Air Medal

BACKGROUNDThe Air Medal, established by Executive Order 9158, May 11, 1942, as amended by Executive Order 9242, Sept. 11, 1942. CRITERIAThe Air Medal is awarded to U.S. and civilian personnel for single acts of heroism or meritorious achievements while participating in aerial flight and foreign military personnel in actual combat in support of

Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal

BACKGROUNDThis award was originally established as a ribbon bar by the Secretary of the Air Force on April 1, 1964 and was amended on May 1, 1973, when the medal was created. CRITERIAIt is awarded for exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a four-year period while serving in an enlisted status in the U.S. Air Force Reserve. Awarded for

Airman's Medal

BACKGROUNDThis decoration was established by 10 U.S. Code 8750, on July 6, 1960, and takes the place of the Soldier's Medal for Air Force personnel. CRITERIAIt is awarded to any member of the armed forces of the United States or of a friendly nation who, while serving in any capacity with the United States Air Force after the date of the award's

American Campaign Medal

BACKGROUNDThe American Campaign Medal was authorized Nov. 6, 1942 by Executive Order No. 9265 that was 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 in the areas designated below. CRITERIAThis medal is

American Defense Service Medal

BACKGROUNDThe American Defense Service Medal was established per Executive Order 8808, dated June 28, 1941, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and announced in War Department Bulletin 17. The criteria was announced in Department of the Army Circular 44 in Feb. 13, 1942. CRITERIAThe American Defense Service Medal will be awarded to all persons who

Antarctica Service Medal

BACKGROUNDEstablished by an Act of Congress on July 7, 1960, the ribbon was authorized in 1961, and the design of the medal received final approval in 1963. The first recipients of this award were members of the U.S. Navy operation High Jump under the late Admiral R.E. Byrd in 1946 and 1947. Deserving civilians, including scientists and polar

Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal

BACKGROUNDThis medal was established on Dec. 4, 1961, to be awarded to members of the United States armed forces who, after July 1, 1958, have participated in a United States military operation and encountered foreign armed opposition, or were in danger of hostile action by foreign armed forces. CRITERIARefer to Department of Defense 1348.33 Vol 2

Armed Forces Reserve Medal

BACKGROUNDThe Armed Forces Reserve Medal was authorized by President Truman by Executive Order 10163, dated Sept. 25, 1950. The Executive Order was amended by Executive Order, dated Aug. 6, 1996, to include authorization for award based on mobilization. CRITERIAAwarded to any service member or former service member of the Reserve components of the

Armed Forces Service Medal

BACKGROUNDThis award, authorized by Executive Order 12985, Jan. 11, 1996, is awarded to members of the armed forces of the U.S. who, after June 1, 1992: (1) participate, or have participated, as members of U.S. military units, in a U.S. military operation that is deemed to be a significant activity by the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and (2) encounter no

Army Good Conduct Medal

BACKGROUNDThe Army Good Conduct Medal was authorized by Executive Order 8809, on June 28, 1941, and is awarded to enlisted members who have honorably completed three continuous years of active military service subsequent to Aug. 26, 1940, and who are recommended by their commanding officers for exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity. Persons