Medals from the United States
American Medals, Awards and Badges from the Great War, WW2 and more.
The United States has a number of medals, service ribbons, and badges that recognize military service and personal accomplishments while a member of the U.S. Armed Forces. They display the highlights of a service member’s career, and each service has its order of precedence. Below you will find a list of all the medals and awards issued by the United States from before the Great War to today.
Read more: Gulf War / Desert Storm Medals – Vietnam War Medals – NASA and Space Flight Medals – The New York City Police Department Medals and Awards
Popular United States Medals, Orders & Decorations
Explore the most renowned and esteemed medals, orders, and decorations bestowed by the United States, including the Purple Heart (the oldest military award still given), the U.S. Medal of Honor (the most prestigious decoration), and the Silver Star (a distinguished medal for gallantry and valor).
The Purple Heart
The Purple Heart is a military decoration from the United States awarded to those wounded or killed while serving with the U.S. military.
The Congressional Gold Medal
The Congressional Gold Medal is an award bestowed by the Congress and one of the three highest civilian awards in the United States.
The U.S. Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the United States of America’s most prestigious personal military decoration, awarded for acts of valor.
The Distinguished Service Cross
The Distinguished Service Cross is the second-highest United States Army military award and is given for extreme gallantry and risk of life.
The Silver Star (USA)
The Silver Star Medal is the United States Armed Forces’s third-highest personal decoration for gallantry and valor in combat.
All United States Medals
from the Pre-WW1 Period
Before World War I, the United States awarded various military medals to recognize valor and service. These included the Medal of Honor, which is the highest military decoration (it was established in 1862), and campaign medals specific to certain wars or military operations, such as the Indian Wars Campaign Medal, Spanish Campaign Medal, and Philippine Campaign Medal. The U.S. military also recognized long and meritorious service and good conduct for specific military branches. Find these and more Pre-WW1 medals and awards below (you can click on the buttons to see more).
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 Southern Cross of Honor
The Southern Cross of Honor a commemorative medal established by the United Daughters of the Confederacy to honor Confederate veterans.
The Mexican Service Medal
The Mexican Service Medal is an American award given for service in Mexico from 1911 to 1919. It was established in 1917.
The Indian Wars Campaign Medal
The Indian Campaign Medal was a decoration established in 1907 for participants of the American Indian Wars against the Native Americans.
The Texas Rangers Ira Aten Badge
The Texas Rangers Ira Aten Badge dates to the 1880s. It is the earliest surviving Texas Rangers badge known and belonged to Ira Aten.
The Kittanning Destroyed Medal
The Kittanning Destroyed Medal was the very first military medal in North America. It was awarded for courage and bravery.
All United States Medals from
The Great War (WW1) Period
During World War I, the United States recognized the courage, sacrifice, and exemplary service of its military personnel through various medals and decorations. These awards were bestowed upon individuals who displayed exceptional valor, leadership, and dedication to duty during the conflict.
The Inter Allied Victory Medal (United States)
The American Victory Medal was designed by James Earle Fraser and awarded to military personnel for service between 1917 and 1918.
The Cross for Revolutionary Merit 1910-11
The Cross of Revolutionary Merit is a medal issued during 1910 and 1920 when control of Mexico’s government was attempted by several parties.
The Distinguished Service Cross
The Distinguished Service Cross is the second-highest United States Army military award and is given for extreme gallantry and risk of life.
The Cross for Revolutionary Merit 1913-14
The Cross of Revolutionary Merit is a medal issued during 1910 and 1920 when control of Mexico’s government was attempted by several parties.
The Distinguished Service Medal (Navy & Marines)
The Navy Distinguished Service Medal is a military decoration created in 1919 for the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps.
The Navy Cross
The Navy Cross is the United States military’s second-highest decoration and awarded to members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.
Keep scrolling for Interwar and WW2 medals ↓
Featured Articles about the United States
Delve into captivating articles that offer in-depth insights into various aspects of the United States. From historical events and influential figures to cultural phenomena and significant milestones, these articles hope to provide a comprehensive exploration of the diverse and fascinating aspects of American history, society, and culture.
All United States Medals from
The Interwar Period (1918-1939)
Explore the medals awarded during the interwar period, a time of peace-building, technological advancements, and military preparations, and discover the significance of these honors and the stories of those who received them in the years between World War I and World War II.
The New York City Police Department Combat Cross
The New York City Police Department Combat Cross is the second highest departmental award of the NYPD and awarded for heroism.
The 1935 Texas Rangers Badge
The 1935 Texas Rangers Badge is a shield overlaid with a circle star. It was the first official badge by the Texas Dept. of Public Safety.
The Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)
The Distinguished Flying Cross is an American military decoration for operations by heroism or extraordinary achievement.
The Purple Heart
The Purple Heart is a military decoration from the United States awarded to those wounded or killed while serving with the U.S. military.
The American Defense Service Medal
The American Defense Service Medal is a United States Armed Forces military award established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1941.
All United States Medals from
The WW2 Period (1939-1945)
Step into the crucible of World War II, where brave soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines fought against tyranny and oppression. Dive into the medals awarded for acts of heroism, meritorious service, and valor during one of the most significant conflicts in human history.
The Medal for Merit (USA)
The Medal for Merit was created during World War II to award civilians for distinguished and exceptionally meritorious conduct.
The Presidential Unit Citation Award (PUC)
The Presidential Unit Citation or PUC was created by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on 26 February 1942 and awarded in various conflicts.
The Navy and Marine Corps Medal
The Navy and Marine Corps Medal is the highest non-combat decoration awarded for heroism to the members of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.
The Air Medal (USA)
The Air Medal is a decoration of the U.S. Armed Forces created in 1942 and awarded for single acts of heroism or meritorious achievement.
The Legion of Merit
The Legion of Merit is a military award of the United States Armed Forces for exceptionally meritorious conduct and outstanding services.
The Bronze Star Medal
The Bronze Star Medal (also known as Bronze Star) is a United States decoration awarded for heroic achievement or service in a combat zone.
All United States Medals from
the Post-WW2 Period (1945 onwards)
Discover the medals that emerged in the post-WWII era as the world grappled with the challenges of a new era. Witness the recognition bestowed upon those who contributed to the defense of democracy, peacekeeping efforts, and the safeguarding of national interests during the Cold War and beyond.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is an award bestowed by the President of the United States. It is the highest civilian award of the USA.
The Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal
The Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal is a United States military decoration presented for sustained acts of heroism and service.
The Air Force and Space Force Commendation Medal
The Air Force & Space Force Commendation Medal is a United States military decoration presented for sustained acts of heroism and service.
The Joint Service Commendation Medal
The Joint Service Commendation Medal is a mid-level United States military decoration presented for sustained acts of heroism or service.
The Army Commendation Medal
The Army Commendation Medal is a mid-level U.S. military decoration presented for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service.
The Coast Guard Commendation Medal
The Coast Guard Commendation Medal is a United States military decoration presented for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service.
Further Reading About American Medals and History
Explore books that delve into the rich history and significance of American military medals and decorations and discover stories of valor, sacrifice, and bravery that have shaped the legacy of these esteemed awards.
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The President and the Freedom Fighter: Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass
$16.91 Get it from Amazon -
Our First Civil War: Patriots and Loyalists in the American Revolution
$20.51 Get it from Amazon -
A Complete Guide to United States Military Medals, 1939 to Present
$31.98 Get it from Amazon -
America and the Great War: A Library of Congress Illustrated History
$16.67 Get it from Amazon -
United States Tanks and Tank Destroyers of the Second World War
$31.46 Get it from Amazon
