Awards and decorations of the National Guard

Awards and decorations of the National Guard are presented to members of the United States National Guard and sometimes to members of the state defense forces in addition to regular United States military decorations. Each of the state governments of the United States maintains a series of military decorations for issuance to members of the National Guard, with such awards presented under the authority of the various state adjutants general.

Those National Guard soldiers who subsequently serve in the active or reserve federal forces of the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or United States Air Force (i.e., as active duty or reserve members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard) may not continue to wear and display such decorations on a military uniform, unless such activation is under Title 32 status. Active duty regulations allow federal soldiers to accept but not to wear state awards.

Most states authorize the wear of other states' awards if a soldier has earned awards from a state or territory to which he or she is not presently assigned. The order of precedence is typically the presently assigned state, followed by awards from the District of Columbia, then other states by their order of admission.

The following is a list of National Guard decorations, as issued by each of the fifty United States; Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia.

Alabama

Alabama National Guard State Awards:

Alabama Distinguished Service Medal
80px Alabama Commendation Medal
80px Alabama Phenix City Civil Disturbance Medal
80px Alabama Operation Desert Storm Ribbon
80px Alabama Veterans Service Medal
80px Alabama National Emergency Service Medal
80px Alabama Special Service Medal
80px Alabama Faithful Service Medal
80px Alabama Recruiting Ribbon
80px Alabama Active Duty Basic Training Medal

Alaska

Alaska National Guard State Awards:

Alaska Legion of Merit
80px Alaska Distinguished Service Medal
80px Alaska Air Medal
Alaska Cold War Victory Ribbon
80px Alaska Commendation Medal
80px Alaska Domestic Emergency Ribbon
80px Alaska Recruiting & Retention Ribbon
80px Alaska Homeland Security Medal
Alaska Humanitarian Service Medal
Alaska Community Service Medal
Alaska State Service Medal
Alaska Adjutant General's Marksmanship Proficiency Medals
80px Alaska Governor's Distinguished Unit Citation
Alaska Territorial Guard Medal

Arizona

Arizona National Guard State Awards:

80px Arizona Medal of Valor
80px Arizona Adjutant General's Medal
80px Arizona Distinguished Service Medal
80px Arizona Meritorious Service Medal
80px Arizona Exceptionally Long Service Medal
80px Arizona Long Service Medal
80px Arizona Service Ribbon
80px Arizona Military Academy Ribbon (OCS)
80px Arizona Military Academy Ribbon (NCO) (No longer awarded)
80px Arizona Southwest Asia Service Support Ribbon
80px Arizona State Active Duty Service Ribbon
80px Arizona Re-enlistment Ribbon (No Longer awarded)
80px Arizona Community Service Ribbon
80px Arizona Initial Active Duty for Training Ribbon (No longer awarded)
80px Arizona Recruiting Ribbon
80px Arizona Honor Attendance Ribbon (No Longer Awarded)

Arkansas

Arkansas National Guard State Awards:

80px Arkansas Medal of Honor
80px Arkansas Military Medal
80px Arkansas Distinguished Service Medal
80px Arkansas Exceptional Service Medal
80px Arkansas Commendation Medal
80px Arkansas Federal Service Ribbon
80px Arkansas Service Ribbon
80px Arkansas Emergency Service Ribbon
80px Arkansas Homeland Defense Ribbon
80px Arkansas Recruiting Ribbon

California

California National Guard State Awards:

80px California Medal of Valor
80px California Military Cross
80px Order of California
80px CA Legion of Merit.
80px California Medal of Merit
80px California Commendation Medal
80px CA Achievement Medal
80px California Good Conduct Medal
80px California Service Medal
80px California Enlisted Trainers Excellence Ribbon
80px California Enlisted Excellence Ribbon
80px California Recruiting Achievement Ribbon
80px California National Guard Federal Service Ribbon
80px California State Service Ribbon
80px California Senior Enlisted Leadership Ribbon
80px California Counterdrug Service Ribbon
80px California Drill Attendance Ribbon
80px California Memorial Medal
80px California Governor's Outstanding Unit Citation
80px California Commanding General's Meritorious Unit Citation

