The Turkish Armed Forces Medal of Distinguished Courage and Self-Sacrifice

This medal is awarded to those who fulfill the duties entrusted to them with great courage while putting their lives in danger.

The Turkish Armed Forces Medal of Distinguished Courage and Self-Sacrifice (or Türk Silahlı Kuvvetleri Üstün Cesaret ve Feragat Madalyası in Turkish) stands as one of the most prestigious honors conferred by the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF), established on July 3, 1975.

In times of war or peace, the medal is awarded to individuals or military units who have demonstrated exceptional courage and self-sacrifice while carrying out their duties, often risking their lives in the process.

This prestigious accolade may be bestowed upon civilians or military personnel of any nationality. Recommendations for its awarding can be made by the Deputy Minister for National Defense or by any of the Commanders representing the four branches of the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF): the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, or the Gendarmerie (excluding the Commander of the fifth branch, the Coast Guard). Final approval for the award rests with the Chief of the General Staff.

The Medal of Distinguished Courage Design

The medal features silver laurels surrounding a gold medal with an engraving of Mehmetçik, the legendary Turkish soldier, atop.

The regular size decoration consists of three pieces. Made of bronze, it is minted with 5 micrometer silver and 0.2 micrometer gold-plating. It weighs 59 grams and has a diameter of 3.5 cm. The miniature size decoration also comprises three pieces. Made of bronze, the miniature medal is minted with 5 micrometer silver and 0.2 micrometer gold-plating. It weighs 15 grams and has a diameter of 1 cm.

The ribbon is red with a golden crescent moon and a star on top.

The Medal of Work (Egypt)

The Medal of Work is an Egyptian decoration established in 1966 and granted to competent employees and distinguished individuals.

The Medal of Work (وسام العمل) is an Egyptian military order established in 1966 following the approval of the President of the Republic of Egypt under law no. 12/1972.

The decoration is conferred upon exceptional and proficient employees, as well as distinguished individuals, who demonstrate outstanding contributions to the advancement of the country in various fields such as production, industry, and economy, both in theory and practice.

The medal comprises four distinct classes, with each recipient receiving a corresponding remuneration determined by the class of the medal awarded:

  • First Class: LE 500
  • Second Class: LE 250
  • Third Class: LE 150
  • Fourth Class: LE 100

The Medal of Work Design

The design of the medal embodies the essence of labor.

Positioned at the center is a three-dimensional disc, with a circular inscription in Arabic spelling out the word “Work” at its zenith. Emitting from this central motif are beams of light, representing a spectrum of disciplines including science, art, knowledge, industry, agriculture, water resources, electricity generation, and nuclear research.

The Medal of Military Duty (Egypt)

The Medal of Military Duty is an Egyptian military order established in 1953 and awarded for services outside of the battlefield.

The Medal of Military Duty (نوط الواجب العسكري) is an Egyptian military order established in 1953 and awarded for military services outside of the battlefield.

Established on July 9, 1953, this prestigious accolade recognizes acts of extraordinary gallantry and intrepidity and symbolizes the unwavering dedication and sacrifice of its recipients in the pursuit of national security and defense.

Throughout its history, the Medal of Military Duty has served as a distinguished honor, acknowledging the remarkable achievements and contributions of military personnel in safeguarding the nation’s interests. Beyond domestic borders, this prestigious medal is also extended to deserving foreigners who have displayed unwavering commitment and dedication to supporting Egypt’s military endeavors.

The medal has a three-degree classification representing varying levels of distinction:

  • First Class (in gold)
  • Second Class (in silver)
  • Third Class (in bronze)

The Medal of Military Duty Design

Crafted from silver, the medal’s obverse showcases a sword adorned with wings and a wreath, complemented by ten small stars encircling the periphery. On the reverse side, an Arabic inscription translates to ‘The Military Medal of Duty,‘ alongside establishment dates.

The Egyptian Medal of Military Duty measures 36.9mm in width and 53.6mm in height, and weighs 29.3 grams.

The ribbon is blue with narrow red edge stripes.

The Defense Distinguished Service Medal

The Defense Distinguished Service Medal is a military decoration of the USA presented for exceptionally distinguished performance of duty.

