Service: Navy, Marine Corps Instituted: 1961/1967 Criteria: Meritorious service or achievement in a combat or noncombat situation based on sustained performance of a superlative nature Devices: Bronze Letter “V” (for valor), Gold, Silver Star Notes: Originally a ribbon only award: “Secretary of the Navy Commendation for Achievement Award with Ribbon” Marine Corps Achievement Medal – […]
Category: Military History
Navy Medal of Honor – Navy, USMC & USCG
Establishing Authority: The Navy Medal of Honor arose from a Public Resolution signed into law by President Lincoln on December 21, 1861 authorizing the preparation of “200 medals of honor” to promote the efficiency of the Navy. It was followed by a Joint Resolution of Congress on July 12, 1862 (as amended) which actually approved […]
Vietnam Campaign Medal – RVNCM
Vietnam Campaign Medal Service: All Country: Republic of Vietnam Instituted: 1966 Criteria: 6 months service in the Republic of Vietnam between 1961 and 1973 or if wounded, captured or killed in action during the above period. Devices: Silver Date Bar Notes: Bar inscribed “1960” is the only authorized version. Background The RVN Campaign Medal was […]
National Defense Service Medal – NDSM Award
NDSM Award History and Overview The National Defense Service Medal (NDSM) was initially authorized by executive order on April 22, 1953. It is awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces for any honorable active federal service during the Korean War (June 27, 1950 – July 27, 1954), Vietnam War (January 1, 1961- August 14, […]
Department of the Army Seal
The traditional War Office seal used since the Revolution was designated as the Department of the Army Seal by the National Security Act of 1947. The date “MDCCLXXVIII” and the designation “War Office” are from the seal. The date (1778) refers to the year of its adoption. The term “Board of War and Ordnance, United […]
