List of U.S. Military Medals and Decorations: Explained!

Oct 12, 2025, 09:36 EDT

The U.S. Armed Forces awards medals and decorations for exceptional service, bravery, and dedication, ranging from the Medal of Honor for heroism to service and campaign medals. These awards acknowledge valor, sacrifice, and commitment, embodying the values of the U.S. Armed Forces and inspiring future generations of military personnel.

List of U.S. Military Medals and Decorations: Explained!
List of U.S. Military Medals and Decorations: Explained!

The United States Armed Forces has established an elaborate system of medals and decorations to acknowledge exceptional service, bravery, and dedication. The awards recognize valor in combat, extraordinary service, meritorious service, and lengthy service throughout the history of each branch of the military. From the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award for heroism in the nation, to service and campaign medals awarded for participation in those campaigns, every award has its historical basis and is a representation of courage, sacrifice, and excellence. 

While these awards are significant to the individual being recognized, they are also a reflection of duty, honor, and country, which will inspire future generations of military service individuals. Learning about the hierarchy, purpose, and prestige of these medals helps to understand the extraordinary experiences of individuals who chose to serve this nation.

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List of Top 10 U.S. Military Medals and Decorations

Here are the top 10 U.S. Military Medals and Decorations along with the genre or catagory they are awarded for: 

Rank

Medal/Decoration Name

Genre/Type

1

Medal of Honor

Personal Valor/Combat

2

Distinguished Service Cross

Personal Valor/Combat

3

Navy Cross

Personal Valor/Combat

4

Air Force Cross

Personal Valor/Combat

5

Defense Distinguished Service Medal

Meritorious Service

6

Silver Star

Gallantry/Combat

7

Legion of Merit

Exceptional Service

8

Distinguished Flying Cross

Heroism/Achievement (Aerial)

9

Bronze Star Medal

Heroism/Meritorious Combat

10

Purple Heart

Wounded or Killed in Action

1. Medal of Honor

The Medal of Honor | Military.com

Source: Military Medals

The Medal of Honor is the highest military accolade in the United States and is given for remarkable acts of valor and gallantry above and beyond the call of duty established during the Civil War for military personnel in the United States.

It recognizes those military individuals for outstanding gallantry in action on the battlefield, frequently at great peril to themselves. The recipients, whether military or not, are commemorated for their bravery, selflessness, and nobility of purpose; therefore, it is considered the highest military honor of the nation. 

2. Distinguished Service Cross

Distinguished Service Cross - Hall of Valor: Medal of Honor, Silver Star,  U.S. Military Awards

The Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) is the next highest military honor in the U.S. Army and is awarded for extraordinary heroism in combat. The DSC commemorates soldiers who displayed actions of valor while in the act of combating enemy forces - all of which are below Medal of Honor level or below.

Instituted in 1918, the DSC was designed to honor soldiers who put themselves in harm's way with regards to saving the lives of others while battling the enemy, and calls special attention to the heroism and self-sacrifice of those engaged in combat.

3. Navy Cross

Artifact of the Week: Navy Cross | NC DNCR

The Navy Cross is the second highest military award of the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps and is awarded for extraordinary heroism in combat. Established in 1919, it recognizes personnel of the Naval Service for acts of courage in battle a condition of great danger.

Award recipients face intense enemy fire and combat situations in the performance of their duties, risking their well-being and even their lives to save others or complete the mission. The medal represents the ultimate standards of valor, commitment, and dedication to the service of naval personnel, second only to the Medal of Honor.

4. Air Force Cross

Air Force Cross Awarded to Special Tactics Airman - SOAA

The Air Force Cross is the second highest military decoration for the United States Air Force awarded for extraordinary heroism in situations of combat. Established in 1960, the Air Force Cross medals act of valor above and beyond the call of duty in conditions that are often life-threatening.

The recipient of the Air Force Cross displays exceptional heroism, commitment, leadership, and skills, often in extreme conditions. The award recognizes the United States Air Force's commitment to recognizing exceptional bravery and sacrifice during a combat operation, mission, or aerial flight.

5. Defense Distinguished Service Medal

Department of Defense Distinguished Service

The Defense Distinguished Service Medal (DDSM) is the highest non-combat decoration awarded by the U.S. Department of Defense. The medal was created in 1970 to recognize exceptional meritorious service in a position of great responsibility, typically involving national security issues, strategic planning, or service as a joint military unit.

Recipients of the medal are honored for their exceptional leadership, dedication, and organizational impact while part of the armed forces in the United States, demonstrating the highest standards of professional excellence and dedication to the nation.

Conclusion

Medals and decorations of the United States military are lasting emblems of valor, loyalty, and service. The awards, which range from the Medal of Honor to campaign and service medals, honor the valor, sacrifice, and commitment of service members who defend and serve the nation. Medals and decorations reflect both the individual accomplishments of service members, and embody the values and customs of the United States Armed Forces.


Ayukta Zisha
Ayukta Zisha

Content Writer

    Ayukta Zisha is a Content Writer and Published Author with a Master’s degree in English Literature. She also holds a certification in Digital Marketing from IIT Delhi. Deeply passionate about art, aesthetics, and literature, Ayukta brings a unique creative flair to her writing. A dedicated bibliophile, she continues to explore and share her love for words through engaging and insightful content. You can reach out to her at ayukta.zisha@jagrannewmedia.com

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