Established by Congress in 1862, there have been 6 different designs used for the Army MoH, the last being adopted in 1964. Awarded for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life, above and beyond the call of duty, in action involving actual combat with an opposing armed force. MSG Gary Gordon and SFC Randall Shughart were the last soldiers to earn the MoH. Both received the award posthumously for heroism is Somalia on 3 October 1993. 

Established by Congress in 1861, there have been 10 different designs used for the Navy MoH, the last being adopted in 1964. Unlike the Army MoH, the Navy also awarded the MoH for heroism not involving combat until 1942. Awarded for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life, above and beyond the call of duty, in action involving actual combat with an opposing armed force. 

Established by Congress in 1960, there has been only 1 designed used for the Air Force MoH. Awarded for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life, above and beyond the call of duty, in action involving actual combat with an opposing armed force. 

The Brevet Medal was instituted in 1921 to recognize Marines who had been rewarded for heroism with a Brevet Commission. The award could not be given posthumously. Since the last Brevets were awarded in 1900, there were only 20 Breveted officers still living at the time the award was instituted. 

The first 100 copies of the DSC were much more ornate than the subsequent issues. 
Criteria: The DSC is awarded for extraordinary heroism while engaged in combat against an enemy or while serving in combat with friendly foreign forces. 
Established: 1918

Established in 1919,the Navy Cross is awarded for extraordinary heroism in action involving actual combat with an opposing armed force. Early examples of the Navy Cross had the center medallions soldered to the cross - later pieces were struck as a single piece. Ribbons on the early issued Navy Crosses were also 1/8" wider than the standard 1 3/8^th inches used on other US ribbons.   Actual color is a deep Navy Blue, not Black 
Criteria: Awarded for extraordinary heroism while engaged in combat against an enemy or while serving in combat with friendly foreign forces. 
Established: 1919

The Air Force Cross was established in 1960 to recognize extraordinary heroism in actual combat with an opposing armed force. The most recent AFC awarded went to TSgt. Timothy Wilkinson for his heroism on 3 October 1993 in Somalia. 
Established: 1960

Established in 1970, the DDSM is awarded by the Secretary of Defense for exceptionally meritorious service to the U.S. while assigned to a Joint Services Activity in a position of great responsibility. 
Criteria: The DDSM is awarded to officers for exceptionally distinguished service at the highest levels. Such officers have direct and ultimate responsibility for major activities or programs that have significant influence. 
Established: June 9, 1970

Criteria: The DSM is awarded for exceptionally meritorious service to the Government in a duty of great responsibility. 
Established: 1918

The Navy DSM is awarded for exceptionally meritorious service to the U.S. in a duty of great responsibility. 
Established: 1919

Established in 1960, the Air Force DSM is awarded for exceptionally meritorious service to the U.S. while assigned to a position of great responsibility. 
Established: 1960

The Coast Guard DPSM is awarded for exceptionally meritorious service to the U.S. government or public while assigned to a position of great responsibility. 
Established:  1961

Criteria: The DDSM is awarded to officers for exceptionally distinguished service at the highest levels. Such officers have direct and ultimate responsibility for major activities or programs that have significant influence. 

Established: June 9, 1970

The Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal was established by a Joint Resolution of Congress in 1943. As the highest award of the Merchant Marine, the MMDSM is awarded for exceptionally meritorious service to the U.S. while assigned to a position of great responsibility. By far the greatest number of awards were made for WWII service. During the war 145 medals were presented, 30 posthumously.

Originally established by Congress in 1847 as an actual certificate for gallantry in action and awarded only to privates, sergeants were made eligible in 1854. The medal was added in 1905. The last Certificate of Merit was awarded on 5 May 1918 to Cpl. Paul Scaletta. The award was discontinued by Act of Congress on 9 July 1918.

The Silver Star traces its history back to the silver Citation Star. The Citation Star was authorized in 1918 as a gallantry award, and worn on the campaign ribbon associated with the gallantry. The Silver Star medal was approved in 1932 for heroism of a lesser degree than that required for the DSM, Navy Cross or AFC. 
Criteria: Awarded for gallantry in action while engaged in combat against an enemy or while serving in combat with friendly foreign forces. 
Established: 1932

Officially known as the Secretary's Award for Outstanding Achievement, the medal is commonly known as the DOT Gold Medal. This award is given by the Secretary of Transportation in recognition of outstanding leadership or service to the DOT or Federal Government. Since the Coast Guard is under the direction of the Dept. of Transportation during peace-time, the Gold Medal is awarded to members of the USCG for outstanding achievement which substantially contribute to the accomplishment of national or international programs. 

