Aug. 4, 2010 Article 5 NATO Medal (Operation Eagle Assist) BACKGROUNDThe North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal for Operation Eagle Assist was approved by the North Atlantic Council for members who participated in NATO's operation in the airspace of North America, following the attack on the United States on Sept. 11, 2001, providing NATO assistance to
Aug. 23, 2010 Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal BACKGROUNDThe Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was authorized on Nov. 6, 1942 by Executive Order No. 9265 that signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The medal was issued to commemorate the service performed by personnel of the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard who served during the periods and
Aug. 4, 2010 Basic Military Training Honor Graduate Ribbon BACKGROUNDAuthorized by the Chief of Staff, United States Air Force on April 3, 1976, this ribbon is awarded to honor graduates of basic military training who, after July 29, 1976, have demonstrated excellence in all phases of academic and military training and limited to the top 10 percent of the
Aug. 23, 2010 Bronze Star Medal BACKGROUNDThis decoration authorized by Executive Order No. 9419 on Feb. 4, 1944, is awarded to a person in any branch of the military service who, while serving in any capacity with the armed forces of the United States on or after Dec. 7, 1941, shall have distinguished himself by heroic or
Aug. 4, 2010 Combat Action Medal BACKGROUNDOn March 15, 2007, the Secretary of the Air Force approved the establishment of the Air Force Combat Action Medal to recognize any military member of the Air Force (airman basic through colonel), who actively participated in either air or ground combat. CRITERIAThe principle eligibility
Aug. 3, 2010 Combat Readiness Medal BACKGROUNDThis medal was authorized by the Secretary of the Air Force on March 9, 1964, and amended Aug. 28, 1967. Originally created as a personal decoration ranking above the Commendation Medals, Lifesaving Medals and the Purple Heart, its current status has been changed to an achievement/service
Aug. 23, 2010 Defense Distinguished Service Medal BACKGROUNDThis award was established by Executive Order 11545 on July 9, 1970. A rather unique feature of this decoration is that it is awarded by the Secretary of Defense and has no delegated authority. No one else can even initiate a recommendation; it is awarded solely at the initiative and
Aug. 4, 2010 Defense Meritorious Service Medal BACKGROUNDThis medal was established by Executive Order 12019 on Nov. 3, 1977, when President Carter signed the order establishing it. The Defense Meritorious Service Medal is awarded to military personnel serving with or assigned to a number of joint activities including The Secretary of Defense,
Aug. 23, 2010 Defense Superior Service Medal BACKGROUNDThe Defense Superior Service Medal was established by Executive Order 11904 on Feb. 6, 1976, when President Gerald R. Ford signed the order formally establishing this medal. CRITERIAThe DSSM (pictured above) is awarded by the Secretary of Defense to military officers who perform
March 10, 2021 Developmental Special Duty Ribbon BACKGROUNDThe SECAF established the Air Force Special Duty Ribbon on 4 September 2014 to recognize Airmen who successfully perform the challenge of a special duty assignment. The ribbon was designed to acknowledge the extraordinary commitment and dedication of present and future Airmen who served in