Colorado

Colorado National Guard State Awards:

80px Colorado Meritorious Conduct Medal
80px Colorado Meritorious Service Medal
80px Colorado Soldier/Airman of the Year Award
80px Colorado Commendation Ribbon
Colorado Achievement Ribbon
80px Colorado NCO Command Tour Ribbon
80px Colorado Active Service Medal
80px Colorado Long Service Medal
80px Colorado TAG Outstanding Unit Citation
80px Colorado State Emergency Service Ribbon
80px Colorado State Foreign Deployment Service Ribbon
80px Colorado State Mobilization Support Ribbon
80px Colorado Recruiting Ribbon

Connecticut

Connecticut National Guard State Awards:

80px Connecticut Medal of Valor
80px Connecticut Medal of Merit
80px Connecticut Mobilization Service Ribbon (Formerly the Connecticut Desert Storm Campaign Ribbon)^[1]
80px Connecticut Long Service Ribbon
80px Connecticut Emergency Service Ribbon
80px Connecticut Selected Reserve Force Medal
80px Connecticut Outstanding Unit Award

Delaware

Delaware National Guard State Awards:

Delaware Conspicuous Service Cross - Awarded for heroism, praiseworthy execution of duties over a period of time, or outstanding achievement which impacts the greater good of the State and its inhabitants.^[2]
Delaware Distinguished Service Medal - Awarded for praiseworthy execution of duties not to the extent of the DECSC or outstanding achievement of a single or specific act or accomplishment separate and distinct from regularly assigned duties for the greater good of the Delaware National Guard. ^[3]
Delaware Medal for Military Merit - Awarded for meritorious service or outstanding achievement over a period of time not to the extent of the DECSC or DEDSM. Usually based on permanent change of assignment, completed period of service, or retirement. Awarded for every 10 years of honorable service. Recognizes a single, specific act or accomplishment separate from regularly assigned duties. To recognize proficiency in military studies, it is awarded to members who complete a military course of 80 hours or more and who are designated as "honor" or "distinguished honor" graduates. ^[4]
Delaware National Guard Medal - Awarded to any member of the DENG who has been called to federal mobilization by the President of the United States. ^[5]
Delaware National Defense Service Ribbon - Awarded to all members serving honorably in the DENG during the period 1 AUG 1990 to 31 AUG 1991, dates inclusive and 11 SEP 2001 to a date to be determined. ^[6]
Delaware Medal for Service in Aid to Civil Authority - Awarded to any person serving in the DENG who has been called upon by the Governor to assist the civil authorities in the preservation of law and order. ^[7]
80px Delaware Recruiting Ribbon - Awarded to individuals who have excelled in the field of recruiting in the DENG, and for those who are responsible for enlisting or appointing five individuals in the DENG. ^[8]
Delaware Physical Fitness Ribbon - Awarded to all DENG members who distinguish themselves by scoring 250-300 points on the Army Physical Fitness Test. ^[9]
Delaware National Guard Governor's Meritorious Unit Award - Awarded to those units which distinguish themselves by outstanding achievement above that of other similar units in the DENG. Unit must report an average assigned strength of over 90% per year, maintain not less than 90% paid drill attendance during the qualifying year, achieve a satisfactory rating on the General Inspection with no unsatisfactory ratings in any sub-areas, and attain the training level objective prescribed for the qualifying year. ^[10]
Delaware National Guard Unit Strength Award - Awarded to those units which achieve and maintain 95% strength during the designated year, maintain not less than 80% paid drill attendance, and a re-enlistment rate of 75% for the period. ^[11]

Subsequent Awards: Gold Star - The gold star represents subsequent entitlements for the Delaware Conspicuous Service Cross and the Delaware National Guard Medal. The gold star is 3/16" in diameter and will be affixed to the ribbon of the medal.^[12] Bronze Numerals - The bronze numeral represents subsequent entitlements of the Delaware Distinguished Service Medal, Delaware Medal for Military Merit, Delaware National Defense Service Ribbon, Delaware Medal for Service in Aid to Civil Authority, Delaware Recruiting Ribbon, and the Delaware Physical Fitness Ribbon. The bronze numeral is 3/16" in diameter and will be affixed to the ribbon of the medal.^[13]