The DSSM is awarded by the Secretary of Defense for  meritorious service to the U.S. while assigned to a Joint Services Activity in a position of great responsibility. 
Criteria: The DSSM is awarded for superior meritorious service in a position of significant responsibility.
Established: February 6, 1976

The Legion of Merit, established in 1942, remains America's only military awarded with more than one class. First to receive the award was Generalissimo Chiang Kaishek of China. Several Soviet Marshals, among them Zukov, also received the award during World War II. 
Criteria: The Chief Commander award is given to foreign chiefs of state, heads of government to the heads of foreign militaries. 
Note: Chief Commander's ribbon isnotshown.  An the unofficial version makes use a minaturized full color device.  The actual Commanders' ribbon device is illustrated by this mirror copy of the DoD (Perscom) briefing on the LoM. The minature commander's device is NOT  standard issue and differing qualities of the minaturization may be found.  The minaturized logo is exceedingly rare. 
Established: October 29, 1942

The Commander grade of the Legion of Merit is intended for award to senior military officers of friendly foreign militaries. 
Criteria:  The Commander award is given to those with a rank equivalent of military Chief of Staff or higher position, but not to chiefs of state.  This award was bestowed upon dozens of Soviet, British and French Generals during World War II. 
Note: Commander's ribbon shown is the unofficial version making use of a minaturized full color device on the ribbon.  The actual Commanders' ribbon device is illustrated by this mirror copy of the DoD (Perscom) breifing on the LoM. The minature commander's device is NOT  standard issue and differing qualities of the minaturization may be found.  The minaturized logo is exceedingly rare. 
Established: October 29, 1942

The Officer grade of the Legion of Merit was intended for award to junior officers, usually Majors and below, of friendly foreign militaries. 
Criteria:  The Officer award is given to foreign military attaches or for a rank equivalent to colonel or general. 
Note:  the officer's logo is usually found on the medal, and some awardees may have moved it to the ribbon to distinguish it from the lower class award, Legionnaire.  The device is aged gold, and is actually larger than the ribbon, thus  a minaturized verison might be used instead. 
Established: October 29, 1942

Besides being awarded to enlisted personnel of friendly foreign militaries, the Legionnaire grade of the Legion of Merit is the only grade of the award bestowed upon U.S. military personnel. The LoM is the second highest peace-time award given by the various branches of the military. 
Criteria: The LOM is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in performance of outstanding service to the United States. When given to foreign  nationals, different degrees of the award (Legionairre, Officer, Commander, Chief Commander) are given based on the recipient's rank. The Legionairre is given to those that do not meet the criteria for any of the other awards . 
Established: October 29, 1942

The Distinguished Flying Cross was established in 1926. From that time, until the outbreak of WWII it was used primarily to recognize the achievements of aviation pioneers. Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart were among first to receive the award. In 1927 award of the DFC became restricted to military personnel.  The DFC is awarded to Army, Coast Guard,  Navy, Marine and Air Force aviators. 
Criteria: The DFC is awarded for heroism or exraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight.  Army and Coast Guard awardees are typically helicopter pilots, but could also be aerostat (balloon, blimp, airship).  Some Coast guard awardees fly.  Recently the addition of Coast Guard personnel in fixed wing anti-drug/drug interdiction aircraft, fixed wing weather or transport/rescue aircraft (for instance hurricane watchers or transport/rescue at the poles) have expaned the pool of potential Coast Guard awardees. Similarly, Army FAC - Forward Air Controller, Close Air Support, and SIGINT -- Signals Intelligence mission aircraft have expanded the  pool of  potential Army awardees. 
Established: July 2, 1926

The Soldier's Medal was established in 1926 to recognize soldiers for voluntary acts of bravery during peacetime or heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy. Several were given to Army Air Force flyers (officers and enlisted) during World II, for instance when after combat landings provided the opporutnity to pull crew members from burning aircraft at great risk to their own lives. 
Criteria: The SM is awarded for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy. The SM may be awarded to members of other service branches or friendly foreign nations when the act of heroism occurs while serving in a capacity with the U.S. Army (or Army Air Corps in WWII). 
Established: July 2, 1926

The Navy and Marine Corps Medal was established in 1942 to recognize non-combat heroism and meritorious service. The most famous recipient of the NMCM was John F. Kennedy, who was a Lt. (jg) at the time he received the award. 
Criteria: Awarded for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy. 
Established: August 7, 1942

The Airman's Medal was established in 1960 to replace the Soldier's Medal which had been awarded to Air Force personnel up until that time. 
Criteria: The AmnM is awarded for heroism involving voluntary risk of life under conditions other than those of actual conflict with an enemy. The AmnM may be awarded to members of other service branches or friendly foreign nations when the act of heroism occurs while serving in a capacity with the U.S. Air Force. 
Established: 1960

The Coast Guard Medal was considered first in 1949. However, it was not until 1958 that a medal was designed and the first awards presented. 
Criteria: Awarded for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy. 
Established: August 7, 1958

Secretary of the Navy recommendation in June of 1976 established this award to replace the Battle Efficiency Award (the letter "E") which had been worn sewn to the sleeve of the uniform. 
Criteria:  It is authorized to be worn by all crew members of ships and aviation squadrons winning the fleet-wide eighteen month competitive cycle which has exercises testing all phases of battle readiness. The Battle Efficiency Award, called the Navy Battle "E", in addition to the ribbon, consists of a cloth insignia and a battle pennant to be displayed by the ship or unit winning the award. 
Established: June 1976

Established by Congress in 1874 as a non-wearable award, the Gold Lifesaving Medal has undergone four design changes since its inception. The GLM continues to be made of gold; the planchet is 24K, the suspension bar is 21K and all remaining parts are 18K. The Gold Lifesaving medal is awarded by the Dept. of Transportation to both civilians and members of the military who risk their lives to save others from drowning. Because the military has many awards to recognize such heroism, to be awarded the GLM, members of the military usually must be in an off-duty status when they perform the act. 

