- Time Period: Post-WW2
- Institution: 1963
- Country: United States
The Joint Service Commendation Medal is a military decoration of the United States that is presented for meritorious service and/or sustained acts of heroism. It is a mid-level decoration, which each branch of the Armed Forces having its own version.
The medal was established on 25 June 1963. It is given in the name of the Secretary of Defense to members of the United States Armed Forces who have distinguished themselves in a joint duty capacity. The award i designed to recognize senior service and precedes server-specific Commendation Medals (therefore, it’s worn above them in the uniform).
How Many Commendation Medals Are There?
Each branch of the United States Armed Forces issues its own version of the Commendation Medal, with a fifth version existing for acts of joint military service performed under the Department of Defense. These are:
Joint Service Commendation Medal Devices
There is a Commendation Medal with “V” Device or Combat “V” given for valorous actions in direct contact with an enemy. It is of a lesser degree than the Bronze Star Medal. A “C” Device or Combat “C” was created on January 7, 2016 for wear on the service and suspension ribbon of the Commendation Medal (it’s awarded for meritorious service or achievement under arduous combat conditions; for example, when someone was personally exposed to hostile action. The Operational Distinguishing Device (or “O” device)can be worn on the Coast Guard Commendation Medal upon approval. Its Order of Precedence is following the Air Medal but before the Prisoner of War Medal and all campaign medals.
The Joint Service Commendation Medal Design
The Commendation Medal consisted of, initially, just a service ribbon awarded to the Navy and Coast Guard (1943). In 1949, the Navy, Coast Guard, and Army Commendation ribbons were renamed to the “Commendation Ribbon with Metal Pendant,” but by 1960 the ribbons were changed into full medals.
The Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and the Coast Guard Commendation Medal are gold, with silver 5/16 inch stars to denote additional awards.
Additional awards are denoted by bronze and silver oak leaf clusters.
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