The Army Commendation Medal

Time Period: Post-WW2
Institution: 1945
Country: United States

The Army Commendation Medal is a mid-level United States military decoration that is presented for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service. Each branch of the United States Armed Forces has its own version of this medal, with a fifth version existing for acts of joint military service performed under the Department of Defense.

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 U.S. Army after December 6, 1941, distinguished themselves by heroism, meritorious achievement or service. The medal can also be awarded to a member of another branch of the U.S. Armed Forces or of a friendly foreign nation who, after June 1, 1962, distinguishes themselves by an act of heroism, extraordinary achievement, or significant meritorious service which has been of mutual benefit to the friendly nation and the United States.

The Army Commendation Medal Design

The medallion of the Army Commendation Medal is a bronze hexagon, 1³⁄₈ inches wide. On the obverse of the medallion is an American bald eagle with wings spread horizontally, grasping in its talons three crossed arrows. On its breast is a shield paly of thirteen pieces and a chief.

The reverse bears a panel for naming between the words FOR MILITARY above and MERIT below, all placed above a laurel sprig. The ribbon is 1³⁄₈ inches wide, primarily of myrtle green. It is edged in white, and in the center are five thin white stripes spaced equally apart.

Devices:

Oak leaf cluster (for subsequent awards)
“V” Device (for valorous actions in direct contact with an enemy)

Combat Commendations:

“C” Device (for meritorious service or achievement under combat conditions. Unofficially called the Combat Commendation. Retroactive Awards are not authorized for medals awarded before 7 January 2016)
“R” Device (for direct and immediate impact on combat operations from a remote location)

Other Commendation Medals

The different versions of the Commendation Medal in the United States military are typically associated with specific branches of service. While the criteria for receiving the Commendation Medal remain similar across branches, the designs may vary to reflect the unique identity and traditions of each service.