The Bronze Star was originally established in 1944 to recognize the unique sacrifices of infantry soldiers during WWII. However, the award was quickly expanded to include members of all the Armed Forces. The Bronze Star can be awarded for both valor and meritorious service. When awarded for valor, a small bronze "V" device is attached to the ribbon. 
Criteria: The BSM is awarded for heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving aerial flight, while engaged in combat against an enemy or while serving in combat with friendly foreign forces. 
Established: February 4, 1944

The MMMSM was established in 1944 to recognize any member of the Merchant Marine who distinguishes himself by outstanding service or achievement. The medal was awarded 242 times during World War II, 16 awards were posthumous.

The Purple Heart traces its history back to the Revolutionary War. In 1782 General George Washington established a cloth heart-shaped award called the Badge of Military Merit. The badge was awarded only three times and fell into disuse following the end of the war. In 1932, on the 200^th anniversary of Washington's birthday, Congress revived the badge for award to members of the Army. Award of the PH was not expanded to included members of the Navy until 1942. The Purple Heart was initially intended to honor those wounded in combat and recognize meritorious service. However, in 1942 award of the PH for merit was eliminated. 
Criteria: The PH is awarded to any member of the U.S. Armed Forces or any civilian national who, while serving in any capacity with the U.S. Armed Forces, has been wounded or killed in any of the following circumstances: 

a) while engaged in combat against an enemy after April 5, 1917 
b) while serving in combat with friendly foreign forces of the United States after April 5, 1917 
c) as a result of a terrorist attack after March 28, 1973 
d) as a result of military operations while serving as part of a peacekeeping force after March 28, 1973 

Established: Originally established on August 7, 1782 as the Badge of Military Merit by General George Washington. Revived in 1932 by General Douglas MacArthur as the Purple Heart.

The Mariner's Medal was established in 1943 to replace the Purple Heart which had been awarded to members of the merchant marine up until that time. Award of the Mariner's Medal was suspended in 1954. In all, 6,635 medals were awarded for World War II. 

The DMSM was established by Executive Order in 1977 to recognize peace-time meritorious achievement. Given under similar circumstances to the Defense Superior Service Medal, but for service or achievement in a position of lesser responsibility than required for the DSSM. 
Criteria: The DMSM is awarded for noncombat meritorious achievement or service. 
Established: November 3, 1977

The Meritorious Service Medal was first proposed in 1938. However it was not until 1949 that the medal was approved. The MSM remains the only achievement award that is restricted to peace-time use. During time of war, the MSM is replaced by the Bronze Star. 
Criteria:  Outstanding noncombat meritorious achievement or service. 
Established: January 16, 1949.

The Air Medal was established in 1942 specifically to protect the prestige of the DFC. When the Distinguished Flying Cross was established, no one could have foreseen the extent of aerial combat that World War II was witness to. To protect the importance of the DFC from being diminish, the Air Medal was established as the aerial equivalent of the Bronze Star. 
Criteria: The AM is awarded for heroic or meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight. 
Established: May 11, 1942

Established by Congress in 1874, the Silver Lifesaving medal has undergone four design changes since its inception. Originally the SLM was actually made of silver. However, following its final design changes in 1949, the medal has been made of bronze with a silver plating. The Silver Lifesaving medal is awarded by the Dept. of Transportation to both civilians and members of the military who risk their lives to save others from drowning. The degree of danger required for award of the SLM is less than that for the Gold Lifesaving Medal. Military members usually must be in an off-duty status when they perform the act to receive the SLM. 
Note: The Silver Lifesaving Medal can be awarded to members from all branches of service as well as civilians. It is considered to be a non-military or civilian decoration to service branches other than the USCG.

The Aerial Achievement Medal was established by the Air Force in 1988 to recognize sustained meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight. 
Established: February 5, 1988

Officially known as the Secretary's Award for Meritorious Achievement, the medal is commonly known as the DOT Silver Medal. This award is given by the Secretary of Transportation in recognition of exceptionally meritorious service to the DOT or Federal Government. Since the Coast Guard is under the direction of the Dept. of Transportation during peace-time, the Silver Medal is awarded to members of the USCG for exceptional achievement which substantially contributes to DOT missions or programs. 

