5 US Army Medals

Introduction to US Army Medals

The US Army has a long history of honoring its soldiers with medals for their bravery, service, and achievements. These medals are a symbol of recognition and appreciation for the sacrifices and contributions made by soldiers to their country. In this article, we will explore five significant US Army medals, their history, and the criteria for awarding them.

1. Medal of Honor

The Medal of Honor is the highest and most prestigious award given to US Army soldiers. It is awarded to soldiers who have distinguished themselves by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. The Medal of Honor was established in 1861, and since then, it has been awarded to only a few thousand soldiers. The medal is awarded by the President of the United States, and it is considered the most esteemed award in the US military.

2. Distinguished Service Cross

The Distinguished Service Cross is the second-highest award given to US Army soldiers. It is awarded to soldiers who have distinguished themselves by extraordinary heroism and risk of life in action against an enemy of the United States. The Distinguished Service Cross was established in 1918, and it is awarded for actions that are of a lesser degree than those required for the Medal of Honor. The medal is awarded by the Secretary of the Army, and it is considered a high honor in the US military.

3. Silver Star Medal

The Silver Star Medal is awarded to US Army soldiers who have distinguished themselves by gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States. The medal was established in 1932, and it is awarded for actions that are of a lesser degree than those required for the Distinguished Service Cross. The Silver Star Medal is considered a high honor in the US military, and it is awarded by the Secretary of the Army.

4. Bronze Star Medal

The Bronze Star Medal is awarded to US Army soldiers who have distinguished themselves by heroic or meritorious achievement or service while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States. The medal was established in 1944, and it is awarded for actions that are of a lesser degree than those required for the Silver Star Medal. The Bronze Star Medal is considered a significant honor in the US military, and it is awarded by the Secretary of the Army.

5. Purple Heart

The Purple Heart is awarded to US Army soldiers who have been wounded or killed while serving in the US military. The medal was established in 1782, and it is one of the oldest awards in the US military. The Purple Heart is awarded to soldiers who have been wounded or killed in combat, and it is considered a symbol of sacrifice and bravery. The medal is awarded by the Secretary of the Army, and it is highly respected in the US military.

👏 Note: These medals are subject to specific criteria and regulations, and they are awarded only to soldiers who have met the required standards.

To be eligible for these medals, soldiers must meet specific criteria, including: * Being a member of the US Army * Serving in a combat zone or engaging in combat against an enemy of the United States * Demonstrating bravery, heroism, or meritorious achievement * Being wounded or killed in combat

The following table summarizes the five US Army medals discussed in this article:

Medal	Established	Awarded For
Medal of Honor	1861	Conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty
Distinguished Service Cross	1918	Extraordinary heroism and risk of life in action against an enemy of the United States
Silver Star Medal	1932	Gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States
Bronze Star Medal	1944	Heroic or meritorious achievement or service while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States
Purple Heart	1782	Being wounded or killed while serving in the US military

In summary, the US Army medals are a symbol of recognition and appreciation for the sacrifices and contributions made by soldiers to their country. The Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star Medal, Bronze Star Medal, and Purple Heart are five significant medals awarded to US Army soldiers for their bravery, service, and achievements. These medals are subject to specific criteria and regulations, and they are awarded only to soldiers who have met the required standards.