IdentifyMedals Logo

Category: United States

The Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor

The Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor was established in 2000 and is the highest decoration for bravery by public safety officers.

The Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor was established on June 29, 2000 by President Bill Clinton and is the highest decoration for bravery exhibited by public safety officers in the United States, comparable to the military’s Medal of Honor. The medal was originally called the Presidential Medal of Valor for Public Safety Officers.

Before the establishment of the medal, there were no Federal awards to specifically acknowledge the bravery performed by public safety officers throughout the United States (except for medals at state or government level).

Although the award is still presented by the President of the United States, it is now done in the name of the United States Congress. The Attorney General no longer makes recommendations directly to the President but can provide input into the process via the Department of Justice’s National Medal of Valor Office’s support of the Review Board.

The medal can be awarded posthumously.

The Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor Design

The medal intentionally resembles the military’s Medal of Honor and is a gilt, blue-enameled, five-pointed, upside-down star, with each arm formed by a letter “V” (for Valor), surrounded by a wreath of laurel.

In the obverse, the central disc bears the Great Seal of the United States. The reverse, the legend “FOR EXTRAORDINARY VALOR ABOVE AND BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY” and the name of the recipient engraved at the center.

The medal is suspended on a gilt disc bearing a letter “V” surrounded by a wreath of laurels, which is in turn suspended on a neck ribbon, blue with white and red edge stripes (the national colors of the USA) and a gold center stripe (symbolizing honor). When the ribbon alone is worn, it carries a miniature gold gilt disc bearing a letter “V” surrounded by a wreath of laurels. There is also a lapel pin, which is the miniature of the medal without suspension.

Find This Medal Online

Right Now on eBay 
Clicking a link to eBay may result in a referral commission being paid if a purchase is made.
Loading...

The Defense Superior Service Medal

The Defense Superior Service Medal is a military decoration of the Department of Defense established by President Gerald R. Ford in 1976.

The Defense Superior Service Medal (or DSSM) is a senior American military decoration of the Department of Defense established by President Gerald R. Ford on February 6, 1976 and awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces who perform “superior meritorious service in a position of significant responsibility“.

The decoration is most often presented to senior officers in the flag and general officer grades. It is analogous to the Legion of Merit, but awarded for service in a “joint” duty capacity for a period of time exceeding 12 months. Service members assigned to or attached to a Joint Task Force as individuals, not members of a specific military service’s unit, can be eligible for the DSSM.

Joint or Department of Defense awards, including the Defense Superior Service Medal, may be awarded posthumously.

The Defense Superior Service Medal Design

When the Defense Superior Service Medal was created, it was decided that it should be done at the lowest possible cost and with as little involvement as possible. It’s because of this that it ranks just below the Defense Distinguished Service Medal for similar service, it was decided to use the same design as the Defense Distinguished Service Medal but finished in silver rather than gold and with a difference inscription on the back.

The medal has blue enamel and measures 1 7/8 inches (4.76 cm) in height overall. The obverse depicts a silver American eagle with outstretched wings superimposed over a medium blue pentagon. On its breast is the shield of the United States and in its talons are three crossed arrows in silver. The tips of the wings cover a surrounding arc of silver five-pointed stars encircling the top and sides of the pentagon, while the bottom is surrounded by a silver wreath encircling the base composed of a laurel branch on the left and an olive branch on the right.

The reverse is plain except for the inscription at the top, For Superior Service. Below in the pentagon is the inscription From The Secretary of Defense To.

The medal is suspended from a ribbon 1 3/8 inch (3.49 cm) in width composed of the following vertical stripes: Golden Yellow, Bluebird, White, Scarlet, White, Bluebird and Golden Yellow. 

Find This Medal Online

Right Now on eBay 
Clicking a link to eBay may result in a referral commission being paid if a purchase is made.
Loading...

The Southwest Asia Service Medal

The Southwest Asia Service Medal (SASM or SWASM) is a military award of the US Armed Forces to recognize duty during the Persian Gulf War.