The JSCOM was authorized  1967 to recognize any member of the Armed Forces who:
Criteria: distinguishes himself with meritorius acheivement or service while  assigned to a recognized joint activity. 
Established: June 25, 1963

The ARCOM was initially established in 1945 as the Army Commendation Ribbon. The metal pendant was added in 1960 and the award renamed the Army Commendation Medal. The ARCOM is used to recognize the meritorious service and achievements of (O-6, Colonel officers and below as well as  enlisted personnel. 
Criteria: The ARCOM is awarded for heroism, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service after December 6, 1941. 
Established: Decemeber 18, 1945

The Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal was authorized in 1944 as the Navy Commendation Ribbon. The metal pendant was added in 1960 and the name changed to the Navy Commendation Medal. The current name was adopted in 1994. The NMCCOM is used to recognize the meritorious service and achievements of (O-4) Lt. Commanders and below, as well as enlisted personnel. 
Criteria: Awarded for heroism, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service after December 6, 1941. 
Established: January 11, 1944

The AFCOM was established in 1959 to recognize the meritorious service and achievement of Junior officers (O-6, Colonels and below) and enlisted personnel. 
Established: March 28, 1958

First authorized by the Secretary of the Treasury in 1947 and the metal pendant was added in 1951. There have been two distinct designs: the first used the seal of the Treasury Department, the second design (1968) uses the USCG seal.
Criteria: Awarded for meritorious service resulting in unusual and outstanding achievement.
Established: August 26, 1947

Officially known as the Secretary's Award for Superior Achievement, the medal is commonly known as the DOT Bronze Medal. This award is given by the Secretary of Transportation in recognition of superior service to the DOT. Since the Coast Guard is under the direction of the Dept. of Transportation during peace-time, the Bronze Medal is awarded to members of the USCG for superior achievement which contributes to the accomplishment of DOT missions.

The Joint Service Achievement Medal was adopted in 1984. Awarded under similar circumstances to the JSCOM, the JSAM recognizes service of a lesser degree than that required for the JSCOM. 
Criteria: The JSAM is awarded for outstanding performance of duty and meritorious achievement. 
Established: August 3, 1983

The Army Achievement Medal was adopted in 1981. Awarded under similar circumstances to the ARCOM, the AAM recognizes service of a lesser degree than that required for the ARCOM. The AAM m is restricted to O-6, Colonels and below including enlisted personnel. 
Criteria: The AAM is awarded for meritorious service or achievement in a non-combat area after August 1, 1981. 
Established: April 10, 1981

The Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal was adopted in 1961. Awarded under similar circumstances to the NMCCOM, the NMCAM recognizes service of a lesser degree than that required for the NMCCOM. 
Criteria: Awarded for professional and/or leadership achievement in a combat or non-combat situation based on sustained performance or specific achievement of a superlative nature. The recipient's rank must be  O-4 (Lieutenant Commander) or below. 
Established: May 1, 1961

The Air Force Achievement Medal was adopted in 1980. Awarded under similar circumstances to the AFCOM, the AFAM recognizes service of a lesser degree than that required for the AFCOM.   Awardee must be below O-6 (Lt. Colonels and Below). 
Established: October 12, 1980

The Coast Guard Achievement Medal was adopted in 1963. Awarded under similar circumstances to the CGCOM, the CGAM recognizes service of a lesser degree than that required for the CGCOM. For officers, award of the Coast Achievement Medal is limited to the rank of Lieutenant Commander and below. 
Criteria: Awarded for professional and/or leadership achievement in a combat or non-combat situation based on sustained performance or specific achievement of a superlative nature after April 1, 1967. 
Established: June 4, 1968

Criteria: The ARCAM is awarded for exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity while serving as a member of the U.S. Army Reserves. 
Established: October 30, 1971

The National Guard version has different reverse indicating service in the National Guard. 
Criteria: The ARCAM is awarded for exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity while serving as a member of the U.S. Army National Guard Reserves. 
Established: October 30, 1971

Awarded to an individual for an act or service resulting in unusual or outstanding achievement

The Commandant's Letter of Commendation is one of the oldest awards in the Coast Guard. In 1979 a ribbon was authorized to accompany the letter of commendation. The level of service recognized is less than that required for award of the Coast Guard Achievement Medal. 

The Combat Action Ribbon was established in 1969 for award to Navy and Coast Guard personnel. Award of the Combat Action Ribbon recognizes personnel who actively participate in ground or surface combat. The main criteria requires satisfactory performance under enemy fire. 
The Annual Defense Authorization Bill (Public Law 106-65) signed into law by President Clinton on October 5, 1999, authorized the Secretary of the Navy to award the Combat Action Ribbon to members  of the Navy or Marine Corps who participated in combat during any period after December 6, 1941. 
Criteria:  The Combat Action Ribbon is a personal decoration awarded to members of  the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard (when operating under the control of the Navy) in the grade of captain (or colonel in the Marine Corps) and below who have actively participated in ground or surface combat. The principal criterion is that the recipient must have articipated in a bona fide ground or surface combat firefight or in an action during which he was under enemy fire and his performance while under fire was satisfactory. 
The following is th BUPErS Definition: 
"(1) Awarded to a officer for  participation in all cycles for that month.Awarded by Group/Squadron CO.'Must run 1 mission per cycle' 
(2)Awarded to CIC Fleet and his Deputy by DCNO when 50% of all Officers under his command participation in all cycles for that month.'Must run 1 mission per cycle' 
(3) Awarded to DCNO by CNO when 50% of all Officers under hiscommand participation in all cycles for that month. 'Must run 1 mission per cycle' 
(4) Awarded for participation in non-campaign exercise (i.e. TORPEX, SURFEX, SPECWAREX, etc). 
Established:  February 17, 1969

The Combat Bar was established by the Merchant Marine in 1943 to recognize any person who serves on a ship which is attacked or damaged as a result of enemy action. 