The Defense Distinguished Service Medal is a prestigious military decoration conferred by the United States Department of Defense. It is awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces in recognition of their exceptionally distinguished performance of duty, which significantly contributes to the national security or defense of the United States.

Established on July 9, 1970, by President Richard Nixon through Executive Order 11545, the first medal was presented on the same day to General Earle Wheeler. General Wheeler, retiring from the US Army after serving as Chief of Staff of the United States Army and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, received this honor in acknowledgment of his exemplary service.

The Defense Distinguished Service Medal Design

The medal displays a gold hue, with its obverse showcasing a medium blue enameled pentagon with its point facing upwards. Overlaid on this pentagon is an American bald eagle with outspread wings facing left, clutching three crossed arrows in its talons, and bearing a shield of the United States on its breast.

Encircling the pentagon and eagle is a gold segmented circle adorned with 13 five-pointed stars in the upper half and a wreath of laurel on the left and olive on the right in the lower half. Suspended from the top is a five graduated gold rays suspender.

On the reverse side, the inscription “For Distinguished Service” is prominently raised at the top, while within the pentagon, the inscription “FROM THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE TO” is also raised. Additional awards of the Defense Distinguished Service Medal are represented by oak leaf clusters.

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The Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal

The Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal was instituted in 1951 and is awarded for twenty aggregate years of service in the police.

The Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal is an honor bestowed upon police officers in the United Kingdom. Established in 1951, it is awarded to individuals who have completed twenty aggregate years of service in the UK police forces.

The criteria for receiving this medal were established by Royal Warrant under King George VI in June 1951. It is presented as a token of appreciation from the Sovereign for long and meritorious service provided by members of the UK Police Forces. To be eligible for this award, an officer must be recommended by the Chief Constable to the Home Secretary. The recommendation must confirm the following:

  • The officer has served as a member of a Police Force.
  • The officer has demonstrated efficient service for the qualifying period.
  • The officer’s character has been exemplary.

The Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal Design

The Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal is a circular decoration, measuring 1.4 inches (36 mm) in diameter. Originally crafted from cupro-nickel, modern versions are rhodium plated.

The obverse side displays the effigy of the reigning monarch. On the reverse side, there is an image of Justice holding scales in her left hand and a wreath in her right, encircled by the inscription ‘FOR EXEMPLARY POLICE SERVICE’.

The suspender comes in both swivelling and non-swivelling formats and is straight in shape. Recipients’ ranks and names are engraved on the rim using impressed capital letters.

The medal is suspended from a dark blue ribbon, 1.25 inches (32 mm) wide, with two thin white stripes on each edge. Bars for additional service of 30 and 40 years were authorized on March 11, 2022. 

The King’s Police Medal

The King’s Police Medal is an award of the United Kingdom given to police in the United Kingdom for gallantry or distinguished service.

The King’s Police Medal (or KPM) is bestowed upon police officers in the United Kingdom in recognition of acts of gallantry or distinguished service. Initially established on 7 July 1909, its creation was prompted by the need to honor the bravery exhibited by police officers during the Tottenham Outrage.

Originally, the medal was awarded across the wider British Empire, including Commonwealth nations. However, many of these countries now have their own systems of honors.

In 1940, the medal was renamed the King’s Police and Fire Services Medal (KPFSM), and it was later replaced by the Queen’s Police Medal (QPM) on 19 May 1954, coinciding with the establishment of a separate Queen’s Fire Service Medal. Following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022 and the ascension of King Charles III to the throne of the United Kingdom, the award reverted to its original name, the King’s Police Medal.

From 1909 to 1979, the medal was conferred a total of 4,070 times for acts of gallantry and distinguished service, including awards across dominions and the empire. During this period, 54 bars and one second bar were awarded in recognition of multiple acts of gallantry or service.

The King’s Police Medal Design

The medal is circular silver and measures 36 mm in diameter. The ribbon is suspended from a ring.

The obverse of the medal features the profile of the reigning monarch, accompanied by an inscription denoting the specific period of their reign. The reverse side depicts Saint Michael, the patron saint of police officers, holding a sword and shield at rest, symbolizing preparedness for peace.

