Medals And Decorations of The U.S Public Health Service
Awards and insignia that reflect the Corps’ commitment to excellence and its role in addressing critical public health challenges.
The United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (PHSCC), one of the eight uniformed services of the United States, has the authority to issue a variety of awards, commendations, and insignia to recognize the achievements, service, and dedication of its members. These distinctions serve to honor exceptional performance, promote morale, and underscore the vital role of the Corps in advancing public health.
Types of Awards and Insignia
Individual Honor Awards
These awards recognize officers for extraordinary contributions to public health, including acts of leadership, innovation, or bravery. Examples include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Surgeon General’s Medallion. Such awards highlight officers’ exceptional impact on national or global health initiatives.
Unit Honor Awards
Unit awards celebrate the collective achievements of teams or divisions within the Corps. These commendations recognize collaborative efforts that result in significant public health advancements or successful responses to crises.
Service Awards
Service medals acknowledge an officer’s participation in significant missions, long-term dedication, or contributions to public health campaigns. These awards often reflect milestones in an officer’s career or involvement in specific operations, such as disaster response or humanitarian missions.
Training Ribbons
These ribbons are awarded to officers who complete specialized training programs that enhance their skills and preparedness. Such programs may include leadership development, emergency response readiness, or specialized medical training.
Special Skill Badges
Special skill badges are granted to officers who achieve expertise in specific areas, such as aviation, engineering, or clinical practice. These badges represent professional excellence and advanced qualifications within the officer’s field.
Identification Badges
Identification badges are worn to signify specific roles or positions held within the PHSCC, such as assignments to the Office of the Surgeon General or service in advisory capacities. These badges emphasize the officer’s contributions to leadership and specialized functions.
All The Public Health Service Awards and Decorations
These awards and insignia reflect the Corps’ commitment to excellence and its role in addressing critical public health challenges. They honor individual and collective achievements while fostering a culture of dedication, professionalism, and continuous improvement:
The Public Health Service Citation Medal
Ranked as the tenth-highest distinction in the PHS awards hierarchy, the medal highlights achievements of particular significance.
The Public Health Service Achievement Medal
The Public Health Service Achievement Medal is an award for accomplishments of outstanding or unique significance to the Corps’ mission.
The Public Health Service Commendation Medal
Ranked as the eighth-highest honor within the PHS, this medal acknowledges officers who demonstrate commitment and performance.
The Public Health Service Outstanding Service Medal
This medal recognizes exceptional achievements or contributions that are uniquely significant to the Corps’ mission.
The Surgeon General’s Exemplary Service Medal
The Surgeon General’s Exemplary Service Medal is a distinguished award presented by the U.S. Public Health Service.
The Public Health Service Meritorious Service Medal
This medal is awarded for exceptional achievements or contributions of significant impact to the Corps’ mission.
The Public Health Service Distinguished Service Medal
The highest honor awarded by the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, it recognizes exceptional accomplishments.
The Surgeon General’s Medallion
The Surgeon General’s Medallion is the fourth-highest honor within the U.S. Public Health Service. It’s given for exceptional achievements.
PHS Unit Awards
The Public Health Service (PHS) recognizes exceptional collective achievements through its unit awards, highlighting the contributions of teams or groups in advancing public health initiatives.
Public Health Service Presidential Unit Citation
The highest unit award, granted for extraordinary contributions and achievements that have a profound impact on national or global health.
Public Health Service Outstanding Unit Citation
The second-highest unit award, recognizing teams for sustained, outstanding performance that significantly advances the mission of the PHS.
Public Health Service Unit Commendation
The third-highest unit award, honoring groups for notable contributions and high-quality achievements that support the goals of the PHS.
PHS Badges and Insignia
Assistant Secretary for Health Badge
Worn by the Assistant Secretary for Health, this badge signifies the officer’s leadership role in overseeing the U.S. Public Health Service and coordinating public health policies.Surgeon General Badge
Reserved for the Surgeon General, this badge represents the highest-ranking official in the Public Health Service and the chief public health spokesperson.Deputy Surgeon General Badge
Worn by the Deputy Surgeon General, this badge denotes the officer’s role in supporting the Surgeon General and overseeing public health initiatives.Officer-in-Charge Badge
Awarded to officers serving as commanding officers or in charge of a specific mission or operation, highlighting their leadership responsibility.Chief Professional Officer Badge
Presented to officers leading specific professional categories within the Corps, such as medical, engineering, or nursing disciplines.Recruiter Badge
Recognizes officers who contribute to recruitment efforts for the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps.Associate Recruiter Badge
Awarded to individuals assisting in recruitment initiatives, supporting efforts to expand and strengthen the Corps.Music Ensemble Badge
Given to officers participating in official PHS music ensembles, symbolizing their role in ceremonial and morale-boosting activities.HHS Identification Badge
Worn by officers assigned to the Department of Health and Human Services, indicating their affiliation and service to the department.Field Medical Readiness Badge
Recognizes officers who meet rigorous medical readiness standards and training requirements, ensuring their preparedness for deployment and emergency response.
PHS Service and Campaign Awards
Public Health Service Smallpox Eradication Campaign Ribbon
Awarded for participation in the global effort to eradicate smallpox, recognizing contributions to one of the greatest public health achievements.
Public Health Service Global Health Campaign Medal
Recognizes service in campaigns addressing global health issues, including disease prevention and international health initiatives.
Public Health Service Ebola Campaign Medal
Awarded to individuals involved in efforts to control and respond to the Ebola outbreak, emphasizing their contribution to public health and safety.
Public Health Service COVID-19 Pandemic Campaign Medal
Recognizes significant service in the national or international response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Public Health Service Hazardous Duty Award
Awarded for service in conditions involving significant risks to personal safety, such as exposure to hazardous environments or materials.
Public Health Service Foreign Duty Award
Recognizes service outside the United States, highlighting contributions to international public health missions.
Public Health Service Special Assignment Award
Given for completing temporary assignments requiring extraordinary effort or specialized skills.
Public Health Service Isolated/Hardship Award
Awarded for service in remote or challenging locations with limited access to resources or amenities.
Public Health Service Crisis Response Service Award
Recognizes participation in major crisis responses, such as natural disasters or public health emergencies.
Public Health Service Global Response Service Award
Honors contributions to international response efforts addressing significant health crises or disasters.
Public Health Service Response Service Award
Recognizes participation in domestic or international emergency response activities that support public health.
Public Health Service National Emergency Preparedness Award
Awarded for contributions to strengthening emergency preparedness and readiness at the national level.
Public Health Service Recruitment Service Award
Recognizes efforts to recruit new members into the Commissioned Corps or promote public health careers.
Public Health Service Global Health Initiative Service Medal
Honors contributions to specific global health initiatives, advancing international health goals.
Public Health Service Bicentennial Unit Commendation Award
A unit award celebrating contributions made during the bicentennial of the Public Health Service in 1998.
Public Health Service Regular Corps Ribbon
Awarded to officers of the Regular Corps upon completion of probationary service and appointment to the permanent grade.
Commissioned Corps Training Ribbon
Recognizes successful completion of basic training or orientation as part of the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps.