The Combat Readiness Medal was established on March 9, 1964 to recognize members of units who are, both individually and as a unit, certified as combat or mission ready for a two year period. 
Criteria: The CRM is awarded for sustained individual combat or mission readiness or preparedness for direct weapon-system employment after August 1, 1960.
Established: March 9, 1964

The Army Good Conduct Medal was established in 1941 to recognize enlisted personnel who complete varying terms of qualifying service.
Criteria: The AGCM is awarded to recognize exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity during 3 years of continued, active duty, enlisted service (1 year of service during wartime).
Established: June 28, 1941

The Navy Good Conduct Medal is the second oldest wearable decoration in the US Armed Forces. Originally established in 1869, the Navy CGM pendant has been in its current form since 1884 and the current ribbon has been in use since 1896. 
Criteria: The NGCM is awarded to recognize 4 years of continued, active duty, enlisted service at above average conduct and proficiency.
Established: April 26, 1869

The Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal was established in 1896 to recognize the service of qualifying enlisted personnel. 

The Air Force Good Conduct Medal was authorized in 1963 to recognize the service of qualifying enlisted personnel. Prior to that date Air Force personnel received the Army Good Conduct Medal. 

 Recognizes qualifying service as a regularly drilling reservist in either the Army Reserve or Army National Guard. Each component has their own distinctive reverse design.
Established:  1971

Introduced in 1962 and formally adopted in 1964 with eligibility back-dated to 1958, the Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Medal recognizes USNR enlisted personnel who complete four years of qualifying service. 
Criteria: Awarded for distinctive performance four years of consecutive, inactive service after July 1, 1958.
Established: June 22, 1964

Initially awarded in 1964 as a ribbon only award, the metal pendant was added in 1971. 
Criteria: The ARFMSM is awarded for exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity during a 4-year period while serving in an enlisted status in the U.S. Air Reserve Forces.
Established: April 1, 1964

The Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medal was established in 1939 as the Fleet Marine Corps Reserve Medal. However, since the name of the reserve component was changed in July 1938 to Organized Marine Corps Reserve, only a vary limited number of medals are found with the original wording. The name was again changed in the late 1980s to its current form.  Bronze or Silver service stars are added for additional service awards.
Criteria: Awarded for each 4 year period of honorable military service in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve after July 1, 1925. On January 1, 1996, the requirments changed to 3 years of service.
Established: February 19, 1939

Criteria: Awarded for proficiency, leadership, and conduct during 3 years of enlisted service.
Established: 1963

The Armed Forces Reserve Medal (AFRM) was established in 1950 for award to any member of the reserve forces who completes 10 qualifying years of service. Each branch of the reserves, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force and National Guard have their own distinctive reverse design. 

The Naval Reserve Medal was established in 1938 for award to any member of the Naval Reserve who completed ten years of qualifying service. The award was replaced with the AFRM in September 1958
Criteria: Awarded for each 10-year period of honorable military service in the Naval Reserve before September 12, 1958. Military service after September 12, 1958, only shall be accredited toward the Armed Forces Reserve Medal.
Established: September 12, 1938. 

The Civil War Campaign Medal was authorized in 1905, however it was not until 1907 that a design was approved. The Civil War Campaign Medal was authorized for active federal service between April 15, 1861 and April 9, 1865, or for service in Texas between April 15, 1861 and August 20, 1866. The original ribbon, with its red, white and blue stripes, was changed in 1913 to match the Navy/USMC ribbon which used two equal blue and gray stripes. 

The Civil War Campaign Medal for Navy and Marine Corps personnel was authorized in 1908. While the Navy had issued medals in 1899 to commemorate naval actions during the Spanish American war, the Civil War Campaign Medal was the first federal campaign medal authorized for Navy and Marine Corps personnel. 

The Indian Campaign Medal was authorized in 1905 and the final design approved in 1907. The Indian Campaign Medal recognizes active federal service in 10 specific campaigns between 1865 and 1891 or any action against hostile Indians, between those dates, in which US troops were killed or wounded. 

The West Indies Campaign Medal was authorized in 1908 for Navy and Marine Corps personnel who participated in the West Indies Naval Campaign. The veterans of this campaign had previously been awarded the "Sampson Medal." However, the Sampson Medal was a commemorative medal, and although authorized by Congress, it was not a federal campaign medal. 

The West Indies Campaign Medal was replaced by the Spanish Campaign Medal in 1910. 

The Army Spanish Campaign Medal was established in 1905 and awarded for service ashore or on the high seas enroute to any of the following: 

Cuba -  11 May, 1898 to 17 July, 1898. 
Puerto Rico - 24 July, 1898 to 13 August, 1898. 
Philippines Islands - 30 Junem 1898 to 16 August, 1898. 

The Navy and Marine Corps Spanish Campaign Medals were established in 1908 for issue to personnel who had participated in the Pacific Naval Campaign of the Spanish-American War. 

In the early 1920's award criteria was relaxed to allow award to any member of the Navy or Marine Corps who had served during the Spanish-American War. 

Navy and USMC campaign medals of this time period were distinguished by having reverses that were inscribed either "United States Navy" or "United States Marine Corps." 