Although the basic design has remained consistent since its inception in 1909, over time, the exergue of the medal underwent changes, with the addition of inscriptions such as “For Distinguished Police Service” or “For Gallantry.” Recipients’ names, ranks, and forces are inscribed on the rim of the medal.

The ribbon, originally dark blue with silver stripes at each edge, was later amended to include a central silver stripe and, for gallantry awards, a thin red stripe down the middle of each silver stripe from 1933 onwards.

The Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal

The Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal is a USA award established by George H. W. Bush in 1993 for substantial volunteer service.

The Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (MOVSM) was established by George H. W. Bush through Executive Order 12830 on January 9, 1993, and the design was created by the Institute of Heraldry. It was first awarded in December 1993.

This medal honors members of the military—active duty, reserve, and National Guard—who go above and beyond their required duties by contributing significant volunteer service to their local communities. The volunteer work must be sustained, direct, and produce tangible results that reflect positively on the military and the Department of Defense. The definition of volunteer service is intentionally broad, encompassing a wide range of activities such as Volunteer Emergency Services (e.g., Civil Air Patrol, Coast Guard Auxiliary, or volunteer firefighting/EMS/Rescue Squad), involvement with organizations like the Boy Scouts of America or Habitat for Humanity, and various community initiatives within local, state, or federal parks and forests.

There is no specific time requirement to qualify for the MOVSM, as approval authorities assess each case to determine if the service merits this special recognition. The medal is intended to recognize ongoing and substantial community support rather than a single act or achievement. Additionally, direct involvement in community activities is emphasized, while merely attending membership meetings or social events of a community service group does not count as qualifying service.

MOVSM Multiple Awards: The Service Ribbons

  • First award: service ribbon with no service stars.
  • Second award: service ribbon with one service star.
  • Third award: service ribbon with two service stars.
  • Fourth award: service ribbon with three service stars.
  • Fifth award: service ribbon with four service stars.
  • Sixth award: service ribbon with silver service star.
  • Seventh award: service ribbon with silver and bronze service stars.
  • Eighth award: service ribbon with silver and two bronze service stars.
  • Ninth award: service ribbon with silver and three bronze service stars.

The Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal Design

The medal is bronze and measures 1 1/8 inches in diameter. On the obverse side, it features five interlaced annulets behind a five-pointed star, all encircled by a laurel wreath. The reverse side depicts an oak sprig with three leaves and two acorns, with the inscription “OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER SERVICE” above and “UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES” below.

The suspension and service ribbon is 1 3/8 inches wide and consists of various stripes: 1/8 inch bluebird, 1/8 inch goldenlight, 3/16 inch bluebird, 1/16 inch green, 5/32 inch goldenlight, center 1/16 inch green, 5/32 inch goldenlight, 1/16 inch green, 3/16 inch bluebird, 1/8 inch goldenlight, and 1/8 inch bluebird.

Additional awards are denoted by five-pointed bronze service stars (one per additional award) and five-pointed silver service stars (representing five awards each).

The King Charles III Coronation Medal

The King Charles III Coronation Medal is a commemorative medal that celebrates the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla in 2023.

The King Charles III Coronation Medal was crafted as a commemorative token to honor the crowning of King Charles III and Queen Camilla on May 6, 2023.

In the United Kingdom, recipients of the medal included:

  • Individuals who actively contributed to the official Coronation events in Westminster Abbey and processions, as well as other officially recognized ceremonial Coronation events.
  • Serving members of the Armed Forces who had completed five full calendar years of service by May 6, 2023, or who participated in Armed Forces Coronation events throughout 2023.
  • Frontline emergency personnel who had served in a paid, retained, or voluntary capacity, dealing with emergencies as part of their service conditions, and who had completed five full calendar years of service by May 6, 2023.
  • Publicly employed prison services personnel who had completed five full calendar years of service by May 6, 2023.
  • Living individual recipients of the George Cross and the Victoria Cross.

In total, over 400,000 medals were awarded.

The King Charles III Coronation Medal Design

The medals are crafted from nickel silver. On the obverse side, there is a crowned effigy of the King and Queen facing left. The reverse side displays the Royal Cypher CiiiR surmounted by the Tudor Crown, a laurel wreath, and the date of the coronation, which is May 6, 2023.

