United States military award devices

From Infogalactic: the planetary knowledge core
Jump to: navigation, search

The United States Armed Forces authorizes certain medal and ribbon devices that may be worn if authorized on a defined set of United States military decorations and awards.[1] The devices vary between ​316 inch to ​1132 inch in size and are usually attached to suspension and service ribbons of medals and to unit award ribbons. The devices are usually made of brass or metal alloys that appear gold, silver, or bronze in color with either a dull or polished look. The devices may denote additional awards of the same decoration or award, an award for valor or meritorious combat service, participation in a particular campaign, periods of honorable service, specific events, and other special meanings. These are sometimes referred to as award devices, but are most commonly referred to in service regulations and Department of Defense instructions simply as "devices" for awards and decorations.

List of medal and ribbon devices

On January 7, 2016, the Secretary of Defense approved two new devices for medals and ribbons: a "C" Device which will be affixed to multi-purpose performance awards in recognition of meritorious service under combat conditions and, an "R" Device which will be affixed to non-combat performance awards to specifically recognize remote but direct impact on combat operations.[2][3] The "R" device is to be a bronze letter "R", ​14 inch in size.[4] Both of the devices will be worn if authorized for wear, on specific decorations below the Bronze Star Medal in precedence.[5] The services have a year to implement these changes.[6][7]

The following is a list of U.S. military service devices for medals and ribbons:

<templatestyles src="Div col/styles.css"/>

3

Examples of service ribbons with devices

The following are examples of various devices affixed to different service ribbons:

Bronze oak leaf cluster
Silver Star with one bronze oak leaf cluster indicating a total of two awards.
Gold star
Legion of Merit with one gold 5/16 inch star indicating a total of two awards.
Silver oak leaf cluster
Bronze oak leaf cluster
Bronze oak leaf cluster
Distinguished Flying Cross with one silver and two bronze oak leaf clusters indicating a total of eight awards.
V
Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V" (Navy and Marine Corps, gold anodized).
Gold star
Gold star
Purple Heart Medal with two gold 5/16 inch stars indicating a total of three awards.
Bronze oak leaf cluster
Bronze oak leaf cluster
Bronze oak leaf cluster
Joint Service Commendation Medal with three bronze oak leaf clusters indicating a total of four awards.
Gold star
Gold star
Gold star
Gold star
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with four gold 5/16 inch stars indicating a total of five awards.
Silver star
Gold star
Coast Guard Achievement Medal with one silver and one gold 5/16 inch star indicating a total of seven awards.
Bronze star
National Defense Service Medal with one 3/16 inch service star indicating a total of two awards.
Bronze eagle atop globe covering anchor
Silver star
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with one silver 3/16 inch service star and Fleet Marine Force(FMF) Combat Operations Insignia indicating a total of six awards.
Arrowhead
Bronze star
Bronze star
Vietnam Service Medal with two 3/16 inch campaign stars and Arrowhead device indicating a total of two awards and at least one combat jump
Overseas Short Tour Ribbon with A Device.jpg Air Force Overseas Short Tour Service Ribbon with Arctic Device
Armed Forces Reserve Medal with bronze Hourglass Device for ten years of service, the "M" Device for mobilization, and the "3" Numeral Device indicating three mobilizations.
Coast Guard Presidential Unit Citation with Hurricane Device.
Army of Occupation Medal with Berlin Airlift Device.
Silver block letter O
Coast Guard Unit Commendation with Operational Distinguishing Device.
Coast Guard Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon with Sharpshooter Device.

References

  1. Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  2. DoD Military Decorations and Awards Review Results (1-36) http://www.defense.gov/Portals/1/Documents/Military-Decorations-and-Awards-Review-Results.pdf Retrieved January 10, 2016)
  3. Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  4. Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  5. Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  6. Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  7. Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.