This medal was created by an Act of Congress in 1918 and was intended to recognize the service of Spanish-American War volunteers who did not meet the limited award criteria for the Spanish Campaign Medal. 

Award criteria for the Spanish War Service Medal was 90 days active federal service between 20 April 1898 and 11 April 1899. 

Originally issued only to members of the National Guard who served on active duty, award criteria were relaxed in the 1920s to include any person serving in the Army for the qualifying period. 

The Army of Cuban Occupation Medal was established in 1915. It was primarily intended to recognize the service of personnel sent to Cuba after the close of hostilities. Award criteria required service in Cuba between 18 July 1898 and 20 May 1902. No length of service was stipulated. 

The Puerto Rican Occupation Medal was authorized in 1919 for service in Puerto Rico between 14 August 1898 and 10 December 1898. 

The Philippine Campaign Medal was originally authorized in War Department G.O. 5, in 1905 and later amended in 1913 . The medal was awarded for service in the Philippines in ten specific actions between 1899 and 1913.

The Philippine Campaign Medal for the Navy and Marine Corps was authorized in 1908. Eligibility was limited to service aboard 64 specific ships stationed in Philippine waters and service ashore at four stations between 1899 and 1906. 

The Philippine Congressional Medal was authorized in 1906 to recognize those Army volunteers who joined between April and October 1899 and served ashore in the Philippine Islands between 1899 and 1902. 

Authorized in 1905 by War Department G.O. 5. The China Campaign Medal was awarded for service in China with the Peking Relief Expedition between June 20, 1900 and May 27, 1901. 

Authorized in 1908 for service ashore in China or on 11 specific ships stationed in Chinese waters with the Peking Relief Expedition between June 20, 1900 and May 27, 1901. 

War Department G.O. 96 of 1909 authorized the Army of Cuban Pacification Medal. Army personnel stationed in Cuba between October 1906 and April 1909 were qualified for award of the medal. 

Navy and Marine Corps personnel were authorized their own version of the Cuban Pacification Medal in August 1909. Navy and Marine Corps personnel serving ashore in Cuba between October 1906 and April 1909 or aboard 24 specific ships operating in Cuban waters between September 1906 and April 1909 qualified for award of the medal. 

Also called the First Nicaraguan Campaign Medal, the Nicaraguan Campaign Medal (1912) was authorized for Navy and Marine Corps personnel who served ashore or aboard eight specific ships operating in Nicaraguan waters. Period of eligibility for the First Nicaraguan Campaign Medal was July thru November 1912. 

The Mexican Service Medal was authorized in December 1917 to recognize the service of Regular Army personnel who participated in 9 specific actions or expeditions against Pancho Villa's Division del Norete between Nov. 1914 and Feb. 1917. 

The Navy and Marine Corps version of the Mexican Service Medal was authorized in February 1918 for award to sailors and marines who served ashore or aboard 121 specific ships operating in Mexican waters. Time periods for eligibility were Apr. 21 to Nov. 26, 1914, and March 14, 1916 to Feb. 7, 1917. 

Also called the First Haitian Campaign Medal, this medal was authorized in June 1917 for Navy and Marine Corps personnel who served ashore in Haiti or on 14 specific ships operating in Haitian waters between July 9 and Dec. 6, 1915. 

The Mexican Border Service Medal was established in July 1918 to recognize the service of National Guard troops who were activated for service during the Mexican War for service on the Mexican Border between May 9, 1916 and March 24, 1917. 

The Dominican Campaign Medal was issued to Navy and Marine Corps personnel for service ashore in Santo Domingo between May 16 and Dec. 4, 1916. Personnel aboard 26 specific ships operating in Dominican waters during the same period were also eligible. 

This medal marked the beginning of a new era for the United States military. As a truly international cooperation, the World War 1 victory medal was similar in design for each of the Allied powers. Due to the large number of significant campaigns involved, the Army and Navy adopted a European approach to recognize the campaigns. Rather than individual medals, clasps were adopted for addition to the medal ribbon. There were 13 campaign (sometimes called battle) clasps plus a "Defensive Sector" clasp for the Army. The Navy authorized 19 service clasps. The Army allowed recipients to wear all the clasps they earned, while the Navy permitted only one clasp to be worn. Basic dates of eligibility for the medal alone were April 6, 1917 to November 11, 1918. 

The Army of Occupation of Germany Medal was not established until November 1941. The medal was authorized to any member of the Army who served in Germany or Austria-Hungary between November 12, 1918 and July 11, 1923. Navy and Marine Corps personnel who were attached to shore duty under the qualifying conditions was also awarded the medal. 

Also known as the Second Haitian Campaign, this medal was authorized for members of the Navy and Marine Corps who served in Haiti between April1,1919 and June 15, 1920. 

The Second Nicaraguan Campaign Medal was authorized in November 1929 for award to Navy and Marine Corps personnel who served in Nicaragua between August 27, 1926 and January 2, 1933. 