The Southwest Asia Service Medal (also known as SASM or SWASM) is a military award of the United States Armed Forces created by order of President George H.W. Bush to recognize those military service members who performed duty during the years of the Persian Gulf War between August 2, 1990, and November 30, 1995.

Individuals awarded the Southwest Asia Service Medal must have participated in or supported military operations in Southwest Asia, including participation in Operations Desert Shield or Desert Storm. To receive the award, a service member had to be attached to or regularly serving for one or more days with an organization participating in ground/shore military operations; aboard a naval vessel directly supporting military operations; participating as a crew member in one or more aerial flights or serving on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days.

The award is not authorized for those who performed support of the Persian Gulf War from European or Pacific bases, or for service members who performed “home service” during the Persian Gulf War.

The Southwest Asia Service Medal Design

The medal was designed by Nadine Russell of the Army’s Institute of Heraldry. The colors of the ribbon are tan, representing sand, with the black, white, red, blue, and green colors symbolizing the colors of coalition countries’ national flags. The maximum number of bronze service stars that are authorized to be worn for the Southwest Asia Service Medal’s ribbon or streamer is three.

Ribbon devices:
  • Bronze service star: for participation in each designated campaign. Each recipient of the medal should wear at least one campaign star.
  • Fleet Marine Force Combat Operation Insignia: for naval personnel on duty with and attached to a Marine Corps unit that participated in combat.

Designated campaigns:

  • Defense of Saudi Arabia. From August 2, 1990 to January 16, 1991.
  • Liberation and Defense of Kuwait. January 17, 1991 to April 11, 1991.
  • Southwest Asia Cease-Fire. April 12, 1991 to November 30, 1995.

In April 2016, the appearance of the suspension and service ribbon of the SASM was slightly modified. The DLA made the two vertical green bars and one vertical black bar in the middle wider than in the original 1991 version.

Find This Medal Online

Right Now on eBay 
Clicking a link to eBay may result in a referral commission being paid if a purchase is made.
Loading...

The Navy and Marine Corps Medal

The Navy and Marine Corps Medal is the highest non-combat decoration awarded for heroism to the members of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.

The Navy and Marine Corps Medal is the highest non-combat decoration awarded for heroism to the members of the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps.

The medal was established by an act of Congress on 7 August 1942 and it was first bestowed during World War II (as retroactive to 6 December 1941). During the mid-20th century, the Navy and Marine Corps Medal was awarded instead of the Silver or Gold Lifesaving Medal, for sea rescues involving risk to life.

For heroic performance to rise to this level it must be clearly established that the act involved very specific life-threatening risk to the awardee.

The Navy and Marine Corps Medal Criteria

The Navy and Marine Corps Medal is typically awarded for actions taken to save or attempt to save the lives of others, such as rescuing individuals from drowning, providing aid during a disaster, or protecting others from harm. It is also presented to those who display significant courage in non-combat situations, such as when risking their lives to protect naval or marine assets or personnel.

The Navy and Marine Corps Medal Design

The Navy and Marine Corps Medal is an octagonal bronze medal.

The obverse of the Navy and Marine Corps medal depicts an eagle holding a fouled anchor over a globe. The word Heroism is inscribed below the globe. 

The medal’s ribbon is three equal stripes of navy blue, old gold, and apple red.

Additional awards of the medal are denoted by gold or silver ​5⁄16 inch stars.

Buy a Navy and Marine Corps Medal

Note: As an eBay partner, I earn from qualifying purchases. This is all done automatically when you use a link and at no extra cost to you.

Right Now on eBay 
Clicking a link to eBay may result in a referral commission being paid if a purchase is made.
Loading...

The Distinguished Service Medal (Navy & Marines)

The Navy Distinguished Service Medal is a military decoration created in 1919 for the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps.

  • Time Period: The Great War
  • Institution: 4 February 1919
  • Country: United States

The Navy Distinguished Service Medal is a military decoration, first created in 1919, of the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps. It recognizes distinguished and exceptionally meritorious service to the country while serving in a duty or position of great responsibility.