District of Columbia

District of Columbia National Guard District Awards:

80px District of Columbia Distinguished Service Medal
80px District of Columbia Meritorious Service Medal
80px District of Columbia Commendation Medal
80px District of Columbia Achievement Medal
80px District of Columbia Homeland Defense Medal (ribbon has three red stars in the center.
80px District of Columbia NCO Commendation Ribbon
80px District of Columbia Enlisted Excellence Ribbon
80px District of Columbia Long and Faithful Service Medal (one medal for three years, recognition for five years and additional five-year increments noted with Roman Numerals up to 45 years)
80px District of Columbia Emergency Service Ribbon (Deactivated)
80px District of Columbia Recognition Ribbon
80px District of Columbia Special Award Ribbon
80px District of Columbia Recruiting and Retention Ribbon (Deactivated)
80px District of Columbia Community Service Ribbon
80px District of Columbia Ceremonial/Drill Team/Color Guard Ribbon
80px District of Columbia Active Duty Ribbon (Deactivated)
80px District of Columbia Attendance Ribbon
80px District of Columbia Commanding General's Outstanding Unit Award

Florida

Florida National Guard State Awards:

80px Florida Governor's Meritorious Unit Citation
80px Florida Cross
80px Florida Distinguished Service Medal
80px Florida Service Medal
80px Florida Commendation Medal
80px Florida Meritorious Service Ribbon
80px Florida Service Ribbon
80px Florida Active State Duty Ribbon
80px Florida Recruiting Ribbon
80px Florida Retention Ribbon

Georgia

Georgia National Guard State Awards:

80px Georgia Distinctive Service Medal
80px Georgia Oglethorpe Distinguished Service Medal
80px Georgia Medal for Valor ^[14]
Georgia Injury Medal (approved but not issued)
Georgia Superior Service Medal (approved but not issued)
80px Georgia Meritorious Service Medal ^[15]
Georgia DoD Commendation Medal (approved but not issued)
Georgia Commendation Medal ^[16]
80px Georgia Distinguished Foreign Service Medal ^[17]
80px Georgia Selected Reserve Force Ribbon
80px Georgia Special Operations Ribbon
80px Georgia Olympic Ribbon
80px Georgia Humanitarian Service Ribbon
80px Georgia Service Medal ^[18]
80px Georgia Active Duty Ribbon
80px Georgia Counter Narcotics/Drug Support Service Ribbon
80px Georgia Recruiting
80px Georgia Distinguished Unit Ribbon ^[19]

Guam

80px Guam Cross of Valor
80px Distinguished Service Medal of Guam
80px Guam Commendation Medal
80px Organizational Medal
80px Faithful Service Medal of Guam
80px Recruiting bar
80px Counter Drug Service
80px Operation Desert Storm Meritorious Service Medal

Hawaii

Hawaii National Guard State Awards:

80px Hawaii Medal of Honor
80px Hawaii Medal for Valor
80px Hawaii Distinguished Service Order
80px Hawaii Medal for Merit
80px Hawaii Commendation Medal
80px Hawaii Service Medal (type 2)
80px Hawaii State Active Duty Ribbon
80px Hawaii 1968 Federal Service Ribbon
80px Hawaii Active Duty Basic Training Ribbon
80px Hawaii Hurricane Iniki Ribbon
80px Hawaii Operation Kokua Ribbon
80px Hawaii Recruiting Ribbon

Idaho

Idaho National Guard State Awards:

80px Idaho Cross
80px Idaho Distinguished Service Medal
80pxIdaho Meritorious Service Medal
80px Idaho Emergency Service Ribbon
80px Idaho Army National Guard Recruiting Ribbon
80px Idaho Air National Guard Recruiting Ribbon
80px Idaho Reenlistment Ribbon
80px Idaho State Service Ribbon
80px Idaho Basic Training Ribbon
80px Idaho Governor's Outstanding Unit Citation
80px Idaho Adjutant General's Excellence Award

Illinois

Awards and decorations of the Illinois National Guard:

