The US Army created the Commendation Medal in 1945. At first these awards were only available as military ribbons, but by 1960 the Army had created military medals for the same decoration. By then, all the other branches of the military had also created their own versions of the Commendation Medal, and named them after their service branch.
These Army decorations are a mid-level award resented to service persons for acts of heroism and meritorious service. If the valorous action that earns the Army Commendation Medal is performed in direct contact with an enemy force, the Valor Device “V” may be worn on the decoration. The actions for which these military ribbons are awarded are considered to be of a lesser degree than those required to win the Bonze Star.
The Army Commendation Medal is worn below the Silver Life Saving Medal and the Joint Service Commendation Medal, but above the Joint Services Achievement Medal. The Army denotes additional awards of these military ribbons with bronze and silver Oak Leaf Clusters. The Army Commendation Medal is generally available as full size military medals, military mini medals, military ribbons, and lapel pins. Like most military medals, they are available as traditional slide-on, full size military medals or mini-medals, slide-on military ribbons, and thin military medals, mini-medals and ribbons.