At the start of World War I, the Navy had the Medal of Honor as the only decoration with which to recognize heroism. At a level below, the Navy Distinguished Service Medal and the Navy Cross were created by Public Law 253 on 4 February 1919. The Navy Distinguished Service Medal remained senior to the Navy Cross until August 1942, when the precedence of the two decorations was reversed. 

To justify this decoration, exceptional performance of duty must be clearly above that normally expected, and contributes to the success of a major command or project. The decoration is normally only bestowed to senior Navy flag officers and Marine Corps general officers, or extremely senior enlisted positions. In rare instances, it has also been awarded to Navy captains and Marine Corps colonels.

The Navy Distinguished Service Medal Design

The Navy Distinguished Service Medal is a gilt bronze medallion measuring 1.25 inches (32 mm) in diameter.

The obverse features an American bald eagle in the center displaying its wings (the eagle holds an olive branch in its right talon and arrows in its left talons and is surrounded by a blue enameled ring with the words “UNITED  STATES OF AMERICA” at the top and “NAVY” at the bottom).

Surrounding the blue enamel ring is a gold border of scroll waves depicted moving in a clockwise direction. The medal is surmounted by a white five-pointed star, point up, the points of the star being tipped with gold balls. In the center of the star is a blue anchor, while gold rays radiate between the arms of the star.

The reverse depicts a trident surrounded by a laurel wreath, and surrounded itselft by a blue enamel ring containing the inscription “FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE”. 

The medal’s suspension and service ribbon is navy blue with a single central stripe of yellow. Additional awards of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal are denoted by gold and silver 5/16 inch stars worn on the medal’s suspension and service ribbon.

Find This Medal Online

Right Now on eBay 
Clicking a link to eBay may result in a referral commission being paid if a purchase is made.
Loading...

The Meritorious Service Medal (USA)

The Meritorious Service Medal (or MSM) is a military award presented to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who distinguished themselves.

The Meritorious Service Medal (also known as MSM) is a military award presented to members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguished themselves by outstanding meritorious achievement or service to the United States subsequent to January 16, 1969.

The MSM was previously awarded as a decoration for achievement during peacetime, but effective 11 September 2001, this decoration may also be bestowed in lieu of the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious achievement in a designated combat theater. Normally, the acts or services rendered must be comparable to that required for the Legion of Merit but in a duty of lesser, though considerable, responsibility. At the Tri-Department Awards Conference (February 5, 1968), there was a discussion on the need for a third meritorious award to provide appropriate recognition for non-combat achievement or service comparable to that of the Bronze Star Medal for combat achievement or service. It was felt that the Legion of Merit‘s prestige was slipping because it was being used with increasing frequency to reward service below the Legion of Merit’s intended standard, but higher than that required for the Commendation Medals of the various military services.

Foreign military personnel in the ranks of NATO OF-5 and below and individuals who have displayed a level of service that warrants an award of such magnitude may also be eligible to be awarded the MSM.

The Meritorious Service Medal Design

The Meritorious Service Medal is a bronze medal, 1.5 inches in diameter overall, consisting of six rays appearing from the upper three points of a five-pointed star with beveled edges and containing two smaller stars defined by incised outlines.

In the obverse, in front of the lower part of the star an eagle with wings upraised standing upon two upward curving branches of laurel tied with a ribbon between the feet of the eagle. The reverse has the encircled inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “MERITORIOUS SERVICE.” The suspension ribbon is 1 3/8 inches wide and consists of the following stripes: 1/8 inch Crimson 67112; 1/4 inch White 67101; center 5/8 inch Crimson; 1/4 inch White; and 1/8 inch Crimson.

Additional awards of the Meritorious Service Medal are denoted by bronze oak leaf clusters in the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force and gold 5/16 inch stars in the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Coast Guard. These devices are also authorized for wear on the suspension and service ribbon of the medal.

