Army Commendation Medal

Army Commendation Medal. The Army Commendation Medal is a mid-level United States military decoration presented for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service. Established by an act of the United States Secretary of War, it is awarded to members of the United States Army, United States Air Force, and other service members serving in an Army capacity. The award recognizes individuals whose accomplishments are above satisfactory performance but do not merit the Bronze Star Medal.

History

The medal was originally established as the "Army Commendation Ribbon" on **18 December 1945** by order of the United States Secretary of War, Robert P. Patterson. Its creation filled a gap in the awards system between the Bronze Star Medal and the Army Achievement Medal. The ribbon was authorized for award during World War II, retroactive to **7 December 1941**, following the attack on Pearl Harbor. In 1949, it was redesignated the Army Commendation Medal with the addition of a medal pendant. Over time, eligibility expanded beyond the United States Army to include the United States Air Force upon its creation in 1947, until the Air Force established its own Air and Space Commendation Medal in 1958. Subsequent executive orders from the United States Department of Defense have refined its statutes and placement within the order of precedence.

Criteria

The medal is awarded to any member of the United States Armed Forces serving in any capacity with the United States Army who distinguishes themselves by heroism, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service. Acts of heroism must be of a lesser degree than required for the Bronze Star Medal and can be recognized with a "V" Device for valor in combat. Meritorious service or achievement can involve superior performance of regular duties, special projects, or acts that significantly benefit operations, such as during Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom. Approval authority typically rests with a colonel or higher in the Army chain of command, or a comparable level in other services like the United States Navy or United States Marine Corps when serving jointly.

Appearance and wear

The medal is a bronze hexagon, featuring an American bald eagle with spread wings grasping three crossed arrows. The reverse bears the inscription "FOR MILITARY MERIT" within a laurel wreath. The ribbon is predominantly myrtle green with five thin white stripes edged in black on each side. When awarded for heroism, a bronze "V" Device is centered on the ribbon and medal suspension ribbon. Additional oak leaf clusters denote subsequent awards. It is worn after the Joint Service Commendation Medal and before the Air and Space Commendation Medal on service uniforms. Personnel from the United States Coast Guard or United States Space Force serving with the Army may also wear the medal according to their service regulations.

Notable recipients

Many distinguished soldiers and statesmen have received the award, often early in their careers. Notable recipients include former United States Secretary of State Colin Powell, who received the medal during his service in Vietnam. General Norman Schwarzkopf Jr. was also a recipient during the Vietnam War. Astronaut Buzz Aldrin was awarded the medal for his service prior to joining NASA and the Apollo 11 mission. Other recipients include former Director of Central Intelligence David Petraeus, and Senator John McCain, who received it for service during the Vietnam War. Civilian personnel, such as government employees within the United States Department of Defense, have also been eligible for the award under specific conditions.

Order of precedence

In the United States Army's order of precedence, the Army Commendation Medal ranks above the Joint Service Achievement Medal and below the Bronze Star Medal. Its equivalent in other services are the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Air and Space Commendation Medal, and the Coast Guard Commendation Medal. When awarded with a "V" Device, it is placed above identical medals without the device. In the broader U.S. military awards hierarchy, it is considered a Department of the Army award, positioned below Department of Defense decorations like the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and above service-specific achievement medals.

Category:United States Army awards and decorations Category:Military awards and decorations of the United States