The United States currently has 1,417,370 active duty military members and 857,261 members on reserve. More people are signing up to protect our rights and freedoms every day.
When you want to support our troops, a great way to do it is by gifting military medals. If you want to gift a medal, it’s important to understand what kind of medals are out there. This article will walk you through the most popular military medals you can gift or receive as a thank you for service.
The Medal of Honor
Of all the types of recognition military medals provide, the Medal of Honor is the highest. It has to be approved by Congress and is given to the service member by the President. To receive it, you need to go beyond what is required while taking action against a United States enemy.
There is a version for the US Army, the Air Force, and the Navy. It has a beautiful blue ribbon with stars and a gold star at the heart of every design.
The Distinguished Service Cross
When service members risk their life while showcasing heroism in battle, they receive the Distinguished Service Cross. This is the second-highest award someone can receive.
This award was created by President Woodrow Wilson in 1918 to recognize World War I soldiers. It has a red, white, and blue ribbon with a gold cross at the end of it. The cross has a proud eagle with spread wings in the center.
The Navy and Air Force Crosses
The Navy Cross is one of the highest types of recognition for the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. It is for members of this group that perform life-risking acts during combat that, while commendable, do not qualify for the medal of honor. This was established in 1919.
In a similar vein, the Air Force Cross is meant for members of the air force who perform acts of valor in a battle that do not qualify for the medal of honor. This award began in 1960.
The Silver Star
The Silver Star is the third-highest decoration related to military combat a service member can receive. A service member will receive one for courageous behavior against a US enemy, conflict with an opposing force, or serving with friendly foreign forces.
Actions for this medal must be beyond standard service, but not high enough to earn a cross or the medal of honor.
The Purple Heart
The Purple Heart stands out against the other military medals on this list because it is awarded for wounds or loss of life as a result of action against an opposing force. The origins of this award go back to the Revolutionary War.
Any member of the military regardless of their branch can receive it. Family members can accept it on behalf of fallen servicemembers.
Custom Medals
It can be hard to earn a military medal, but custom medallions and medals are a great way to support our troops. These medals are customizable, which makes catering them to the recipient’s military branch easy.
Custom medals, like all military medals, are made in America. It’s the perfect way to show the servicemembers in your family that you love them and support them along their military journey.
Show Your Support for Military Medals Today
Understanding different military medals that exist can showcase that you support our troops. Supporting our service members can help remind them why they committed themselves to the US military in the first place.
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