History

Established in 1918, the Distinguished Service Cross is the U.S. Army’s second-highest award for combat valor, below only the Medal of Honor.

Prerequisites

Awarded for extraordinary heroism in combat. The recipient must display exceptional courage and devotion to duty far beyond what is normally expected.

History

The Defense Distinguished Service Medal is one of the Department of Defense’s highest awards for distinguished service and exceptional leadership.

Prerequisites

Awarded for exceptionally distinguished service in a position of major responsibility.

• A minimum of 10 years of service.
• Exceptional performance over a single tour of duty.
• Leadership and contributions that have had a lasting impact on the unit.

History

The Silver Star originated from the Citation Star created in 1918 and became its own medal in 1932. It is the U.S. Armed Forces’ third-highest award for combat valor.

Prerequisites

Awarded for exceptional gallantry and heroism in combat.

• The recipient must demonstrate courage well above that required for other combat decorations, but below the level required for the Distinguished Service Cross or Medal of Honor.

History

Established in 1976, the Defense Superior Service Medal recognizes exceptionally superior service while serving in positions of significant responsibility.

Prerequisites

Awarded for sustained superior service, leadership, and dedication that significantly benefits the unit.

• A minimum of 5 years of service.
• Exceptional performance during a single tour of duty.
• A lasting positive impact on the organization.

History

The Legion of Merit recognizes exceptionally meritorious conduct, outstanding achievement, and distinguished service.

Prerequisites

The highest non-combat achievement award within the unit.

Awarded for exceptional leadership, dedication, or contributions that provide a significant and lasting benefit to the unit.

• No minimum time requirement.
• Must exceed normal expectations.
• Cannot be awarded for combat or actions during operations.
• Recommendations may only be submitted by Company Leadership or higher.

History

The Distinguished Flying Cross recognizes heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight.

Prerequisites

• Awarded to pilots, aviators, or aircrew who demonstrate exceptional courage, skill, or achievement during flight operations.
• May recognize either a single heroic action or sustained exceptional performance that significantly contributes to mission success.

History

Established in 1944, the Bronze Star Medal recognizes heroic or meritorious achievement and service during military operations.

Prerequisites

Awarded for outstanding achievement or service that significantly benefits the unit.

• Exceptional service or achievement.
• Distinguished conduct during ground combat.
• Sustained contributions to unit effectiveness.
• 100% attendance across all named missions and shaping operations during a deployment.

The achievement must exceed the standard of lower-level awards but remain below that required for the Legion of Merit.

History

The Soldier's Medal traditionally recognizes heroism performed outside of direct combat with an enemy.

Prerequisites

Awarded to personnel selected as Soldier of the Half Year, either H1 or H2.

History

The Purple Heart traces its origins to George Washington's Badge of Military Merit, established in 1782. The modern Purple Heart was revived in 1932 to recognize personnel wounded as a result of enemy action.

Prerequisites

Awarded to personnel wounded or injured by enemy action during military operations.

It may also recognize a wounded leader who continues to demonstrate exceptional courage and leadership while contributing directly to mission success.

History

Established in 1969, the Meritorious Service Medal recognizes outstanding non-combat achievement and meritorious service.

Prerequisites

Awarded for distinguished service or achievement that contributes significantly to the success of the Company.

The achievement must exceed the standard required for the Army Commendation Medal.

It may also be awarded for 100% attendance across all named missions during a deployment.