally available as Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps, and Coast Guard decorations, and can be worn as traditional full size military medals, mini medals, military ribbons and lapel pins.
The Medal for Humane Action (MHA)
December 10th 2010 - 7:50 am
The United States Congress created the Medal for Humane Action on July 20, 1949 as a general services addition to the prestigious medals of America. These US military medals were presented to military personnel from all five United States military branches of service who performed extended duty in support of the Berlin Airlift. These military medals were given to service members who contributed 120 days of active duty in support of the Berlin Airlift between June of 1948 and September of 1949. Qualified candidates for these military ribbons and medals also were often eligible for the Army of Occupation Medal or the Navy Occupation Service Medal, depending on which service they were in. This is one of the few military decorations that the United States government ever created to honor a single campaign within a single war effort. Since the Berlin Airlift was a one-time event, there are no devices issued to denote additional awards authorized for wear on the Medal for Humane Action. These military awards are worn below the World War II Victory Medal and above the Navy Occupation Service Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal in the general order of precedence that has been established to govern the proper display of all military ribbons and medals. The Medal for Humane Action is generally available as Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Awards, and can be worn as traditional full size military medals and mini medals, military ribbons and lapel pins.
The Army & Navy Occupation Medal (OM)
December 9th 2010 - 9:25 am
The United States War Department created the Army of Occupation Medal as an Army addition to the medals of America in 1946 after World War II. The purpose of establishing these US military medals was to recognize occupation service by United States military personnel in either Germany or Japan. These military medals were originally intended for only United States Army personnel, but by 1948, these military ribbons and medals were also being presented to United States Air Force service persons. The United States Navy and Marine Corps have an equivalent award called the Navy Occupation Service Medal, and both of these military decorations are commonly referred to as World War II Occupation Medals. The service requirements for this commendation are thirty days of consecutive military duty within the designated area of military occupation. A Campaign Clasp was issued to denote either European or Asian service. Campaign Clasps are for full-sized medals only, with no corresponding device for military ribbons. Since West Berlin was an occupied territory until the unification of Germany, the Arm of Occupation Medal was issued to military personnel for over forty-five years, making it one of the longest running active military awards ever given. The Army and Navy Occupation Medals are located below the World War II Victory Medal and above the Medal for Humane Action in the general order of precedence that has been established for governing the proper display of all military medals and ribbons. The Army and Navy Occupation Medal is generally available as Army and Air Force medals and ribbons, and can be worn as traditional full size military medals, ribbons and lapel pins.
The World War II Victory Medal (WWIIVM)
December 8th 2010 - 11:02 am
In July of 1945 the United States Congress created the World War II Victory Medal as a new addition to the pantheon of the medals of America. These US military medals were to honor the service of all United States military personnel who served on active duty or as a reservist between December 7, 1941 and December 31, 1946. These military ribbons and medals were awarded to virtually everyone who participated in the war effort by a grateful nation who had stared too long into the hungry and hateful eyes of fascism and was infinitely relieved to have avoided its contagion. These military medals were first issued as military ribbons, and it was not until 1946 that they were upgraded to include military medals as authorized wear for all Untied States service personnel. There are no minimum service limit requirements for receiving the World War II Victory Medal, other than some form of service during the specified dates. These military decorations are worn after the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medals and before the Army of Occupation Medal or the Navy Occupation Service Medal in the general order of precedence that has been established to govern the proper display of all military medals and ribbons. Since this is a Victory Medal, it is only awarded one time, and no devices or attachments have been authorized for wear. The World War II Victory Medal is generally available as Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps, and Coast Guard medals and ribbons, and they can be worn as traditional full size military medals, mini medals, military ribbons and lapel pins.
The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
December 7th 2010 - 6:44 am
The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was created and added to the medals of America, like so many other World War II medals, by an executive order issued by President Franklin Roosevelt in November of 1942. These US military medals were issued to honor the military service of US military personnel who served in the European Theater including North Africa and the Middle East during World War II. They were first awarded as military ribbons for any service performed during the time between December 7, 1941 and March 2, 1946. The colors for these military ribbons were chosen from the flags of the United States, Germany and Italy. It was later authorized in the form of military medals, which were awarded to many thousands of United States service persons. Service personnel who served in multiple campaigns during the designated times were authorized to display Service Stars for each additional campaign, and the arrowhead device was awarded for any airborne or amphibious operations performed. The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal is worn after the American Campaign Medal and before the World War Two Victory Medal in the general order of precedence that has been established to govern the proper display of all military medals and ribbons. This military decoration is considered the equivalent of the Asia-Pacific Campaign Medal, and is available for service members who served in all the branches of the United States military during World War II. The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal is generally available as an Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Award, and can be worn as traditional full size military medals and mini medals, military ribbons and lapel pins.
The American Campaign Medal (ACM)
December 3rd 2010 - 8:47 am
President Franklin Roosevelt created the American Campaign Medal as an early entry into the pantheon of the medals of America with an Executive Order on November 6, 1942. This was shortly after his creation of another of the US military medals called the American Defense Service Medal. These military medals were intended to honor the service of Americans who had performed duty in the American theater during WWII. These military ribbons and medals were originally called the American Theater Ribbon, but were later expanded to military ribbons and medals with the current American Campaign Medal name. To earn these military awards, a service member from any of the five branches of military service must have performed a year of consecutive duty within the continental borders of the US, which included most of the Atlantic and the coastal Pacific oceans. The American Campaign Medal was awarded for service between December 7, 1941 and March 2, 1946. It was issued only as military ribbons during WWII, and only issued as military medals in 1947, with the first medal being awarded to General George C. Marshall. Since then, many thousands of Coast Guard and Air Force medals have been earned, and tens of thousand of Navy, Marine Corps and Army medals have also been awarded. The American Campaign Medal is worn in the position immediately after the American Defense Service Medal, and directly before the Asia Pacific Campaign Medal in the general order of precedence governing the proper placement of all military medals and ribbons for official display on uniforms of United States military personnel. The American Campaign Medal is generally available as military ribbons, medals, and lapel pins from the several reputable commercial military insignia firms.
Air Force Recognition Ribbon (AFRR)
December 1st 2010 - 8:15 am
The United states Air Force first established a new decoration for entry into the catagory of medals of America when they first established the Air Force Recognition Ribbon in October of 1980. These Air Force medals are intended to recognize those who have received "non-portable" awards for accomplishment and excellence while serving on active duty in the Air Force. To earn these military medals, a service member must receive a designated trophy, plaque or other award through personal accomplishment per Air Force regulations. These air force military ribbons are intended to recognize military awards that could not otherwise be displayed on a uniform. These personal decorations are awarded in combination with an Air Force level annual award. The Air Force Recognition Ribbon is worn directly below the Outstanding Airman Ribbon and directly above the various campaign medals and ribbons presented by all the branches of the US military, in the general order of precedence that has been established to ensure the proper display of all department of defense and individyal service medals and ribbons. These Air Force ribbons are the lowest of the personal recognition awards offered by the Air Force. Subsequent awards of these Air Force decorations are denoted by Oak Leaf Clusters. The Air Force Recognition Ribbon is generally available as Air Force ribbons and lapel pins.
