U.S. Military Awards System Overview
The United States military awards system recognizes exceptional service, valor, achievement, and sacrifice. Awards are categorized by type and follow a strict order of precedence when worn on military uniforms. Understanding these decorations helps recognize the dedication and heroism of our service members.
Award Categories
Military awards are generally categorized into: Personal Decorations (for valor, achievement, or meritorious service), Unit Awards (for entire units), Service Awards (for participation in campaigns or operations), and Foreign Awards (from allied nations).
Order of Precedence
Military decorations must be worn in a specific order of precedence, with the highest awards worn first. The Medal of Honor takes precedence over all other decorations.
Highest Military Honors
| Award | Medal | Criteria | Branch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medal of Honor | MOH |
Conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty Highest military decoration |
All Branches |
| Distinguished Service Cross | DSC |
Extraordinary heroism in combat Second highest Army decoration |
Army |
| Navy Cross | NC |
Extraordinary heroism in combat Second highest Navy/Marine decoration |
Navy, Marines |
| Air Force Cross | AFC |
Extraordinary heroism in combat Second highest Air Force decoration |
Air Force, Space Force |
| Coast Guard Cross | CGC |
Extraordinary heroism in combat Second highest Coast Guard decoration |
Coast Guard |
Combat and Valor Awards
| Award | Medal | Criteria | Branch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purple Heart | PH |
Wounded or killed in action against an enemy Oldest military decoration still awarded |
All Branches |
| Silver Star | SS |
Gallantry in action against an enemy Third highest combat decoration |
All Branches |
| Bronze Star Medal | BSM |
Heroic or meritorious achievement in combat May be awarded with "V" device for valor |
All Branches |
| Combat Action Badge | CAB |
Active engagement with the enemy Army personnel not eligible for CIB or CMB |
Army |
| Combat Infantryman Badge | CIB |
Infantry personnel in active ground combat Highly prestigious infantry award |
Army |
Achievement and Service Awards
| Award | Medal | Criteria | Branch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distinguished Service Medal | DSM |
Exceptionally meritorious service in a position of great responsibility Highest non-combat decoration |
All Branches |
| Legion of Merit | LOM |
Exceptionally meritorious conduct in performance of outstanding services Often awarded to senior officers |
All Branches |
| Meritorious Service Medal | MSM |
Outstanding meritorious achievement or service Common award for exceptional performance |
All Branches |
| Army Commendation Medal | ARCOM |
Meritorious service or achievement May be awarded with "V" device for valor |
Army |
| Army Achievement Medal | AAM |
Meritorious service or achievement of a lesser degree Common award for junior personnel |
Army |
Campaign and Service Medals
| Award | Medal | Criteria | Era/Conflict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan Campaign Medal | ACM |
Service in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days |
2001-2021 |
| Iraq Campaign Medal | ICM |
Service in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days |
2003-2011 |
| Global War on Terrorism Service Medal | GWOTSM |
Service in support of Global War on Terrorism Outside designated combat zones |
2001-Present |
| National Defense Service Medal | NDSM |
Honorable active military service during designated periods Automatic for qualifying service periods |
Various Periods |
| Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal | AFEM |
Service in expeditionary operations 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days |
Various Operations |
Order of Precedence
Military decorations are worn in a specific order of precedence. The general order is:
- Personal Decorations: Medal of Honor, Service Crosses, Distinguished Service Medals, Silver Star, etc.
- Unit Awards: Presidential Unit Citation, Valorous Unit Award, etc.
- Service Awards: Good Conduct Medal, Reserve Component Achievement Medal, etc.
- Campaign and Service Medals: Combat and expeditionary medals, service medals
- Foreign Awards: Decorations from allied nations
- Marksmanship Awards: Shooting badges and qualifications
Related Resources
Military Ranks and Insignia
Learn about military rank structures and insignia across all service branches.
View RanksArmy Height/Weight Standards
Official Army height and weight requirements by age and gender.
View Standards