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Silver Star Medal

The Silver Star Medal is awarded for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States. It is the third-highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the United States armed forces for valor in the face of the enemy.

Bronze Star Medal

The Bronze Star Medal is awarded for heroic or meritorious achievement or service. When awarded for bravery, it is the fourth-highest combat award of the U.S. Armed Forces in the order of precedence of U.S. military decorations.

Bronze Star Medal with Single Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster

The Bronze Star Medal is awarded for heroic or meritorious achievement or service. When awarded for bravery, it is the fourth-highest combat award of the U.S. Armed Forces in the order of precedence of U.S. military decorations.

The attached Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster is a decoration issued to personnel of the United States Army and Air Force in lieu of subsequent bestowals of the same award. Each Bronze Cluster represents an additional award.

Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device

The Bronze Star Medal is awarded for heroic or meritorious achievement or service. When awarded for bravery, it is the fourth-highest combat award of the U.S. Armed Forces in the order of precedence of U.S. military decorations.

The attached Valor device is an award of the United States military which is applied to certain medals to indicate that it was received for valor. The device serves as a clarification for medals that are awarded for both valor (bravery in the face of the enemy), and merit (an extraordinary job under noncombat conditions).

Purple Heart

The Purple Heart is awarded for being wounded or killed in any action against an enemy of the United States or as a result of an act of any such enemy or opposing armed forces. The Purple Heart is the oldest award that is still given to members of the U.S. military.

Purple Heart with Single Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster

The Purple Heart is awarded for being wounded or killed in any action against an enemy of the United States or as a result of an act of any such enemy or opposing armed forces.

The attached Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster is a decoration issued to personnel of the United States Army and Air Force in lieu of subsequent bestowals of the same award. Each Bronze Cluster represents an additional award.

This veteran was awarded one Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters denoting two awarded Purple Heart medals.

Purple Heart with Single Gold Star

The Purple Heart is awarded for being wounded or killed in any action against an enemy of the United States or as a result of an act of any such enemy or opposing armed forces.

The attached Gold Award Star is a decoration issued to personnel of the United States Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard in lieu of subsequent bestowals of the same award. Each Gold Star represents an additional award.

This veteran was awarded one Gold Star denoting two awarded Purple Heart medals.

Purple Heart with Two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters

The Purple Heart is awarded for being wounded or killed in any action against an enemy of the United States or as a result of an act of any such enemy or opposing armed forces.

The attached Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster is a decoration issued to personnel of the United States Army and Air Force in lieu of subsequent bestowals of the same award. Each Bronze Cluster represents an additional award.

This veteran was awarded two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters denoting three awarded Purple Heart medals.

Army Commendation Medal

The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States other than General Officers who, while serving in any capacity with the Army after 6 December 1941, distinguished themselves by heroism, meritorious achievement or meritorious service.

National Defense Service Medal

The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for military service during periods of national emergency. As of 2010, with an issuance span of sixty years, the National Defense Service Medal is the oldest service medal still in circulation by the United States armed forces.

Vietnam Service Medal

The Vietnam Service Medal is awarded to all members of the United States Armed Forces serving in Vietnam and contiguous waters or airspace thereover. Members of the Armed Forces of the United States in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia, or the airspace thereover, during eligible periods and serving in direct support of operations in Vietnam.

Vietnam Service Medal w/ One Bronze Star

The Vietnam Service Medal is awarded to all members of the United States Armed Forces serving in Vietnam and contiguous waters or airspace thereover. Members of the Armed Forces of the United States in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia, or the airspace thereover, during eligible periods and serving in direct support of operations in Vietnam.

The attached Bronze Campaign Star is a decoration issued to personnel of the United States Military in lieu of subsequent bestowals of the same award for service in an additional campaign.

This veteran was awarded one Bronze Campaign Star denoting service in two Vietnam campaigns.

Vietnam Campaign Medal

The Vietnam Campaign Medal is awarded by the Republic of Vietnam, (also known as South Vietnam), to any member of the United States, Australian, New Zealand and allied military forces serving six months or more in support of Republic of Vietnam military operations.

Vietnam Military Merit Medal

The Vietnam Military Merit Medal is awarded by the Republic of Vietnam, (also known as South Vietnam), to soldiers who had performed extreme acts of bravery or had given their lives in armed combat with enemy forces of Vietnam.

Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm

The Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm is awarded by the Republic of Vietnam, (also known as South Vietnam), to soldiers accomplishing deeds of valor or displaying heroic conduct while fighting an enemy force.

Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal Second Class

The Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal Second Class is awarded for actively contributing to the formation and organization of the Vietnamese military and actively participating in cadre training of Vietnamese units.

Combat Infantryman Badge

The Combat Infantryman Badge is awarded for being personally present, and under hostile fire, while serving in assigned, primary infantry or special forces duty in a unit actively engaging the enemy in ground combat.

