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Military medals and military ribbons recognize the great deeds and accomplishments our servicemen and women have made in the line of duty protecting this country’s freedoms. Such awards are a proud display of the highlights of a serviceman or woman’s career, adding more than color and prestige to the uniform but the very recognition of courage and valor in the defense of this great nation.

There are medals for heroism in the field of battle, the risk of life in non-combat situations, commendation medals, achievement medals and medals awarded for service in a particular military campaign.

The Medal of Honor is by far the highest military award that can be bestowed on an individual. It is traditionally presented by the President of the United States. It is awarded for actions performed gallantry at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in action against the enemy. Due to the nature of the award’s criteria, the medal is usually awarded posthumously. Because of its high status, the medal has special legal protection.

The Soldier’s Medal is awarded to individuals of the United States Army who distinguishes himself or herself through heroism that doesn’t involve actual combat with the enemy. Congress instituted the medal in 1926. It is awarded for risking one’s life to save others. The medal is awarded for actions in peacetime that are greater than would have been justified by the Distinguished Flying Cross if the act had taken place in combat.

The Distinguished Flying Cross is awarded to any member of the armed forces who distinguishes himself or herself supporting operations by heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight, subsequent to November 11, 1918. The medal was first awarded to Charles Lindbergh. President George W. Bush and Senator John McCain have each been recipients of The Distinguished Flying Cross.

Military medals and military ribbons are testaments to the courage and valor our servicemen and women have performed in the line of duty protecting the freedoms of their country. No medal can match their sacrifice, but with the honor bestowed through such awards, at least their courage does not go unappreciated. These medals are more than passing recognition of their actions. Indeed, the medals are often passed down through generations, serving as reminders of the history to which these brave men and women were a part,

Tags: military medals, military ribbons, wwii medals

This entry was posted on Thursday, April 2nd, 2009 at 2:53 pm and is filed under History. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.