Intro
Discover the official order of precedence for military medals, including the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, and Purple Heart. Learn about the history, criteria, and ranking of US military decorations, and understand the significance of each award in the military honors system.
The United States military awards various medals to recognize the bravery, achievements, and sacrifices of its service members. These medals are worn in a specific order of precedence, which is determined by the Department of Defense and the individual branches of the military. Understanding the order of precedence for military medals is essential for service members, veterans, and their families to properly display and wear their awards.
Why is the Order of Precedence Important?
The order of precedence for military medals is crucial for several reasons:
- Respect and Tradition: The order of precedence reflects the importance and value of each medal, as well as the traditions and history of the military.
- Clarity and Consistency: A standardized order of precedence ensures that medals are worn consistently and correctly, avoiding confusion and misinterpretation.
- Recognition and Honor: The order of precedence highlights the significance of each medal and the achievements of the service member who earned it.
Understanding the Order of Precedence
The order of precedence for military medals is determined by the Department of Defense and the individual branches of the military. The order is based on the level of achievement, the type of service, and the specific criteria for each medal. Here are the main categories and their corresponding order of precedence:
- Personal Valor Awards: Medals awarded for heroism and bravery in combat, such as the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, and the Navy Cross.
- Distinguished Service Awards: Medals awarded for exceptional service and achievement, such as the Distinguished Service Medal and the Legion of Merit.
- Combat and War Service Awards: Medals awarded for service in combat or during wartime, such as the Purple Heart and the World War II Victory Medal.
- Service and Campaign Awards: Medals awarded for service in specific campaigns or operations, such as the Vietnam Service Medal and the Iraq Campaign Medal.
- Unit and Team Awards: Medals awarded to units or teams for exceptional service and achievement, such as the Presidential Unit Citation and the Joint Meritorious Unit Award.
The Order of Precedence for Military Medals
Here is the order of precedence for military medals, from highest to lowest:
- Medal of Honor
- Distinguished Service Cross
- Navy Cross
- Air Force Cross
- Coast Guard Cross
- Distinguished Service Medal
- Legion of Merit
- Distinguished Flying Cross
- Navy and Marine Corps Medal
- Army and Air Force Commendation Medal
- Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal
- Coast Guard Commendation Medal
- Purple Heart
- World War II Victory Medal
- Korean Service Medal
- Vietnam Service Medal
- Iraq Campaign Medal
- Afghanistan Campaign Medal
- Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
- Humanitarian Service Medal
Special Considerations
There are some special considerations to keep in mind when wearing military medals:
- Wearing Medals with Other Awards: When wearing medals with other awards, such as ribbons or badges, the medals take precedence.
- Wearing Medals from Different Branches: When wearing medals from different branches of the military, the medals from the service member's current or most recent branch take precedence.
- Wearing Medals with Insignia: When wearing medals with insignia, such as rank or branch insignia, the medals take precedence.
Conclusion
Understanding the order of precedence for military medals is essential for service members, veterans, and their families to properly display and wear their awards. By following the standardized order of precedence, individuals can show respect for the traditions and history of the military, as well as recognize the achievements and sacrifices of service members.
Share Your Thoughts
We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences with military medals and the order of precedence. How do you display and wear your medals? What do you think is the most important aspect of the order of precedence? Share your comments and stories below!
What is the highest military medal that can be awarded?
+The highest military medal that can be awarded is the Medal of Honor.
How do I properly wear my military medals?
+Properly wearing your military medals involves following the standardized order of precedence and ensuring that your medals are clean and polished.
Can I wear my military medals with other awards?
+Yes, you can wear your military medals with other awards, such as ribbons or badges. However, the medals take precedence.