Buy a Meritorious Service Medal

Note: As an eBay partner, I earn from qualifying purchases. This is all done automatically when you use a link and at no extra cost to you.

Right Now on eBay 
Clicking a link to eBay may result in a referral commission being paid if a purchase is made.
Loading...

The Achievement Medal – Joint Service

The Achievement Medal is a military decoration of the Armed Forces for contributions of junior officers and enlisted personnel

The Achievement Medal is a military decoration of the United States Armed Forces. It was first proposed as a means to recognize the contributions of junior officers and enlisted personnel who were not eligible to receive the higher Commendation Medal or the Meritorious Service Medal. Award authority rests with local commanders, granting a broad discretion of when and for what action the Achievement Medal may be awarded.

Each military service issues its own version of the Achievement Medal, with a fifth version authorized by the U.S. Department of Defense for joint military activity.

The Joint Service Achievement Medal was created in 1983. This award was considered a Department of Defense decoration senior to the service department Achievement Medals.

The Achievement Medal Design

The following devices may be authorized to be worn on the following achievement medals suspension ribbon and service ribbon:

  • All Achievement Medals, “C” device, which signifies meritorious performance “under combat conditions”, after January 2016
  • Army Achievement Medal, for additional awards – oak leaf clusters
  • Air Force Achievement Medal, for additional awards – oak leaf clusters
  • Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, for additional awards – 5/16 inch stars
  • Coast Guard Achievement Medal, for additional awards – 5/16 inch stars
  • Joint Service Achievement Medal (all service branches), for additional awards – oak leaf clusters
  • Coast Guard Achievement Medal – Operational Distinguishing Device (“O” device)
  • Coast Guard Achievement Medal – Combat Distinguishing Device (Combat “V”)

Find This Medal Online

Right Now on eBay 
Clicking a link to eBay may result in a referral commission being paid if a purchase is made.
Loading...

The Achievement Medal – Air Force

The Achievement Medal is a military decoration of the Armed Forces for the contributions of junior officers and enlisted personnel

The Achievement Medal is a military decoration of the United States Armed Forces. It was first proposed as a means to recognize the contributions of junior officers and enlisted personnel who were not eligible to receive the higher Commendation Medal or the Meritorious Service Medal. Award authority rests with local commanders, granting a broad discretion of when and for what action the Achievement Medal may be awarded.

Each military service issues its own version of the Achievement Medal, with a fifth version authorized by the U.S. Department of Defense for joint military activity.

The U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force issued their own versions of the award with the Army Achievement Medal in 1981 and Air Force Achievement Medal in 1980. 

The Achievement Medal Design

The following devices may be authorized to be worn on the following achievement medals suspension ribbon and service ribbon:

  • All Achievement Medals, “C” device, which signifies meritorious performance “under combat conditions”, after January 2016
  • Army Achievement Medal, for additional awards – oak leaf clusters
  • Air Force Achievement Medal, for additional awards – oak leaf clusters
  • Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, for additional awards – 5/16 inch stars
  • Coast Guard Achievement Medal, for additional awards – 5/16 inch stars
  • Joint Service Achievement Medal (all service branches), for additional awards – oak leaf clusters
  • Coast Guard Achievement Medal – Operational Distinguishing Device (“O” device)
  • Coast Guard Achievement Medal – Combat Distinguishing Device (Combat “V”)

Find This Medal Online

Right Now on eBay 
Clicking a link to eBay may result in a referral commission being paid if a purchase is made.
Loading...

The Achievement Medal – Army

The Achievement Medal is a military decoration of the Armed Forces for the contributions of junior officers and enlisted personnel

The Achievement Medal is a military decoration of the United States Armed Forces. It was first proposed as a means to recognize the contributions of junior officers and enlisted personnel who were not eligible to receive the higher Commendation Medal or the Meritorious Service Medal. Award authority rests with local commanders, granting a broad discretion of when and for what action the Achievement Medal may be awarded.