Parachutist Badge

The Army Parachutist Badge is awarded to all military personnel of any service who complete the US Army Basic Airborne Course at Fort Benning, Georgia. It signifies that the soldier is a trained Army Parachutist, and is qualified to participate in airborne operations.

Combat Medical Badge

The Combat Medical Badge is awarded to an army medic supporting a ground combat arms unit brigade or lower for performing medical duties while being actively engaged by the enemy.

Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal

The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is 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.

Army Good Conduct Medal

The Good Conduct Medal is awarded for exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity in active Federal Military service. It is awarded on a selective basis to each soldier who distinguishes himself/herself from among his/her fellow soldiers by their exemplary conduct, efficiency, and fidelity throughout a specified period of continuous enlisted active Federal military service.

Qualifying periods of service include each three years completed after 27 August 1940 or, for first award only, upon completion of at least one year upon termination of service if separated prior to three years. Also for the first award only, for those individuals who died before completing one year of active Federal military service if the death occurred in the line of duty. The immediate commander must approve the award and the award must be announced in permanent orders.

Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal

The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal is a service decoration of the Second World War which was awarded to any member of the United States military who served in the Pacific Theater from 1941 to 1945. The flag colors of Japan and the United States are visible in the ribbon.

There were 21 Army and 48 Navy/Marine official campaigns of the Pacific Theater, denoted on the service ribbon by campaign stars; some construction battalion units issued the medal with award numerals. The arrowhead device is authorized for those campaigns which involved amphibious assaults. The Fleet Marine Force combat operation insignia is also authorized for certain sailors.

Honorable Service Lapel Button

The Honorable Service Lapel Button sometimes called the Honorable Service Lapel Pin was awarded to United States military service members who were discharged under honorable conditions during World War II.

The button, which depicted an eagle inside a wreath, served as proof to military police that its wearer was not absent without leave.

The award was sometimes slangily called the Ruptured duck.

Navy/Marine Unit Commendation

This commendation is awarded by the Navy Secretary to any ship, aircraft, detachment, or other unit of the United States Navy or Marine Corps which has since December 6th, 1941 distinguished itself in action against the enemy with outstanding heroism.

To justify this award, the unit must have performed service of a character comparable to that which would merit the award of a Silver Star Medal, or achievement of like caliber in a non-combat situation, to an individual. It is also awarded for non-combat service, in support of military operations, which was outstanding when compared to other units or organizations performing similar service.

Naval Unit Commendation,
12th Marines

The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in commending the

TWELFTH MARINES, THIRD MARINE DIVISION

for service as follows:

"For outstanding heroism in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Empress Augusta Bay Beachhead, Bougainville, Solomon Islands, from November 1, 1943, to January 12, 1944; and in the invasion and seizure of Guam, Marianas, July 21 to August 10, 1944. Divided for landing into small elements dispersed over 5,000 yards of beach at Empress Augusta Bay, the TWELFTH Marines overcame perilous surf and beach conditions and an almost impenetrable wall of jungle and swampy terrain to land their pack howitzers, initial ammunition and equipment by hand, to occupy firing positions, emplace guns, set up all control facilities and deliver effective fire in support of the THIRD Marine Division beachhead by afternoon of D-Day.

In action for 73 days while under continual Japanese air attacks, the TWELFTH Marines aided in smashing an enemy counterattack on November 7-8, silenced all hostile fire in the Battle of Cocoanut Grove on November 13, and delivered continuous effective fire in defense of the vital beachhead position. At Guam, they landed in the face of enemy mortar and artillery fire through treacherous surf and, despite extreme difficulties of communication, supply and transportation, and the necessity of shifting from one type of fire to another, rendered valuable fire support in night and day harassing fires, counterbattery fires and defensive barrages, including the disruption of an organized counterattack by seven Japanese battalions on the night of July 26-27.

By their individual heroic actions and their skilled teamwork, the officers and men of the TWELFTH Marines served with courage and distinction during the THIRD Marine Division's missions to secure the Empress Augusta Bay Beachhead and to aid in the recapture of Guam; thereby enhancing the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

All personnel attached to and serving with the TWELFTH Marines during these periods are hereby authorized to wear the NAVY UNIT COMMENDATION Ribbon.

JAMES FORRESTAL,
Secretary of the Navy

World War II Victory Medal

The World War II Victory Medal commemorates military service during World War II and is awarded to any member of the United States military, including members of the armed forces of the Government of the Philippine Islands, who served on active duty, or as a reservist, between December 7, 1941 and December 31, 1946.

