The Silver Star Medal (SSM), or Silver Star, is the third highest military award for valorous actions in combat. The origins of the Silver Star date back to July 9, 1918, when a Congressional Act authorized the issuance of the Silver Star for acts of gallantry against enemies of the United States, or while serving […]
The 5 Highest-Ranking U.S. Military Medals
The five highest-ranking military medals for bravery in combat include the Congressional Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC), the Navy Cross, the Air Force Cross and the Silver Star Medal. According to The Institute of Heraldry, these awards are also referred to as “decorations” because of the the personal nature associated with the […]
How to Receive an Overseas Service Ribbon
Military service often includes travel and duty assignments outside the continental United States of America, or overseas. Service overseas allows military service members to their service-specific overseas service ribbon in a multitude of capacities if they meet their service-specific qualifications. To this point, it’s important for service members and veterans to consult their service-specific regulations, […]
A Brief Look at the History of Challenge Coins in the Military
The history of military challenge coins is widely debated, and their origin is rooted in the history of civilizations from the Romans to the American colonials. But there’s no doubt that military challenge coins are a big part of military culture and increasingly so in the civilian world. Challenge coins are a great way to […]
When Should I Wear My Army Ribbons?
The pride associated with serving in America’s Armed Forces lasts a lifetime and is one that is most clearly demonstrated in a service member’s medals, badges and ribbons they’ve earned during their time of service. While in the military, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen and Coast Guardsmen are required to wear their medals, ribbons and badges. […]
