Medals and Ranks - Page 2

U.S. Air Force Ranks and Insignia

Updated: April 4, 2023

The Air Force is the second-youngest of the six military branches, with only the Space Force being newer. According to the Air Force’s website, they have five core missions: “Air superiority; global strike; rapid global mobility; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; and command and control.” There are two categories of Airmen within the Air Force: Enlisted […]

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U.S. Navy Ranks and Insignia

Updated: February 9, 2023

U.S. Navy ranks are comprised of four groups: enlisted, warrant officers, commissioned officers and admirals. A sailor’s letter and number represent their rank, title and pay grade. Sailors wear insignia on their uniforms that designates their rank. Ranks signify the level of each sailor’s job duties and leadership responsibilities. Enlisted Sailors Enlisted sailors are separated […]

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Presidential Medal Of Freedom

Presidential Medal Of Freedom

Updated: August 4, 2021

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is, according to Whitehouse.gov, America’s highest honor bestowed upon civilians. It is awarded by the President of the United States to those who have made, “especially meritorious contributions” to national interests, security, world peace, etc. It’s  not to be confused with the Congressional Medal of Honor, which is America’s military […]

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Distinguished Flying Cross

Distinguished Flying Cross

Updated: July 20, 2021

The Distinguished Flying Cross is awarded to those who exhibit heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. This honor was established in 1926 and recognizes “entirely distinctive” and “not routine” acts of heroism for accomplishments on or after April 6, 1917. The Distinguished Flying Cross may be awarded to officers, enlisted members, civilians […]

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The Bronze Star

The Bronze Star

Updated: July 20, 2021

The Bronze Star, also known as the Bronze Star Medal or BSM for short, is a military medal awarded for heroic achievement, heroic service, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service in a combat zone. Wear of a “V” device on the medal is authorized for acts of valor in combat. This award may be presented to […]

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Armed Forces Service Medal

Armed Forces Service Medal

Updated: August 10, 2020

The Armed Forces Service Medal is awarded to those with qualifying military service who are part of a U.S. mission “deemed to be a significant activity and who encounter no foreign armed opposition or imminent hostile action.” This medal is offered in cases where “no other United States service medal is approved” and may be […]

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National Medal of Honor Museum

Medal of Honor Museum

Updated: December 24, 2022

The Medal of Honor is the United States’ most prestigious military decoration, and symbolizes the values that the country was founded on, such as sacrifice, patriotism, integrity, and humility. The award was created in 1861, and has since been awarded to over 3,500 of the United States’ most courageous service members. The Medal of Honor […]

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Navy Cross

Navy Cross

Updated: March 24, 2021

After the Medal of Honor, the Navy Cross is the highest award a member of the United States Navy, U.S. Marines, or U.S. Coast Guard may earn. The Navy Cross is the service-specific equivalent to the Army’s Distinguished Service Cross. There are five top-ranking military medals awarded for valor. They are, in reverse order of […]

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Air force Cross

Air Force Cross

Updated: December 24, 2022

After the Medal of Honor, the Air Force Cross is the highest award an Air Force member can earn. The Air Force Cross is the service-specific equivalent to the Distinguished Service Cross awarded to members of the United States Army, and to the Coast Guard Cross and Navy Cross. There are five top-ranking military medals […]

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Distinguished Service Cross

Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)

Updated: July 20, 2021

The Military Service Cross, also known as (or having equivalents in) the Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, and the Air Force Cross depending on the branch of service, is the second highest military decoration after the Medal of Honor. Military Service Crosses are awarded to “any person” serving with the Navy, Army, Air Force, or […]

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