80px Illinois Military Medal of Valor
80px Illinois Military Distinguished Service Medal
80px Illinois Military Medal of Merit
80px Illinois Military Long and Honorable Service Medal
80px Illinois Recruiting Ribbon
80px Illinois Military Attendance Ribbon
80px Illinois State Active Duty Service Ribbon
80px Lincoln Medal Of Freedom
80px Illinois First Sergeant Ribbon

Indiana

Indiana National Guard State Awards:

Indiana Distinguished Service Cross
Indiana Distinguished Service Medal
Indiana Commendation Medal
80px Indiana Operation Desert Shield/Storm Service Medal
80px Indiana Korean Service Medal
Indiana Homeland Defense Ribbon
Indiana Emergency Service Ribbon
80px Indiana Overseas Service Ribbon
80px Indiana OCONUS Service Ribbon
80px Indiana Long Service Medal
80px Indiana Recruiting Ribbon
80px Indiana Retention Ribbon
Indiana Funeral Honors Ribbon

Iowa

Iowa National Guard State Awards:

80px Iowa Medal of Valor
80px Iowa Distinguished Service Medal
Iowa Medal of Merit
80px Iowa Meritorious Service Medal
80px Iowa Commendation Medal
80px Iowa State Service Ribbon
80px Iowa Humanitarian Service Ribbon
80px Iowa Leadership Ribbon
80px Iowa Active Duty Training Ribbon
80px Iowa Recruiting Ribbon
80px Iowa Selected Reserve Force Ribbon
80px Iowa CFP/FSB Ribbon
80px Iowa Outstanding Unit Award

Kansas

Kansas National Guard State Awards:

80px Kansas Medal of Excellence
80px Kansas Distinguished Service Medal
80px Kansas Governor's Medal
80px Kansas Patriot Medal
80px Kansas Meritorious Service Medal
80px Kansas Commendation Ribbon
80px Kansas National Guard Achievement Ribbon
80px Kansas Outstanding Guardsman Ribbon (ARNG)
80px Kansas Outstanding Guardsman Ribbon (ANG)
80px Kansas State Emergency Service Ribbon (ARNG)
80px Kansas State Emergency Service Ribbon (ANG)
80px Kansas Homeland Defense Ribbon (ARNG) (correct order of precedence)
80px Kansas Counter-drug Service Ribbon
80px Kansas First Sergeant Ribbon
80px Kansas Recruiting Ribbon
Kansas Service Medal (30 yrs.)
Kansas Service Medal (25 yrs.)
80px Kansas Service Medal (20 yrs.)
80px Kansas Service Medal (15 yrs.)
80px Kansas Service Medal (10 yrs.)

Kentucky

Kentucky National Guard Commonwealth Awards:^[20]

80px Kentucky Medal for Valor
80px Kentucky Distinguished Service Medal
80px Kentucky Merit Ribbon
80px Kentucky Army National Guard Warrant Officer of the Year
80px Kentucky Outstanding Airman/Soldier Ribbon
80px Kentucky Commendation Ribbon
80px Kentucky Berlin Crisis Service Ribbon
80px Kentucky National Guard Recruiting Award
80px Kentucky Faithful Service Ribbon (20 years)
80px Kentucky State Active Duty Ribbon
80px Kentucky National Guard ROTC Achievement Medal
80px Kentucky National Guard Thirty Year Ribbon
80px Kentucky Counterdrug Ribbon

Louisiana

Louisiana National Guard State Awards:

Louisiana Medal of Honor
Louisiana Distinguished Service Cross
Louisiana Distinguished Service Medal
80px Louisiana Legion of Merit
Louisiana Cross of Merit
Louisiana Commendation Medal
Louisiana Achievement Ribbon
80px Louisiana Recruiting Ribbon
80px Louisiana Retention Ribbon
Louisiana Distinguished Civilian Service Medal
Louisiana War Cross
Louisiana Cold War Victory Medal
Louisiana Emergency Service Ribbon
80px Louisiana Counterdrug Service Ribbon
Louisiana General Excellence Medal
Louisiana Longevity Award
Louisiana F.E. Herbert Meritorious Unit Commendation (Right Side)

Maine

Maine National Guard State Awards:^[21]

