Medal of Honor

Awarded for: Conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life, above and beyond the call of duty, in action involving actual conflict with the enemy.

This Medal was first awarded 1862. Its design was changed in 1896, and again in 1904. Congress provided for a new design on April 23, 1904. President Theodore Roosevelt, on September 20, 1905, proclaimed by Executive Order that the recipient of the Medal of Honor will, whenever practicable, be ordered to Washington, and the presentation will be Made by the President.

OBVERSE: A gold five-pointed star, 1 9/16 inches in diameter, each point tipped by trefoils with a green enamel oak leaf in the center of each point. In the center of the star, Minerva's head surrounded by the words" United States OF America." This star superimposed on a green enamel and gold laurel wreath. The star and wreath is suspended from a gold bar inscribed " Valor", surmounted by an eagle.

Reverse. Bar engraved " The Congress TO ".

Ribbon. Light blue moiré with thirteen white stars in this pattern starting at top: 1-2-3-2-3-2

Designer. Major General George L. Gillespie

At the end of World War II the ribbon was changed so that the decoration would be worn on the neck ribbon.

Ribbon. Light blue morie worn from a neck cravat. A pad of blue morie bares thirteen white stars in this pattern starting at top: 1-2-3-3-2. The ribbon is 1 3/16 inches wide and 21 æ inches long.

Army Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)

Established by Congress on July 9th 1918. Awarded for: Gallantry in Action Against an Opposing Armed Force, gallantry not sufficient to warrant the MOH or DSC

Subsequent awards same as DSC

Defense Distinguished Service Medal

Established by order of the Secretary of Defense, and the President on 9 July 1970 Awarded by the Secretary of Defense to Military officers

Awarded for: Exceptional meritorious action in a Duty of Great Responsibility, Subsequent awards same as DSC

Silver STAR

Established by Congress on July 9th 1918. Awarded for: Gallantry in Action Against an Opposing Armed Force, gallantry not sufficient to warrant the MOH or DSC

Subsequent awards same as DSC

DEFENSE SUPERIOR SERVICE MEDAL

Established by order of the Secretary of Defense, and the President on 6 Feb. 1976. Awarded by Secretary of Defense to Military Officers for "Superior Meritorious Service in a Duty of Great responsibility while on Assigned to a Joint Activity".

Subsequent awards same as DSC.

DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS

Established by Congress on 2 July 1926. Awarded for: Heroism or Extraordinary Achievement while Participating in Aerial Flight. Bronze "V" device worn to denote Valor/ Heroism.

Subsequent awards same as DSC.

BRONZE STAR

Established by order of the President on 4 Feb. 1944, awarded to personnel of the Armed Forces, who on or after 7 Dec. 1941, distinguished themselves: For Heroic or Meritorious Achievement of Service, not involving aerial flight, in connection with Operations Against an Opposing Armed Force, Bronze "V" device to denote Valor/Heroism.

Subsequent awards same as DSC

LEGION OF MERIT

Established by Congress on 10 July 1942, in four degrees. Awarded to personnel of the Armed Forces and personnel of foreign nations for: exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service to the United States

PURPLE HEART

Established by Gen. George Washington on 7 August, 1782, as an award for outstanding military merit. It was awarded to three noncommissioned officers. It was not awarded again for almost one hundred fifty years. Upon its revival in 1932, the award was given in two categories:

1. For being wounded in action in any war under condition which entitles the wearing of a wounded chevron.

2. For those who perform any singular meritorious act of extraordinary fidelity, or essential service.

In 1942 President Roosevelt issued an Executive Order, which provided that the Purple Heart would be given to all personnel who are wounded in action.

Subsequent awards same as DSC.

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