Medal of Honor

Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration, is bestowed to the members of the United States Armed Forces, who have distinguished themselves in service to their country. The current medal consists of a gold star surrounded by a wreath, topped by an eagle on a bar inscribed with the inscription ‘VALOR’. Minerva’s head surrounded by the word ‘United States of America’ is in the center of the star. Since 1862, more than 3400 men and one woman have been awarded the medal.

Distinguished Service Cross

It is the second highest military decoration that is awarded to the person by the United States government, who distinguishes herself or himself by an extraordinary heroism, but not justifying the award of a Medal of Honor. The acts or act of heroism must have involved risk of life and must have been so notable to set the individual apart from her or his comrades. The current medal is a bronze cross that is 1 13/16 inches wide and two inches high. There is an eagle on the center of the cross and a scroll below the eagle bearing the words ‘FOR VALOR.’ Since 1918, more than 13,000 members of the  United States Army have been awarded the medal.

It is a military decoration that is presented to any person, who has distinguished herself or himself by exceptionally meritorious service to the Government in a duty of great responsibility. The term ‘duty of great responsibility’ applies to a narrower range of positions and requires evidence of conspicuously noteworthy accomplishment. It bears a gold rendition of the Coat of Arms of the United States bordered by a circle of dark blue enamel. The medal is 1 ½ inches in Diameter, and bears the inscription ‘FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MCMXVII’.

Silver Star

It is a third highest military award that is awarded to a person who is engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force or to a person for his gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States, but not justifying the awards: Medal of Honor and Distinguished Service Cross. This medal is a gold five-pointed star of 1 1/2 inches in diameter with a laurel wreath surrounding rays from the center and a silver star (3/16 inch diameter) is overlaid in the center. ‘FOR GALLANTRY IN ACTION’ is engraved on the reverse side.

Soldier’s Medal

It is a military award of the United States Army that is awarded to person who, while serving distinguished herself or himself by heroism, but not involved in an actual conflict with an enemy, as per Army Regulation 600-8-22. This medal is a Bronze 1 3/8 inch wide octagon. Illustrated on the front between two groups of stars; seven on the right and six on the left, is an eagle standing on the fasces. The upper edge of the reverse side of the medal bears the words ‘SOLDIER’S MEDAL’. The words ‘FOR VALORS’ are also written across the face of the reverse side of the medal.

Bronze Star Medal

The medal is awarded for meritorious service, acts of merit or bravery. It is the ninth highest military award in the order of precedence of U.S. military decorations, and the fourth highest combat award of the U.S. Army, when awarded for the bravery. The bronze star of the Bronze star medal is a 1 ½ inch in diameter, and also 3/16 inch wide bronze star is overlaid in the middle of the star. The reverse side of the medal bears the words ‘HEROIC OR MERITORIOUS ACHIEVEMENT’.

Legion of Merit

The Legion of Merit is sixth in the order of precedence of U.S. military decorations, and is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding achievements and services. It is the only United States decoration that may be issued in award degrees and one of only two to be issued as a neck order (after Medal of Honor). Army Regulation 672-7 qualifies the four degree: Chief Commander, Commander, Officer and Legionnaire.

The Purple Heart is the oldest United States military decoration, which is awarded in the name of the president to those who have been killed or wounded while serving on or after April 5, 1917, with the United States Armed Forces. This medal is a 1 3/8 inch wide purple heart bordered with Gold and a profile of General George Washington is overlaid in the middle. Above the heart and between sprays of Green leaves, is a replica of the Washington Coat of Arms (a White shield with three Red stars and two Red bars at the top). ‘FOR MILITARY MERIT is engraved on the reverse side, below the coat of arms and leaves.

Afghanistan Campaign Medal, created by Executive Order 13363 of President George W. Bush, is awarded to any member of the United States armed forces who has performed duty within the borders of Afghanistan. ‘AFGHANISTAN CAMPAIGN’ is engraved on the front side of medal and reverse side of the medal bears the word ‘FOR SERVICE IN AFGHANISTAN’.

GWOTEM is bestowed to those military service members, who have deployed overseas in direct service to the War on Terror. This medal was created by a presidential order of George W. Bush on March 12, 2003.

The Korea Defense Service Medal is presented to those members of the United States armed forces, who have served duty in the Republic of Korea to sustain the armistice (it is a situation in war where the conflicting parties agree to stop fighting) between North and South Korea.