Each military service issues its own version of the Achievement Medal, with a fifth version authorized by the U.S. Department of Defense for joint military activity.

The Achievement Medal Eligibility

Eligibility criteria for the Achievement Medal – Army (AM-Army) typically include:

  1. Service: Recipients must be serving in the United States Army, including active duty, reserve, and National Guard components.

  2. Meritorious Service: The medal is awarded for meritorious service or achievement, which may include performance of duties at a level above what is normally expected, completion of a special project or assignment, or significant contributions to the mission of the Army.

  3. Non-Combat Role: The Achievement Medal is typically awarded for achievements or contributions in non-combat roles. It is not awarded for acts of valor or combat-related actions, which would be recognized by higher awards such as the Bronze Star Medal or the Silver Star Medal.

  4. Recommendation: Nominations for the Achievement Medal are usually submitted by the individual’s chain of command, with justification for the award based on specific accomplishments and contributions to the Army’s mission.

  5. Approval: The final approval for the award of the Achievement Medal is typically granted by the individual’s commanding officer or higher authority within the chain of command.

The Achievement Medal Design

The following devices may be authorized to be worn on the following achievement medals suspension ribbon and service ribbon:

  • All Achievement Medals, “C” device, which signifies meritorious performance “under combat conditions”, after January 2016
  • Army Achievement Medal, for additional awards – oak leaf clusters
  • Air Force Achievement Medal, for additional awards – oak leaf clusters
  • Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, for additional awards – 5/16 inch stars
  • Coast Guard Achievement Medal, for additional awards – 5/16 inch stars
  • Joint Service Achievement Medal (all service branches), for additional awards – oak leaf clusters
  • Coast Guard Achievement Medal – Operational Distinguishing Device (“O” device)
  • Coast Guard Achievement Medal – Combat Distinguishing Device (Combat “V”)

Find This Medal Online

Right Now on eBay 
Clicking a link to eBay may result in a referral commission being paid if a purchase is made.
Loading...

The Achievement Medal – Navy and Marine Corps

The Achievement Medal is a military decoration of the Armed Forces for the contributions of junior officers and enlisted personnel

The Achievement Medal is a military decoration of the United States Armed Forces. It was first proposed as a means to recognize the contributions of junior officers and enlisted personnel who were not eligible to receive the higher Commendation Medal or the Meritorious Service Medal. Award authority rests with local commanders, granting a broad discretion of when and for what action the Achievement Medal may be awarded.

Each military service issues its own version of the Achievement Medal, with a fifth version authorized by the U.S. Department of Defense for joint military activity.

The Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (NAM), is the United States Navy and U.S. Marine Corps’ version of the Achievement Medal. The U.S. Navy was the first branch of the U.S. Armed Forces to award such a medal, doing so in 1961, when it was dubbed the “Secretary of the Navy Commendation for Achievement Medal”. This title was shortened in 1967 to simply, the “Navy Achievement Medal”. On 19 August 1994, to recognize those of the United States Marine Corps who had received the Navy Achievement Medal, the name of the decoration was officially changed to the “Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal”. The award is referred to in shorthand speech as a “NAM”.

The Achievement Medal Design

The following devices may be authorized to be worn on the following achievement medals suspension ribbon and service ribbon:

  • All Achievement Medals, “C” device, which signifies meritorious performance “under combat conditions”, after January 2016
  • Army Achievement Medal, for additional awards – oak leaf clusters
  • Air Force Achievement Medal, for additional awards – oak leaf clusters
  • Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, for additional awards – 5/16 inch stars
  • Coast Guard Achievement Medal, for additional awards – 5/16 inch stars
  • Joint Service Achievement Medal (all service branches), for additional awards – oak leaf clusters
  • Coast Guard Achievement Medal – Operational Distinguishing Device (“O” device)
  • Coast Guard Achievement Medal – Combat Distinguishing Device (Combat “V”)

Find This Medal Online

Right Now on eBay 
Clicking a link to eBay may result in a referral commission being paid if a purchase is made.
Loading...