Us Army Awards And Decorations

US Army Awards and Decorations

The United States Army has a long and distinguished history of recognizing the achievements of its soldiers with awards and decorations. These awards are bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated exceptional valor, meritorious service, or dedication to duty. The Army's awards system is a complex and comprehensive one, with a wide range of awards to recognize a variety of accomplishments.

The highest award that the Army can bestow is the Medal of Honor. This award is given to soldiers who have distinguished themselves "conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her own life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States." The Medal of Honor is awarded posthumously in cases where the recipient was killed in action.

Other high-level awards include the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star, and the Bronze Star Medal. The Distinguished Service Cross is awarded for "extraordinary heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy," while the Silver Star is awarded for "gallantry in action." The Bronze Star Medal is awarded for "heroic or meritorious achievement or service."

In addition to these combat awards, the Army also awards a number of non-combat awards. These awards recognize soldiers for their meritorious service, dedication to duty, and other achievements. Some of the most common non-combat awards include the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.

The Army's awards system is a vital part of the Army's culture. Awards recognize the achievements of soldiers and inspire them to continue to serve with honor and distinction. The awards also serve as a way to commemorate the sacrifices that soldiers have made for their country.

Here is a more detailed listing of some of the most common Army awards and decorations:

Medal of Honor: Awarded for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty.
Distinguished Service Cross: Awarded for extraordinary heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy.
Silver Star: Awarded for gallantry in action.
Bronze Star Medal: Awarded for heroic or meritorious achievement or service.
Army Commendation Medal: Awarded for meritorious achievement or service.
Army Achievement Medal: Awarded for outstanding achievement or meritorious service.
Good Conduct Medal: Awarded for exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity.
National Defense Service Medal: Awarded for honorable active military service during a period of national emergency.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal: Awarded for service in an area where U.S. Armed Forces are engaged in military operations.
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal: Awarded for service in the Global War on Terrorism.

These are just a few of the many awards and decorations that the Army awards to its soldiers. The Army's awards system is a complex and comprehensive one, designed to recognize the wide range of achievements and contributions made by its soldiers.