Jump Wings The Parachutist Badge is commonly referred to as “Jump Wings.” To receive the Parachutist Badge (jump wings), you must undergo jump training at Fort Benning in Columbus, Georgia. The Parachutist Badge is awarded to members of the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy. Often referred to as the “Snow Cone,” it is […]
Air Force Presidential Unit Citation (PUC)
Service: Air Force Instituted: 1957 Criteria: Awarded to Air Force units for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy. Devices: Bronze, silver oak leaf cluster Notes: Original designation: Distinguished Unit Citation. Redesigned to present name in 1957 Air Force Presidential Unit Citation History Established on February 26, 1942 as the “Distinguished Unit Badge” or […]
Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Marine / Navy Distinguished Service Medal Service: Navy, Marine Corps Instituted: 1919 Marine / Navy Distinguished Service Medal Navy Distinguished Service Medal Criteria: Exceptionally meritorious service to the U.S. Government in a duty of great responsibility Devices: Gold, Silver Star Notes: 107 copies of earlier medal design issued, but later withdrawn. First ribbon design was […]
Military Medals – The Early United States Awards
The first military medals of the United States clearly showed the country’s elected leadership’s identification with the private soldier, volunteers, militia and a basic avoidance of awards for the professional officer corps. Marine Corps Brevet Medal came into being reflecting the frustration of Marine Corps officers who were not eligible for the Medal of Honor […]
Air Force Armed Forces Reserve Medal
Service: All Services Instituted: 1950 Criteria: 10 years of honorable service in any reserve component of the United States Armed Forces Reserve or award of “M” device. Devices: Bronze, Silver and Gold Hourglass, Bronze Letter “M” , Bronze Numeral Authorized in 1950 for 10 years of honorable and satisfactory service within a 12 year period […]