Medals from the United States

American Medals, Awards and Badges from the Great War, WW2 and more.

The United States has a number of medals, service ribbons, and badges that recognize military service and personal accomplishments while a member of the U.S. Armed Forces. They display the highlights of a service member’s career, and each service has its order of precedence. Below you will find a list of all the medals and awards issued by the United States from before the Great War to today.

Popular United States Medals, Orders & Decorations

Explore the most renowned and esteemed medals, orders, and decorations bestowed by the United States.

The Purple Heart

The Purple Heart is a military decoration from the United States awarded to those wounded or killed while serving with the U.S. military.

The Congressional Gold Medal

The Congressional Gold Medal is an award bestowed by the Congress and one of the three highest civilian awards in the United States.

American Medals and Awards: The Medal of Honor (Army Version)

The U.S. Medal of Honor

The Medal of Honor is the United States of America’s most prestigious personal military decoration, awarded for acts of valor.

The Distinguished Service Cross

The Distinguished Service Cross is the second-highest United States Army military award and is given for extreme gallantry and risk of life.

The Silver Star (USA)

The Silver Star Medal is the United States Armed Forces’s third-highest personal decoration for gallantry and valor in combat.

All United States Medals
from the Pre-WW1 Period

Before World War I, the United States awarded various military medals to recognize valor and service. These included the Medal of Honor, which is the highest military decoration (it was established in 1862), and campaign medals specific to certain wars or military operations, such as the Indian Wars Campaign Medal, Spanish Campaign Medal, and Philippine Campaign Medal. The U.S. military also recognized long and meritorious service and good conduct for specific military branches. Find these and more Pre-WW1 medals and awards below (you can click on the buttons to see more).

The Indian Campaign Medal - American Medals from Pre-WW1

The Indian Wars Campaign Medal

The Indian Campaign Medal was a decoration established in 1907 for participants of the American Indian Wars against the Native Americans.

The Texas Rangers Ira Aten Badge

The Texas Rangers Ira Aten Badge dates to the 1880s. It is the earliest surviving Texas Rangers badge known and belonged to Ira Aten.

The Kittanning Destroyed Medal

The Kittanning Destroyed Medal was the very first military medal in North America. It was awarded for courage and bravery.

The Society of the Army of the Potomac Medal

The Society of the Army of the Potomac was a military society founded in 1869 from officers and enlisted men of the Army of the Potomac.

The New Market Cross of Honor

The New Market Cross of Honor is a military decoration issued to cadets of the Virginia Military Institute for their service to the Confederacy.

The Davis Guard Medal

The Davis Guard Medal is a military decoration bestowed by the State of Texas for the victory at the Second Battle of Sabine Pass.

All United States Medals from
The Great War (WW1) Period

During World War I, the United States recognized the courage, sacrifice, and exemplary service of its military personnel through various medals and decorations. These awards were bestowed upon individuals who displayed exceptional valor, leadership, and dedication to duty during the conflict.

The Inter Allied Victory Medal (United States)

The American Victory Medal was designed by James Earle Fraser and awarded to military personnel for service between 1917 and 1918.

The Army of Occupation of Germany Medal

The Army of Occupation of Germany Medal is a U.S. service medal created in 1941 to recognize military members who fought in WW1.

The Distinguished Service Medal

The Distinguished Service Medal is a United States Army military award given for exceptionally meritorious service to the Government.

The Navy Cross

The Navy Cross is the United States military’s second-highest decoration and awarded to members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.

American WW1 Medals - The Distinguished Service Medal (Navy)

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.

The Distinguished Service Cross

The Distinguished Service Cross is the second-highest United States Army military award and is given for extreme gallantry and risk of life.

Keep scrolling for Interwar and WW2 medals ↓

Featured Articles about the United States

Delve into captivating articles that offer in-depth insights into various aspects of the United States. From historical events and influential figures to cultural phenomena and significant milestones, these articles hope to provide a comprehensive exploration of the diverse and fascinating aspects of American history, society, and culture.

The Highest Military Decorations Awarded by the USA in Order

The Highest Military Decorations Awarded by the United States in Order

Top 10 Flying Aces of the United States During World War II

Desmond Doss: The First Objector to Receive The Medal of Honor

Desmond Doss: The First Conscientious Objector to Receive the Medal of Honor

Ten Stories of Heroism That Earned Americans a Purple Heart

Ten Stories of Heroism That Earned Americans the Purple Heart Medal

The New York City Fire Department Medal, Its History, and Recipients

Sergeant James Clarke of NYPD Patrol Borough Queens South retiring after serving 41 years. Image courtesy of NYPD IG.

The New York City Police Department Medals and Awards

All United States Medals from
The Interwar Period (1918-1939)

Explore the medals awarded during the interwar period, a time of peace-building, technological advancements, and military preparations, and discover the significance of these honors and the stories of those who received them in the years between World War I and World War II.

The New York City Police Department Combat Cross

The New York City Police Department Combat Cross is the second highest departmental award of the NYPD and awarded for heroism.

The 1935 Texas Rangers Badge

The 1935 Texas Rangers Badge is a shield overlaid with a circle star. It was the first official badge by the Texas Dept. of Public Safety.

The Distinguished Flying Cross - American Interwar Medals

The Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)

The Distinguished Flying Cross is an American military decoration for operations by heroism or extraordinary achievement.

The Purple Heart

The Purple Heart is a military decoration from the United States awarded to those wounded or killed while serving with the U.S. military.

American Medals and Awards: American Defense Service Medal

The American Defense Service Medal

The American Defense Service Medal is a United States Armed Forces military award established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1941.

All United States Medals from
The WW2 Period (1939-1945)

Step into the crucible of World War II, where brave soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines fought against tyranny and oppression. Dive into the medals awarded for acts of heroism, meritorious service, and valor during one of the most significant conflicts in human history.

The Medal for Merit (USA)

The Medal for Merit was created during World War II to award civilians for distinguished and exceptionally meritorious conduct.

The Presidential Unit Citation (PUC) - USA Awards - WW2

The Presidential Unit Citation Award (PUC)

The Presidential Unit Citation or PUC was created by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on 26 February 1942 and awarded in various conflicts.

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 Air Medal (USA)

The Air Medal is a decoration of the U.S. Armed Forces created in 1942 and awarded for single acts of heroism or meritorious achievement.

The Legion of Merit

The Legion of Merit is a military award of the United States Armed Forces for exceptionally meritorious conduct and outstanding services.

The Bronze Star Medal

The Bronze Star Medal (also known as Bronze Star) is a United States decoration awarded for heroic achievement or service in a combat zone.

All United States Medals from
Tthe Post-WW2 Period (1945 onwards)

Discover the medals that emerged in the post-WWII era as the world grappled with the challenges of a new era. Witness the recognition bestowed upon those who contributed to the defense of democracy, peacekeeping efforts, and the safeguarding of national interests during the Cold War and beyond.