The Yangtze Service Medal was authorized in April 1930 for award to Navy and Marine Corps personnel who served in China as part of the Yangtze River Patrol between September 3, 1926 and October 21, 1927 or March 1, 1930 and December 31, 1932. Members of the Army's 31^st Infantry also qualified and were awarded the medal with the Marine Corps reverse. 
Criteria: Awarded for participation in the operations in the Yangtze River Valley, China betweeb September 3, 1926 and October 27, 1927 or between March 1, 1930 and December 31, 1932.
Established: April 28, 1930

The Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal was authorized in May 1919 but the final design was not approved until 1936. It is awarded to marines who participate in designated actions for which no campaign medal exists. 

The China Service Medal was authorized in August, 1940. The medal was initially awarded for service between July 7,1927 and September 7, 1939. A second period of eligibility was authorized from September 2, 1945 to April 1, 1957. 
Established:  August, 1940
(Precedence is after the Navy or Marine Expeditonary Medals) (see below).

The enormous scope of the Second World War made the concept of individual campaign medals impossible and the idea of one single medal inadequate. To solve the dilemma, the world was divided into three Theaters of Operation-the American, European-African-Middle Eastern, and the Asiatic-Pacific. A campaign medal was designed for each Theater, and participation in designated battles or campaigns was designated by the use of small campaign stars (rather than bars as was the case for the WW I Victory Medal) affixed to the medal and service ribbons. The practice of using campaign stars continues to this day. In addition, World War Two saw the discontinuation of the practice of the Army and Navy issuing their own styles of medals for the same campaign. This was done as much for economy as for the fact that both services had become interdependent in order to maximize economies of force and achieve victory. 

The American Defense Service Medal was authorized on February 28, 1941 for award to members of the Armed Forces who served on active duty between September 8, 1939 and December 7, 1941. Army requirements were one year (12 mos) of service while the Navy required only ten days to be eligible for award of the ADSM. 
Established: June 28, 1941

The medal was awarded for service in the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps or Woman's Army Corps during World War II.
Criteria: Awarded to women for service with both the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps and the Women's Army Corps between July 10, 1942 and September 2, 1945.
Established: July 29, 1943

Established on November 6, 1942, the American Campaign Medal was awarded for service in the American Theater as a regularly assigned member of a unit or vessel between December 7, 1941 and March 2, 1946.
(Another source says established on June 28, 1941)
Criteria: Awarded for service outside the United States in the American Theater for at least 30 days between December 7, 1941 and March 2, 1946.
Established: June 28, 1941

Often called the ETO (European Theater of Operations) Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was established on November 6, 1942 and awarded for service in the E-A-ME Theater as a regularly assigned member of a unit or vessel between December 7,1941 and November 8, 1945. 
(another source says end date was March 2, 1946).
Criteria: Awarded for 30 days of service in the European-African- Middle Eastern Theater, December 7, 1941 and March 2, 1946
Established: November 6, 1942

The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was authorized on November 6, 1942 for service in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater as a regularly assigned to a unit or vessel, December 7,1941 and March 2, 1946. 

Authorized by Congress on July 6, 1945, the World War II Victory Medal was awarded to any member of the Armed Forces who served at least one day of active federal service between December 7, 1941 and December 31, 1946. 
Established:  July 6, 1945

Awarded to all Merchant Marine personnel who were serving or had served at least one day in a war zoneduring the period between December 7, 1941 and December 31, 1946.

Criteria: Awarded for 30 days of service in one of the occupied territories in Europe after World War II between May 9, 1945 and March 2, 1946 or for service in Berlin between May 9, 1945 and October 2, 1990.
Established: 1946

Authorized in January 1948, the Navy Occupation Service Medal was awarded under much the same criteria as the Army of Occupation Medal. 
Criteria: Awarded for 30 days of service in one of the occupied territories after World War II between May 9, 1945 and April 27, 1952 or in Berlin from May 9, 1945 to October 2, 1990.
Established: January 22, 1947

Criteria: Awarded by the Philippine government to U.S. troops for combat service in the defense of the Philippines from December 8, 1941 to June 15, 1942. The service member is awarded one medal for meeting either of the criteria below. A bronze star is worn if the service member meets both criteria.

Criteria: Awarded by the Philippine government to U.S. troops for participation in the liberation of the Philippines from October 17, 1944 to September 3, 1945. The service member is awarded one medal for meeting any of the criteria below. A bronze star is worn for each additional criteria met.

Criteria: Awarded to those who receive both the Philippine Defense Medal and Philippine Liberation Medal. Awarded by the Philippine government to U.S. troops.
Established: 1946

Awarded to all Merchant Marine personnel serving in the Mediterranean in support of the North African and Middle Eastern Campaign.

Awarded to all Merchant Marine personnel serving in the Atlantic Ocean between the U.S. eastern seaboard and Europe. This was known as the Gauntlet, with German U-boats preying about the transport of valuable cargo, both humans, supplies, and major weapons such as tanks and transport vehicles.

Awarded to all Merchant Marine personnel serving in the Atlantic Ocean between the U.S. eastern seaboard and Europe. This route supplying transport of valuable cargo, both humans, supplies, and major weapons such as tanks and transport vehicles, is not as deadly as the Atlantic route, but still no picnic.

Awarded to all Merchant Marine personnel serving in support of U.S. or Allied military forces.

