(Newswire.net — May 31, 2020) — Every enlisted man or woman is a hero for America. Each person who serves in the US Armed Forces has made the decision to risk their lives and make sacrifices throughout their lifestyles in order to keep America safe. Military medals go further to distinguish the specific acts that enlisted persons perform to do more for America.
Taking risks for your country, making sacrifices, and going above and beyond for your fellow enlisted person should earn you medals. The acts that earn awards should also earn you the respect of your fellow enlisted people and the American people.
Honorable Service
The military doesn’t reward individual acts without also commending the entire character of the individual. Only those who have careers marked by honorable service can receive an award. Medals will only be awarded if an individual’s entire service has been honorable after the act that is being awarded.
Earning Military Medals
There is a wide range of medals given to different members of the military for various acts of valor. Some are highly specific to the role that a particular enlisted person may perform or a particular campaign. For instance, there are specific medals for campaigns for the Civil War or Spanish War.
There are also medals for general characteristics that go above and beyond, like the Good Conduct Medal. Some medals recognize special trauma that a service person may have undergone, like the Prisoner of War Medal. Here are some of the most distinguished general medals that you can hope to earn in your career in the military.
Medal of Honor
This is the highest decoration offered by the US government. The president presents this metal in the name of Congress to a service member who has distinguished themselves well above the call of duty. These members of the armed forces have risked their lives through gallantry that inspires deep admiration.
A medal of honor may be bestowed upon any military member who has risked their lives for their country or fellow soldier while fighting or engaging in military operations with an enemy of the US. It may also be given to someone who showed such heroism when serving with friendly forces. There are versions for each branch, the Army, the Air Force, and the Navy.
Distinguished Service Cross
Second, only to the Medal of Honor, this medal is awarded for extraordinary heroism. Acts that can earn this distinguished medal go above the expectations for all lower awards, but are not of such a conspicuous nature as to earn the Medal of Honor.
To earn a Distinguished Service Cross, you will need to display exceptional heroism while in battle with an enemy of the US or fighting with friendly forces against an enemy of the US.
Navy Cross and Air Force Cross
This is the highest honor that a member of the Navy, Air Force, or US Marine Corps can receive for heroism in an act of duty. Members of the Coast Guard can also be awarded this medal when they are working under the jurisdiction of the Navy.
Acts of heroism that qualify for this award will be outstanding but not as exceptional as those that can earn a member of the armed forces a higher award.
Silver Star
This military combat decoration is awarded for great gallantry in the line of duty while engaged against an enemy of the US Armed Forces. It marks an important act, but not a life-risking act like those that qualify for higher awards.
Military Medals Matter
If you or someone in your life has been awarded military medals but no longer have it for any reason, consider replacing them.