80px Maine Distinguished Service Award (Discontinued)
80px Maine Meritorious Service Award (Discontinued)
80px Maine Commendation Award (Discontinued)
80px Maine Adjutant General Award
80px Maine Achievement Award
80px Maine Commander's Award
80px Maine Army National Guard Sergeant Major/NCO/Soldier of the Year Award
80px Maine Outstanding Airman of the Year Award
80px Maine Recruiting Award
80px Maine Physical Fitness Award
80px Maine Good Conduct Award (Discontinued)
80px Maine Basic Training Award (Discontinued)
80px Maine National Emergency Service Award
80px Maine State Emergency Service Award (Discontinued)
80px Maine Honorable Service Award
80px Maine Ice Guard 98 (no longer awarded)

Maryland

Maryland National Guard State Awards:

Massachusetts

Massachusetts National Guard Commonwealth Awards:

80px Massachusetts Medal of Liberty
80px Massachusetts Medal of Valor
80px Massachusetts Military Medal
80px Massachusetts Medal of Merit
80px Massachusetts Humanitarian Service Medal
80px Massachusetts ARNG Service Medal
Massachusetts ANG Service Medal
Massachusetts Desert Storm Service Ribbon
Massachusetts Defense Expeditionary Ribbon
Massachusetts Defense Service Ribbon
80px Massachusetts Emergency Service Ribbon
80px Massachusetts Meritorious Unit Citation

Michigan

Michigan National Guard State Awards:^[22]^[23]

80px - Michigan Medal for Valor
80px - Michigan Distinguished Service Medal
80px - Michigan Lifesaving Medal
80px - Michigan Legion of Merit
80px - Michigan Recruiting Ribbon
80px - Michigan Broadsword Service Medal
80px - Michigan Active State Service Ribbon
80px - Michigan State War on Terrorism Ribbon
80px - Michigan Outside U.S. Service Ribbon
80px - Michigan State Partnership Ribbon

Minnesota

Minnesota National Guard State Awards:

80px Minnesota Distinguished Service Medal
80px Minnesota Medal for Valor
Minnesota Medal for Merit
80px Minnesota Commendation Medal
80px Minnesota Good Conduct Ribbon
80px Minnesota State Active Duty Ribbon
80px Minnesota Distinguished Recruiting Ribbon
80px Minnesota Service Ribbon

Mississippi

Mississippi National Guard State Awards:

80px Mississippi Medal of Honor

80px Mississippi Magnolia Cross - Awarded to any member or former member of the Mississippi National Guard who has distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious service in a duty of great responsibility, or by unselfish and untiring activities while in state service or in support of the Mississippi National Guard, has rendered a distinct service in furthering the security and welfare of the state.

80px Mississippi Magnolia Medal - Awarded to any member or former member of the Mississippi National Guard, or any of the armed services of the United States, who distinguishes themselves through outstanding service or extraordinary achievement in behalf of the Mississippi National Guard.

80px Mississippi Commendation Medal - May be awarded to any member or former member of the Mississippi National Guard for meritorious service or meritorious achievement on behalf of the state of Mississippi.

80px Mississippi Medal of Efficiency - Awarded to enlisted members of the active Mississippi National Guard who have over five (5) years honorable service in the active Mississippi National Guard and have exhibited exemplary behavior, efficiency and loyalty to their unit and the Mississippi National Guard.

80px Mississippi War Medal -Awarded to any member of the Mississippi National Guard for honorable service in the Armed Forces of the U.S. during National Emergency declared by the Congress.

Mississippi Emergency Service Medal - Awarded to any member of the Mississippi National Guard for honoraqble service to the State of Mississippi for duty performed during a major tour of state emergency duty declared by the Adjutant General.

80px Mississippi Service School Medal - Awarded to any member of the Mississippi National Guard upon successful complettion of any Service School conducted by the active military services while a member of the active Mississippi National Guard not serving in active federal service.

80px Mississippi Longevity Medal - Awarded to any member of the Mississippi National Guard for each of a combination of four (4) years of honorable service in the active National Guard of Mississippi.

80px Mississippi Recruiting Medal - Awarded to any member of the Mississippi National Guard who obtains three new members for any unit of the organized militia.