The World War II Victory Medal was first issued as a ribbon, and was referred to simply as the “Victory Ribbon.” By 1946, a full medal had been established which was referred to as the World War II Victory Medal. The medal's front depicts Nike standing victorious, holding a broken sword, representing the broken power of the Axis, with one foot upon the helmet of Mars, the Roman god of war, representing the end of the conflict. Behind Nike is a sunburst, representing the dawn of peace. The reverse recalls the "Four Freedoms" speech by President Roosevelt, with a laurel sprig, surrounded by the words "United States of America", and the dates of the conflict, "1941-1945".

The edges of the ribbon revisit the multi-colored rainbow ribbon of the Allied World War I Victory Medal. This again honors all the allied nations. The wide red center represents the new sacrifice of blood by World War II combatants. The thin white lines separating the central red band from the outer multi-colored bands represent the rays of new hope, two of them signifying that this was the second global conflict.

Distinguished Service Medal

The Distinguished Service Medal is a military award of the United States Army that is presented to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the United States military, has distinguished himself or herself by exceptionally meritorious service to the Government in a duty of great responsibility. The performance must be such as to merit recognition for service that is clearly exceptional. Exceptional performance of normal duty will not alone justify an award of this decoration.

For service not related to actual war, the term "duty of a great responsibility" applies to a narrower range of positions than in time of war, and requires evidence of conspicuously significant achievement. However, justification of the award may accrue by virtue of exceptionally meritorious service in a succession of high positions of great importance.

Separate Distinguished Service Medals exist for the different branches of the military as well as a fifth version of the medal which is a senior award of the United States Department of Defense. The Army version of the Distinguished Service Medal is typically referred to simply as the "Distinguished Service Medal" while the other branches of service use the service name as a prefix.

Distinguished Service Cross

The Distinguished Service Cross is the second highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States Army (and previously, the United States Army Air Forces), for extreme gallantry and risk of life in actual combat with an armed enemy force. The act or acts of heroism must have been so notable and have involved risk of life so extraordinary as to set the individual apart from his or her comrades.

The Distinguished Service Cross is awarded to a person who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguishes himself or herself by extraordinary heroism; while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing Armed Force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.

European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal

Originally known as the “EAME Ribbon”, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal is awarded for any service performed between December 7, 1941 and March 2, 1946 provided such service was performed in the geographical theater areas of Europe, North Africa, or the Middle East. For those service members who participated in multiple battle campaigns, service stars are authorized to the decoration with the arrowhead device awarded for any airborne or amphibious operations performed. The Fleet Marine Force combat operation insignia is also authorized for certain sailors.

European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
w/ Bronze Service Star

Originally known as the “EAME Ribbon”, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal is awarded for any service performed between December 7, 1941 and March 2, 1946 provided such service was performed in the geographical theater areas of Europe, North Africa, or the Middle East. For those service members who participated in multiple battle campaigns, service stars are authorized to the decoration with the arrowhead device awarded for any airborne or amphibious operations performed. The Fleet Marine Force combat operation insignia is also authorized for certain sailors.

This veteran was awarded one Bronze Star denoting service in two European-African-Middle Eastern Campaigns.

Croix de Guerre - 1914 - 1918 (WWI)

The Croix de guerre (Translation: Cross of War) may either be awarded as an individual or unit award to those soldiers who distinguish themselves by acts of heroism involving combat with the enemy. The medal is awarded to those who have been "mentioned in despatches", meaning a heroic deed or deeds were performed meriting a citation from an individual's headquarters unit. The unit award of the Croix de guerre with palm was issued to military units whose men performed heroic deeds in combat and were subsequently recognized by headquarters.

This Veteran was awarded the Croix de guerre 1914-1918 for heroic service in combat during WWI.

There are three distinct Croix de guerre medals in the French system of honors:

• Croix de guerre 1914-1918 for WWI Service (This medal)
• Croix de guerre 1939-1945 for WWII Service
• Croix de guerre des théâtres d'opérations extérieures (Translation: War Cross for Foreign Operational Theaters) for wars other than WWI and WWII not fought on French soil

Air Medal

The Air Medal is awarded for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight. During World War II the medal's award criteria varied widely depending on the theater of operations, the aircraft flown, and the missions accomplished. Awards may be made to recognize single acts of merit or heroism, or for meritorious service.

Award of the Air Medal is primarily intended to recognize those personnel who are on current crew member or non-crew member flying status which requires them to participate in aerial flight on a regular and frequent basis in the performance of their primary duties. However, it may also be awarded to certain other individuals whose combat duties require regular and frequent flying in other than a passenger status, or individuals who perform a particularly noteworthy act while performing the function of a crew member but who are not on flying status. These individuals must make a discernible contribution to the operational land combat mission or to the mission of the aircraft in flight.

Examples of personnel whose combat duties require them to fly include those in the attack elements of units involved in air-land assaults against an armed enemy and those directly involved in airborne command and control of combat operations. Awards will not be made to individuals who use air transportation solely for the purpose of moving from point to point in a combat zone.