Explore America’s highest military honors and the veterans who earned them.
Military Decorations
The United States Armed Forces recognize extraordinary heroism, sacrifice, valor,
and distinguished service through military decorations awarded across every branch
of military service.
Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest United States military decoration awarded
for valor above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in combat.
Awarded by the President in the name of Congress, it recognizes extraordinary
courage and self-sacrifice.
Distinguished Service Cross
The Distinguished Service Cross is awarded to Army personnel for extraordinary
heroism in combat operations.
It is the Army’s second-highest award for valor.
Navy Cross
The Navy Cross is awarded for extraordinary heroism to members of the Navy,
Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.
It is the second-highest decoration awarded by the Department of the Navy.
Air Force Cross
The Air Force Cross recognizes extraordinary heroism in combat operations.
It is the Air Force’s second-highest decoration for valor.
Silver Star
The Silver Star recognizes gallantry in action against enemy forces during
military combat operations.
It is awarded for exceptional courage under fire.
Bronze Star
The Bronze Star Medal recognizes heroic or meritorious achievement and
service in a combat zone.
It is one of the most widely awarded combat decorations in the United States military.
Purple Heart
The Purple Heart is awarded to members of the Armed Forces wounded or killed
in combat service.
Established by George Washington in 1782, it remains one of the oldest
military decorations still awarded today.
Legion of Merit
The Legion of Merit is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the
performance of outstanding services and achievements.
It is frequently awarded to senior military leaders and allied foreign officers.
Distinguished Flying Cross
The Distinguished Flying Cross is awarded for heroism or extraordinary
achievement during aerial flight.
It has recognized aviators since World War I.
Defense Superior Service Medal
Awarded to members of the Armed Forces who perform superior meritorious
service in positions of significant responsibility.
The medal is commonly awarded for joint-service leadership assignments.
Meritorious Service Medal
The Meritorious Service Medal recognizes outstanding non-combat meritorious
achievement or service.
It honors sustained excellence and dedication to duty.
Air Medal
The Air Medal is awarded for meritorious achievement while participating
in aerial flight operations.
It recognizes both combat and operational aviation accomplishments.
Army Commendation Medal
The Army Commendation Medal is awarded for sustained acts of heroism,
meritorious achievement, or meritorious service.
It is one of the most commonly awarded service decorations in the Army.