Authorized in December 1942, the Typhus Commission Medal was awarded to members of the Army, Navy and U.S. Public Health Service for service on the Typhus Commission between 1942 and 1946.

Congress authorized the Medal for Humane Action on July 29, 1949 to recognize personnel who had serve at least 120 consecutive days in direct support of the Berlin Airlift between June 23, 1948 and May 12, 1949. 

The National Defense Service Medal was originally established on April 22, 1953. There have been three periods of qualifying service; the first was from June 27, 1950 to July 27, 1954, the second from January 1, 1961 to August 14, 1974, and the third from August 2, 1990 through November 30, 1995. A fourth period of eligibility began on September 11, 2001 to a date to be determined. Established:  April 22, 1953

Service in the Korean War was recognized by Executive Order 10179 on November 8, 1950, which established the Korean Service Medal. Qualifying service was either 30 consecutive or 60 nonconsecutive days of service between June 27, 1950 and July 27, 1954. 

Criteria: The KSM is awarded for service in military operations in the Korea area between June 27, 1950 and July 27, 1954.
Established: November 8, 1950

Awarded for serving 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days in Korea or in its territorial waters or to aircrew personnel who flew combat or support missions. 

The Antarctic Service Medalnis awareded to personnel supporting operations in the Antarctic between January 1, 1946 and a future date.
Criteria:  Must have served 15 days consecutive or 30 days non-consecutive after January 1, 1946.
Established: March 2, 1973

The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal was established on December 4, 1961 to recognize service during conflicts for which no other medal is authorized. Specific operations are designated as eligible for the AFEM. Qualifying service is 30 days continuous or 60 days nonconsecutive service in direct support of the operation. 
Criteria: The AFEM is awarded for participation in military operations not covered by a specific war medal. Service members who earned the AFEM for service in Vietnam between July 1, 1958 and July 3, 1965, may elect to receive either the Vietnam Service Medal or the AFEM. However, no Service member maybe issued both medals for service in Vietnam.
Established: December 4, 1961

The Vietnam Service Medal was established on July 8, 1965. Personnel eligible for the Vietnam Service Medal must have served between July 3, 1965 and March 28, 1973 and meet qualifying criteria. 
Criteria: The VSM is awarded for service in Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, or Laos between July 4, 1965 and March 28, 1973.
Established: July 8, 1965

Criteria: The VSM is awarded for service in Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, or Laos between July 4, 1965 and March 28, 1973.
Established: July 8, 1965

Authorized by the Secretary of the Navy on September 1, 1984. The Navy Fleet Marine Force Ribbon was established to recognize officers and enlisted men of the U.S. Navy who serve with the Marine Corps and demonstrate exceptional Navy qualifications in providing support in a combat environment.
Criteria:  Officers and enlisted personnel must serve a minimum of 12 months duty with the Fleet Marine Force, satisfactorily complete the Marine Corps Essential Subjects Test, and satisfactorily pass the USMC Physical Fitness Test
Established:  Septemberr 1, 1984

The Southwest Asia Service Medal was authorized on March 15, 1991 for personnel servicing under qualifying conditions between August 2, 1990 and November 30, 1995. The wearing of as many as three service stars on the suspension ribbon and ribbon bar currently is authorized, one for the period from 02 Aug. 1990 to 16 Jan. 1991, a second one for the period 17 Jan.-11 April 1992 and a third one for the period beginning 12 April 1992 and closing 30 Nov. 1995.  Personnel in the Armed Forces of the United States serving in Israel, Egypt, Turkey, Syria and Jordan (including the airspace and territorial waters) between 17 January 1991 and 11 April 1991 are aloso qualified.
Criteria: The SWASM is awarded for participation or support in Operations Desert Shield or Desert Storm between August 2, 1990 and November 30, 1995.
Established: Executive Order 12754, March 12, 1991

Awarded to military personnel who, while a member of the Armed Forces,  served satisfactorily on active duty during the Cold War.
Criteria:  Awarded to U.S. military personnel who served the United States during the Cold War era, September 2, 1945 to December 26, 1991
Established:  2002 (vis House Resolutoin H.R. 3417) However the Department of Defense only allows distribution of the Cold War Replacement Certificate, the medal has not been authorizeed for wear by the DoD.

For all who served in the South West Asia Theater or in support of  the Liberation of Kuwait between 1990 and 2000.
Established:  1991.

The Kosovo Campaign Medal was established on May 3, 2000 for personnel supporting operations in Kosovo between March 24, 1999 and a future date. 

The Service Medal awarded to personnel involved in supporting operations against terrorism while assigned in the U.S. after 9/11/2001.  Must serve 30 days in consecutive service.  An example would be deployment at airports or other public venues post 9/11, part of a service team launching or flying aircraft in U.S. airspace combat patrols, ships in U.S. waters, or other support operations such as assisting intelligence operations with  the Department of Homeland Security. 
Established:  March 12, 2003

The Coast Guard established the Arctic Service Medal on May 20, 1976 and later made retroactive to January 1, 1946. 
Criteria: Awarded for 21 days of service in the Polar regions of the Arctic Circle after January 1, 1946.
Established: May 20, 1976

The Armed Forces Service Medal was established on January 13, 1996 to recognize service in si