Devices are small emblems used by the United States military that aren’t a medal itself, but an addition worn on certain campaign, expeditionary, and service medals and ribbons to indicate a very specific kind of combat participation.
The Arrowhead Device, established in June 1944, is a ribbon device and a respected mark of direct assault involvement in combat operations and signifies that the wearer participated in some of the most demanding tactical insertions in modern military history. Its design is a miniature bronze replica of a Native American arrowhead about ¼ inch high and is worn on the ribbon of a qualifying medal (you can find a complete list below).
The Arrowhead Device Criteria and Usage
To earn this distinction, the service member must actually exit the aircraft or watercraft involved in a tactical assault, such as a combat parachute jump, helicopter assault landing, combat glider landing, or an amphibious assault landing while serving as part of an organized force assigned to a mission. Simply being present with a unit is not enough for individual credit; the member must have taken part directly.
Only one arrowhead device can be worn on any given ribbon, and when it is present it is typically positioned to the wearer’s right of other devices such as service stars or “V” (valor) devices.
Authorized Medals That Can Use the Arrowhead Device
First authorized in June 1944 during World War II with the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, the arrowhead device has continued to be used across multiple conflicts. These are all the medals that can have an Arrowhead Device:
- Afghanistan Campaign Medal
- Arrowhead Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
- Arrowhead Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
- Arrowhead Iraq Campaign Medal
- Arrowhead Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal
- Arrowhead Vietnam Service Medal
- Arrowhead Korean Service Medal
- Arrowhead European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
- Arrowhead Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
The Asiatic–Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded to any U.S. Armed Forces member who had served in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater during WW2.
The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
The European–African–Middle Eastern Campaign Medal is a United States Armed Forces military award first created in 1942.
The Vietnam Service Medal
Authorized by executive order in 1965, the Vietnam Service Medal is a U.S. medal to honor service members who served in SE Asia.
The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is a military award of the U.S Armed Forces created in 1961 by Executive Order of President John Kennedy.
The Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
The Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (or GWOT-EM) is a United States Armed Forces award created by George W. Bush on 12 March 2003
The Iraq Campaign Medal (USA)
The Iraq Campaign Medal is a military award of the Armed Forces awarded during the Iraq War, from 29 November 2004 to 31 December 2011.
The Afghanistan Campaign Medal (USA)
The Afghanistan Campaign Medal is a military decoration awarded to any members who performed duty within the borders of Afghanistan.
The Korean Service Medal
The Korean Service Medal (KSM) is a U.S. military service medal created during the Korean War to recognise American Armed Forces members.
The Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal
The Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal is a U.S. campaign medal created to recognise military service in Operation Inherent Resolve.
Where To Buy Collectible Arrowhead Devices
Online surplus/military supply stores like Bradley’s Surplus and Military Depot which sell bronze arrowhead devices made in regulation style for display or uniform use. Auction sites and marketplaces like eBay also allow you to find original devices, mounted or unmounted, as they often listed with other medal attachments and service ribbons.
Tips before buying:
- Check whether the item is original or reproduction, especially on marketplaces.
- Sellers often ship internationally, but check customs rules for military memorabilia in your country.
