Military decorations are symbols of honor, bravery, and dedicated service awarded to members of the armed forces. These awards range from medals for extreme valor in combat to ribbons that signify participation in specific campaigns or periods of service. Understanding the different types of military decorations helps civilians and veterans alike appreciate the history and sacrifices represented by these honors.
What Are Military Decorations?
Military decorations are official awards given to service members to recognize individual achievements or collective unit accomplishments. While many people use the terms “medal” and “decoration” interchangeably, they have specific meanings within the military structure.
A decoration is typically an individual award given for a specific act of heroism or meritorious service. A service medal, on the other hand, is usually awarded to everyone who participated in a particular war, campaign, or time period. These honors serve as a visual record of a service member’s career and contributions.
The Three Main Categories of Awards
To understand military decorations, it is helpful to divide them into three primary categories. Each category has its own criteria for eligibility and its own place on a uniform.
- Personal Decorations: These are awarded to individuals for specific acts of bravery, such as the Medal of Honor or the Silver Star.
- Service Medals: These recognize participation in specific operations, such as the Vietnam Service Medal or the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
- Unit Awards: These are given to an entire group or unit for collective performance during a mission or conflict.
Common U.S. Military Decorations and Their Meaning
The United States military has a complex system of awards. While each branch has its own specific medals, several are recognized across all departments for their high level of prestige.
The Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed upon a member of the armed forces who distinguishes themselves through conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty.
The Purple Heart
The Purple Heart is one of the most recognized military awards. It is specifically awarded to those who have been wounded or killed while serving with the U.S. military in operations against an enemy force.
The Bronze Star
The Bronze Star is awarded to individuals for heroic or meritorious achievement or service. It is often awarded for bravery in a combat zone that does not quite meet the criteria for the Silver Star.
The Silver Star
The Silver Star is the third-highest military decoration for valor in combat. It is awarded for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States.
The Difference Between Medals and Ribbons
One common point of confusion for many people is the difference between a medal and a ribbon. Both are decorations, but they are worn in different settings and formats.
Medals are the full-size versions of the award, consisting of a metal medallion suspended from a colored fabric. These are typically worn only on formal dress uniforms for special ceremonies or events.
Ribbons are small, rectangular pieces of fabric that match the pattern of the medal’s suspension ribbon. These are worn on daily service uniforms in a “ribbon rack” over the left breast pocket. They allow a service member to display all their honors in a compact, organized way.
Understanding the Order of Precedence
The “Order of Precedence” refers to the strict hierarchy in which military decorations must be worn. This ensures that the most prestigious awards are always given the most prominent position on the uniform.
In the United States, the order starts with personal decorations for valor, followed by personal merit awards, then unit awards, and finally service or campaign medals. When looking at a ribbon rack, the highest-ranking award is always placed at the top-left from the wearer’s perspective.
Common Devices and Attachments
Sometimes you will see small metal symbols attached to a ribbon or medal. These are known as “devices” and they provide additional information about the award.
- Oak Leaf Clusters: In the Army and Air Force, these signify that the individual has received the same award multiple times.
- Service Stars: In the Navy and Marine Corps, stars are used instead of oak leaf clusters to denote subsequent awards.
- The “V” Device: This small bronze letter “V” is attached to certain medals to indicate that the award was specifically for valor in combat.
- Arrowhead Device: This indicates that the service member participated in a parachute jump, glider landing, or amphibious assault.
How to Identify a Military Decoration
If you have found a medal or ribbon and want to identify it, there are several reliable ways to do so. Identification is the first step in understanding the history behind the honor.
Most military decorations have unique color patterns and shapes. You can use official military websites or veteran organizations’ databases to match the ribbon’s colors to its name. Many medals also have inscriptions on the back, though personal decorations are more likely to have the recipient’s name engraved than general service medals.
How to Replace Lost or Damaged Medals
It is common for veterans or their families to lose track of original medals over time. Fortunately, there is a formal process for requesting replacements from the government.
- Gather Information: You will need the veteran’s full name, Social Security number, service number, and branch of service.
- Determine Eligibility: Generally, the veteran themselves or their next-of-kin (spouse, child, or sibling) can request replacements.
- Submit a Request: Use Standard Form 180 (SF-180) to request military records and medals. This is typically sent to the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC).
- Be Patient: Processing times can vary significantly depending on the volume of requests and the era of service.
For those who are not next-of-kin, many authorized private companies sell high-quality replica medals. These are suitable for display in shadow boxes or frames.
Etiquette for Wearing Military Decorations
There are specific rules regarding who can wear military decorations and when they can be worn. Following these rules shows respect for the honors and those who earned them.
Active Duty and Retirees: Service members and retirees may wear their medals on appropriate civilian attire (such as a tuxedo or suit) for formal occasions like Memorial Day services or military weddings.
Civilians and Family Members: Generally, civilians should not wear military medals on their clothing. It is considered more respectful to display a loved one’s medals in a shadow box or frame rather than wearing them, as the medals represent the personal service of the individual who earned them.
Preserving Military Decorations
To keep medals and ribbons in good condition, they should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Sunlight can fade the fabric of the ribbons over time.
If you are displaying medals in a frame, consider using UV-protective glass. Avoid using harsh chemicals or polishes on the metal portions, as this can damage the original finish or patina of the award.
Conclusion
Military decorations are a vital part of military heritage, representing individual bravery and collective sacrifice. Whether you are a veteran looking to replace lost honors or a family member trying to identify an ancestor’s medals, understanding these symbols is a meaningful way to honor service. By following the proper procedures for identification and replacement, you ensure that these stories of valor are preserved for future generations.
For more information on military history and practical guides for veterans, explore our other articles on SearchAndHelp.com, such as our guides on veteran benefits and how to access military service records.