Medals from United States from the Post-WW2 Period
American Military Medals & Awards of 1945 and later
After World War II, the United States established several new military medals and decorations to recognize the valor, service, and achievements of its servicemen and women. These medals expanded the recognition system and encompassed a range of contributions. On this page, you will find all military and campaign medals, awards, and decorations of the United States given after the Post-WW2 period.
Read more: Gulf War / Desert Storm Medals – Vietnam War Medals – NASA and Space Flight Medals
Popular Post-WW2 United States Medals,
Orders & Decorations
Explore the most renowned medals, orders, and decorations bestowed by the United States after the Second World War.
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 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 Army Commendation Medal
The Army Commendation Medal is a mid-level U.S. military decoration presented for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service.
The Joint Service Commendation Medal
The Joint Service Commendation Medal is a mid-level United States military decoration presented for sustained acts of heroism or service.
The Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)
The Distinguished Flying Cross is an American military decoration for operations by heroism or extraordinary achievement.
All Post-WW2 American Medals
These medals, along with others established during and after World War II, reflect the evolving recognition system of the United States and honor the dedication, sacrifice, and service of the men and women who have served in the U.S. military since that time. Here is the complete collection of American Post-WW2 medals:
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 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 Pearl Harbor Commemorative Medal
The Pearl Harbor Commemorative Medal was established by the United States Congress in 1990 and awarded for combat operations.
The Air Force Cross
The Air Force Cross is the United States Air Force and the United States Space Force’s second-highest military decoration.
The New York City Police Department Medal of Valor
The New York City Police Department Medal of Valor is the department’s third highest medal, conferred for acts of outstanding bravery.
The New York City Police Department Medal of Honor
The New York City Police Department Medal of Honor is the highest law enforcement medal of the NYPD and awarded for extraordinary bravery.
The 1957 Texas Rangers “Blue Bottle Cap” Badge
The 1957 Texas Rangers “Blue Bottle Cap” Badge was issued to the Rangers and featured blue enamel paint on polished metal.
The 1962 Texas Rangers Badge
The 1962 Texas Rangers Badge was designed in 1961-62 and is a five-pointed star symbolizing the “Lone Star” of Texas.
The South Vietnam Campaign Medal
The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal (or Chiến Dịch Bội Tinh), is a South Vietnamese military campaign medal created in 1949.
The NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal
The NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal is an award established in 1991 and awarded to both civilian members of NASA and military astronauts.
The NASA Exceptional Administrative Achievement Medal
The NASA Exceptional Administrative Achievement Medal is an award given to people of the federal service for significant support of NASA.
The NASA Equal Employment Opportunity Medal
The NASA Equal Employment Opportunity Medal is a medal awarded to individuals for outstanding achievement in diversity and inclusion.
The NASA Exceptional Technology Achievement Medal
The NASA Exceptional Technology Achievement Medal is given to Government or individuals for exceptional technology contributions.
The NASA Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal
The NASA Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal is a medal established on September 15, 1961 when the original ESM was divided in three.
The NASA Exceptional Engineering Achievement Medal
The NASA Exceptional Engineering Achievement Medal is a medal established in 1981 to recognize unusually significant engineering contributions.
The NASA Exceptional Bravery Medal
The NASA Exceptional Bravery Medal is a NASA award open to government and non-government employees for courageous handling of an emergency.
The NASA Exceptional Public Service Medal
NASA’s Exceptional Public Service Medal is awarded for performance that embodies multiple contributions on NASA projects or initiatives.
The NASA Exceptional Service Medal
The NASA Exceptional Service Medal is an award established in 1959 and granted to government employees for significant sustained performance.
The NASA Outstanding Public Leadership Medal
The NASA Outstanding Public Leadership Medal is awarded to individuals who were not Government employees during the accomplishment.
The NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal
The NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal is US medal awarded to government employees for notable leadership accomplishments in NASA.
The Congressional Space Medal of Honor
The Congressional Space Medal of Honor was established in 1969 to recognize astronauts for distinguished meritorious efforts.
The NASA Space Flight Medal
The NASA Space Flight Medal is a decoration bestowed upon astronauts (US or foreign) who fly aboard a United States space mission.
The NASA Distinguished Service Medal
The NASA Distinguished Service Medal is the highest award that can be given to member of the federal government (astronauts and civilians).
The NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal
The NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal is the highest honor NASA awards to anyone who was not a government employee.
The 9/11 Heroes Medal of Valor
The 9/11 Heroes Medal of Valor is a decoration presented by Pres. George W. Bush that honors public safety officers killed in 9/11.
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 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 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 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 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 – 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 – Army
The Achievement Medal is a military decoration of the Armed Forces for the contributions of junior officers and enlisted personnel
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 – Coast Guard
The Achievement Medal is a military decoration of the Armed Forces for the contributions of junior officers and enlisted personnel
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 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 National Defense Service Medal
The National Defense Service Medal (NDSM) is a service medal of the United States Armed Forces created by President Eisenhower in 1953.
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 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 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 Prisoner of War Medal (USA)
The Prisoner of War Medal is a military award authorized by Congress and signed into law by President Ronald Reagan on 8 November 1985.
The Coast Guard Commendation Medal
The Coast Guard Commendation Medal is a United States military decoration presented for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service.
The Army Commendation Medal
The Army Commendation Medal is a mid-level U.S. military decoration presented for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service.
The Joint Service Commendation Medal
The Joint Service Commendation Medal is a mid-level United States military decoration presented for sustained acts of heroism or service.
The Air Force and Space Force Commendation Medal
The Air Force & Space Force Commendation Medal is a United States military decoration presented for sustained acts of heroism and service.
The Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal
The Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal is a United States military decoration presented for sustained acts of heroism and service.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is an award bestowed by the President of the United States. It is the highest civilian award of the USA.
American Medals from the
Pre-WW1 and Great War Period
Explore American medals from WWI and get a glimpse into the recognition bestowed upon the heroes who shaped the course of the Great War. Below are 6 random decorations (click on the buttons below them if you want to see all of them).
United States Medals from the
World War II Period
Explore American medals from the Second World Ward.
Featured Articles about the United States
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Further Reading About American Medals
Explore books that delve into the rich history and significance of American military medals and decorations and discover stories of valor, sacrifice, and bravery that have shaped the legacy of these esteemed awards.
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