There are many military awards for valor. These awards are given to those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty while serving their country.
Some of the most common awards include the Medal of Honor, the Purple Heart, and the Bronze Star. Military awards are important because they recognize and honor individuals who have demonstrated bravery and heroism in the line of duty.
These awards can be given to members of the military, as well as civilians, for acts of valor that take place during combat or other hazardous situations. They can also be given for meritorious service above and beyond the call of duty.
This recognition can help to bolster morale among those who have been honored, as well as encourage others to display similar heroism in the future.
Impact Of Military Awards For Valor In The USA
The impact of military awards for valor in the USA is significant. These awards are given to members of the military who have exhibited exceptional bravery or courage in the line of duty.
This can include everything from rescuing a teammate during combat to heroism on the home front. The recognition that these awards provide can be crucial in helping those who have displayed such bravery continue to serve and defend their country.
Awards for valor and courage are given great attention. Here in this article, we will discuss the top three military awards, including army medals, air force, and navy.
#1. Silver Star
The Silver Star is the third-highest military award in the United States. It is awarded for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States.
The medal is awarded for acts of heroism that are so extraordinary and above and beyond the duties of an ordinary soldier that they would warrant recognition above and beyond that given to other members of the same unit or organization.
The act or acts must be such as to set a superior apart from his comrades and place him in a position of exceptional courage, responsibility, or devotion to duty.
#2. Bronze Star
The Bronze Star is the second-highest military award in the United States. It is awarded for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States.
The medal is awarded for acts of heroism that are so extraordinary and above and beyond the duties of an ordinary soldier that they would warrant recognition above and beyond that given to other members of the same unit or organization.
The act or acts must be such as to set a superior apart from his comrades and place him in a position of exceptional courage, responsibility, or devotion to duty.
The Bronze Star Medal may be awarded the distinction to a member of the armed forces who performs acts of heroism comparable to those which would warrant an award of the Silver Star Medal or the Gold Star Medal.
#3. Purple Heart
The Purple Heart is the highest military award that can be given to a member of the United States Armed Forces. The decoration is awarded to any member of the military who is wounded or killed while serving their country.
The Purple Heart is the most prestigious award that can be given to a soldier in the United States military.
To receive the Purple Heart, a soldier must have been wounded or killed while performing an action against an enemy force that involved a risk of death or serious bodily injury.
The award is given to soldiers who have been wounded in combat or who have died while performing their duties.
#4. Navy Cross
The Navy Cross is one of the highest military decorations that can be awarded to a member of the United States Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard for heroism in combat.
The medal is awarded for acts of extreme heroism, not justifying the award of a Medal of Honor. The medal was first created on December 13, 1918, and is currently Silver in color with a blue ribbon.
Navy Cross recipients must have exhibited great courage and extraordinary bravery while performing an act of extraordinary heroism, not justifying the award of a Medal of Honor.
These acts must have been particularly distinguished and above and beyond the duties normally expected of members of their corps or service.
Some notable Navy Cross recipients include Adm. Arleigh Burke and Capt. Charles Wilkes.
#5. Congressional Medal Of Honor
The Congressional Medal of Honor is another highest military award in the United States. It is given to members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by acts of heroism that are above and beyond the call of duty.
The medal was first awarded during World War I, and it has been awarded more than 2,500 times since its inception.
The medal is typically awarded to members of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard who have performed an act of great courage or valor above and beyond the call of duty.
Some of the most famous recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor include Alvin C. York, Samuel B. Roberts, John A. Logan, and Edward J. O’Neill.
#6. Distinguished Service Cross
The Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) is another highest military award that can be given to a United States military member. The medal is awarded for “outstanding heroism not involving conflict with an enemy.”
The act or acts of heroism must be such as to set the individual apart from their comrades and warrant exceptional recognition. The DSC is the only U.S. award that may be awarded to a member of the armed forces who is not an officer.
The DSC was first established in 1917 as the Distinguished Service Medal and was created during World War I in order to give higher recognition to members of the U.S. Army who performed acts of extraordinary heroism beyond the call of duty while engaged in combat operations against an enemy force.
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Final Thoughts
Military awards are given to those who have demonstrated great bravery or heroism in the line of duty. These awards can be honorary or actual medals and are typically given to soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines.
There are many different military awards for valor in the USA. Some of the most famous ones include the Medal of Honor, the Navy Cross, and the Purple Heart.
These awards can be given to soldiers who have shown extreme bravery in combat situations.