United States Medals

The United States has a long tradition of awarding medals for military service, heroism, and achievement. These decorations are highly symbolic and represent both personal sacrifice and national recognition. U.S. medals are generally divided into valor awards, campaign/service medals, and unit awards.

Major Valor Awards

• Medal of Honor – The highest U.S. military decoration, awarded for acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty.

• Distinguished Service Cross / Navy Cross / Air Force Cross – The second-highest valor awards for each service branch.

• Silver Star – Awarded for gallantry in combat.

• Bronze Star Medal (with “V” device) – Recognizes heroic or meritorious achievement in a combat zone.

Campaign and Service Medals

• Purple Heart – Awarded to those wounded or killed in action.

• Good Conduct Medal – Recognizes exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity in enlisted service.

• World War I, II, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan Campaign Medals – Each represents service in a specific conflict.

• National Defense Service Medal – Given to all service members who serve during designated national emergency periods.

Unit Awards

• Presidential Unit Citation – For collective heroism by an entire unit in combat.

• Meritorious Unit Commendation – For exceptionally meritorious conduct as a team.

Interesting Facts

• U.S. medals are worn in a strict order of precedence, with the Medal of Honor at the top.

• Many medals include ribbons for everyday wear, with the full medal reserved for dress uniforms.

• Some medals, like the Purple Heart, carry deep emotional weight because they are tied directly to sacrifice.

• The design of U.S. medals often includes American symbols like the eagle, star, and laurel wreaths.