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Combat and Commendation Medals

Awards

  1. Medal of Honor (MOH)

     

    History

    General George Washington had created the Badge of Military Merit on 7 August 1792 but it had fallen into disuse after the Revolutionary War. Decorations, as such, were still too closely related to European royalty to be of concern to the American people. However, the fierce fighting and deeds of valor during the Civil War brought into focus the realization that such valor must be recognized. Legislation was introduced in the Senate on 17 February 1862, which authorized the medal for the Army and followed the pattern of a similar award approved for Naval personnel in December 1861. The Resolution provided that: "The President of the United States be, and he is hereby, authorized to cause two thousand "medals of honor" to be prepared with suitable emblematic devices, and to direct that the same be presented, in the name of Congress, to such noncommissioned officers and privates as shall most distinguish themselves by their gallantry in action, and other soldier-like qualities during the present insurrection, and the sum of ten thousand dollars be, and the same is hereby appropriated out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for the purpose of carrying this resolution into effect." The Medal of Honor has had many designs throughout American history. On 23 April 1904, Congress authorized a new design of the medal. The design adopted at that time was designed by Major General George L. Gillespie and is the one currently in use. The medal was worn either suspended from the neck or pinned over the left breast in precedence to other military decorations.
    Prerequisites
    The Medal of Honor will only be awarded in the 4th Infantry Division to honor an overwhelming personal sacrifice of a Soldier in a real life situation.

  2. Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)

     

    History

    The Distinguished Service Cross was established by President Woodrow Wilson on January 2, 1918. General Pershing, Commander-in-Chief of the Expeditionary Forces in France, had recommended that recognition other than the Medal of Honor, be authorized for the Armed Forces of the United States for service rendered, in like manner, to that awarded by the European Armies. The request for establishment of the medal was forwarded from the Secretary of War to the President in a letter dated December 28, 1917. The Act of Congress establishing this award (193-65th Congress) dated July 9, 1918 is contained in Title 10 United States Code (USC) 3742. The establishment of the Distinguished Service Cross was promulgated in War Department General Order No. 6, dated January 12, 1918.
    Prerequisites
    The Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) is the second highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States Army (and previously, the United States Army Air Forces). It is awarded for extraordinary heroism:
    While engaged in action against an enemy of the United States;
    While engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or
    While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.
    Actions that merit the Distinguished Service Cross must be of such a high degree that they are above those required for all other U.S. combat decorations but do not merit award of the Medal of Honor. The Distinguished Service Cross is equivalent to the Navy Cross (Navy and Marine Corps, and Coast Guard when operating under the authority of the Department of the Navy) and the Air Force Cross (Air Force).

  3. Defense Distinguished Service Medal (DDSM)

    History
    The Defense Distinguished Service Medal (DDSM) shall only be awarded to officers of the Armed Forces of the United States whose exceptional performance of duty and contributions to national security or defense have been at the highest levels. Such officers have direct and ultimate responsibility for a major activity or program that significantly influences the policies of the U.S. Government. Only under the most unusual circumstances will the DDSM be awarded as an impact award for outstanding TDY achievement. The DDSM is specifically intended to recognize exceptionally distinguished service and to honor an individual's accomplishments over a sustained period.
    Prerequisites
    The Defense Distinguished Service Medal (DDSM) shall be awarded only to officers or Senior NCO's who have rendered distinguished meritorious service in a position of enormous responsibility. The DDSM is specifically intended to recognize exceptionally distinguished service, and to honor an individual's accomplishments over a sustained period of 10 years in time of service in one tour.

  4. Silver Star (SS)

    History
    The Defense Distinguished Service Medal (DDSM) shall only be awarded to officers of the Armed Forces of the United States whose exceptional performance of duty and contributions to national security or defense have been at the highest levels. Such officers have direct and ultimate responsibility for a major activity or program that significantly influences the policies of the U.S. Government. Only under the most unusual circumstances will the DDSM be awarded as an impact award for outstanding TDY achievement. The DDSM is specifically intended to recognize exceptionally distinguished service and to honor an individual's accomplishments over a sustained period.
    Prerequisites
    The Defense Distinguished Service Medal (DDSM) shall be awarded only to officers or Senior NCO's who have rendered distinguished meritorious service in a position of enormous responsibility. The DDSM is specifically intended to recognize exceptionally distinguished service, and to honor an individual's accomplishments over a sustained period of 10 years in time of service in one tour.