Worcestershire Medal Service issues the medals, with the effigy on the obverse face modeled by Martin Jennings. The reverse was designed by Phil McDermott of the Worcestershire Medal Service.

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The NSDAP Golden Party Badge

The NSDAP Golden Party Badge was one of the most prestigious decorations awarded by the party during the Third Reich era in Germany.

The NSDAP Golden Party Badge, or Gold Party Badge, was one of the most prestigious decorations awarded by the National Socialist German Workers’ Party (NSDAP) during the Third Reich era in Germany. Instituted in 1933, it was primarily intended to honor loyal and long-standing members of the Nazi Party who had made significant contributions to the party’s cause.

The awarding of the Golden Party Badge was a highly prestigious honor, signifying the recipient’s status as a trusted and valued member of the Nazi Party elite. It was often presented in formal ceremonies or special events, further emphasizing its significance within the party hierarchy.

The criteria for receiving the Golden Party Badge were stringent, requiring a minimum of ten years of uninterrupted membership in the NSDAP, along with a record of exceptional service and dedication to the party’s goals. Additionally, candidates needed the personal approval of Adolf Hitler himself.

The NSDAP Golden Party Badge Design

The NSDAP gold badge was crafted in solid gold and features the Nazi Party eagle emblem surrounded by a wreath of oak leaves in the obverse.

The badge was available in two sizes: 30mm for uniform wear and 25mm for civilian attire. On the reverse of each badge is a unique membership number. The value of the badge increases as the serial number on the reverse decreases. Adolf Hitler wore the NSDAP badge number 7.

Two authorized manufacturers produced the badge: Deschler & Sohn and Joseph Fuess, both headquartered in Munich. Recipients wore the NSDAP badge on the left breast of their uniform, symbolizing their allegiance to the Nazi ideology and leadership.

The Operational Service Medal for Congo

The Operational Service Medal for Congo was awarded to all British personnel that served between June and September 2003 on Operation Coral.

The Operational Service Medal for the Democratic Republic of Congo is a campaign medal conferred upon all British personnel who served during the period of June to September 2003 as part of Operation Coral. This operation marked the British contribution to the multinational peacekeeping effort led by France in the Democratic Republic of Congo, occurring during the latter phases of the Second Congo War.

The Operational Service Medal (also known as OSM) was established in 1999 to replace the General Service Medal (1962) for all new operations. A separate medal of the same design is awarded for each campaign, differentiated by a distinct ribbon. 

The General Service Medal for Congo Qualifying Criteria

The medal with a clasp is conferred for either 25 days of continuous service in Bunia, located in the Ituri Province of the Congo, or completion of five round-trip operational flights between Entebbe and Bunia. This service must have taken place between June 14 and September 10, 2003, as part of Operation Coral.

There is no specific minimum duration required for individuals who were killed, wounded, or disabled during operations, or for those who received decorations for their operational service, including commendations and mentions in dispatches.

The service that qualifies for the Operational Service Medal also contributes towards the period necessary to receive the Accumulated Campaign Service Medal.

British military personnel who served with United Nations forces in the Congo from November 30, 1999, for a minimum of 90 days as part of the MONUC or MONUSCO missions are eligible to wear the United Nations Medal with the appropriate ribbon.

The General Service Medal for Congo Design

The Operational Service Medal for the Democratic Republic of Congo features a silver circular design.

On the obverse side, it displays the crowned effigy of Queen Elizabeth II along with the inscription ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA FID. DEF.

The reverse side showcases the Union Flag encircled by the inscription FOR OPERATIONAL SERVICE, with the four primary compass points depicted alongside four Coronets: Royal (top left), Naval (top right), Mural-Army (bottom left), and Astral-Royal Air Force (bottom right).

Its ribbon consists of a wide central red stripe flanked by navy blue and light blue stripes, symbolizing the three services, and an outer stripe of ochre representing the Congolese landscape.

Each medal is accompanied by a DROC clasp, with a silver rosette indicating the clasp when worn on the ribbon bar.

The General Service Medal Variants

The OSM has been awarded for four separate campaigns, each with a distinctive ribbon. The other three are:

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