Resource Library
National Defense Service Medal
President Dwight Eisenhower created the National Defense Service Medal in 1953 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 mi... read more
Medal for Humane Action
The United States Congress created the Medal for Humane Action on July 20, 1949. These military medals were presented to military personnel from all five United States military branches of service who performed extended duty in support of the Ber... read more
Army of Occupation Medal
The United States War Department created the Army of Occupation Medal in 1946 after World War II to recognize occupation service by United States military personnel in either Germany or Japan. These military medals were originally intended for on... read more
World War II Victory Medal
In July of 1945 the United States Congress created the World War II Victory Medal 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 milit... read more
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was created, like so many other World War II medals, by an executive order issued by President Franklin Roosevelt in November of 1942. These military medals were issued to honor the military serv... read more
Army Achievement Medal
In addition to the Joint Service Achievement Medal, each individual branch of military service has its own Achievement Medal. The Army created their version of these military ribbons and medals in 1981. These military decorations are presented f... read more
Purple Heart
The Purple Heart was originally created by George Washington as the Badge of Military Merit on August 7, 1782, during the Revolutionary War. While Douglas MacArthur promoted the change of name and design in 1932, the continuous history of these ... read more
Legion of Merit
Legion of Merit An Act of Congress created the Legion of Merit on July 20, 1942, as one of only six special military medals issued as a “Neck Order” which could be given to U.S. military personnel as well as foreign military personnel and dignita... read more
Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal
The Army was the last branch of military service to authorize a Reserve Good Conduct Medal, when it created the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal in 1972. These Army ribbons and medals were originally awarded to active members in the Army... read more
Army Good Conduct Medal
When the President issued an Executive Order establishing the Army Good Conduct Medal on June 28, 1941, it was the fourth branch of service to create a Good Conduct Medal. The Army ribbons and medals were authorized for award to soldiers completi... read more