  5. Defense Superior Service Medal (DSSM)

    History
    The Defense Superior Service Medal (DSSM) is the second highest award bestowed by the Department of Defense. Awarded in the name of the Secretary of Defense, the award is presented to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who perform "superior meritorious service in a position of significant responsibility." Created on February 6th, 1976 by President Gerald R. Ford's Executive Order 11904, it is typically awarded only to senior officers of the Flag and General Officer grade.
    Prerequisites
    The Defense Superior Service Medal (DSSM) shall be awarded only to officers or NCO's who have rendered superior service in a position of enormous responsibility. The DSSM is specifically intended to recognize exceptionally dedicated service, and to honor an individual's accomplishments over a sustained period of 5 years in time of service in one tour.

  6. Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

    History
    Awarded for heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight.
    Prerequisites
    Recipient must distinguish themselves in support of operations by showing "great heroism or extraordinary action" in an aerial flight as Pilot or Crew Chief. May be awarded for a single action or series of actions that go above and beyond the normal duties of an aviator.

  7. Soldier's Medal (SM)

    History
    The Soldier's Medal is awarded to any person while serving in any capacity with the Army of the United States distinguished himself or herself by heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy.
    Prerequisites
    Awarded to soldiers selected as Soldier of the Quarter.

  8. Bronze Star (BSM)

    History
    General George C. Marshall, in a memorandum to President Roosevelt dated February 3, 1944, wrote: "The fact that the ground troops, Infantry in particular, lead miserable lives of extreme discomfort and are the ones who must close in personal combat with the enemy, makes the maintenance of their morale of great importance. The award of the Air Medal have had an adverse reaction on the ground troops, particularly the Infantry Riflemen who are now suffering the heaviest losses, air or ground, in the Army, and enduring the greatest hardships." The Air Medal had been adopted two years earlier to raise airmen’s morale. President Roosevelt authorized the Bronze Star Medal by Executive Order 9419 dated 4 February 1944, retroactive to 7 December 1941. This authorization was announced in War Department Bulletin No. 3, dated 10 February 1944. The Executive Order was amended by President Kennedy, per Executive Order 11046 dated 24 August 1962, to expand the authorization to include those serving with friendly forces. As a result of a study conducted in 1947, the policy was implemented that authorized the retroactive award of the Bronze Star Medal to soldiers who had received the Combat Infantryman Badge or the Combat Medical Badge during World War II. The basis for doing this was that the badges were awarded only to soldiers who had borne the hardships which resulted in General Marshall’s support of the Bronze Star Medal. Both badges required a recommendation by the commander and a citation in orders.
    Prerequisites

    Bronze Star Medal

    (ref AR600-8-22)

    DA Form 638 Instructions
    Enclosure 1. Narrative
    Citation Template
    BSM Citation Examples
    Non-Combat BSM Narrative Examples
    Bronze Star Medal w/ V Device Citation Example
    The Bronze Star Medal is awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity in or with the Army of the United States distinguished himself or herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight, in connection with military operations against an armed enemy; or while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party. 

    The Bronze Star Medal may be awarded for meritorious achievement or meritorious service according to the following:

    Awards may be made to recognize single acts of merit or meritorious service. The lesser degree than that required for the award of the Legion of Merit must nevertheless have been meritorious and accomplished with distinction.

    Award may be made to each member of the Armed Forces of the United States who has been cited in orders or awarded a certificate for exemplary conduct in ground combat against an armed enemy. For this purpose, an award of the Combat Infantryman Badge or Combat Medical Badge is considered as a citation in orders.

  9. Purple Heart (PH)

    History
    The original Purple Heart, designated as the Badge of Military Merit, was established by General George Washington by order from his headquarters at Newburgh, New York, August 7, 1782. The writings of General Washington quoted in part: "The General ever desirous to cherish a virtuous ambition in his soldiers, as well as to foster and encourage every species of Military Merit, directs that whenever any singularly meritorious action is performed, the author of it shall be permitted to wear on his facings over the left breast, the figure of a heart in purple cloth or silk, edged with narrow lace or binding. Not only instances of unusual gallantry, but also of extraordinary fidelity and essential service in any way shall meet with a due reward". So far as the known surviving records show, this honor badge was granted to only three men, all of them non-commissioned officers: Sergeant Daniel Bissell of the 2d Connecticut Regiment of the Continental Line; Sergeant William Brown of the 5th Connecticut Regiment of the Continental Line, and Sergeant Elijah Churchill of the 2d Continental Dragoons, which was also a Connecticut Regiment. The original Purple Heart depicted on the first page is a copy of the badge awarded to Sergeant Elijah Churchill and is now owned by the New Windsor Cantonment, National Temple Hill Association, PO Box 525, Vails Gate, NY 12584. The only other known original badge is the badge awarded to Sergeant William Brown and is in the possession of The Society of the Cincinnati, New Hampshire Branch but differs in design by not having any lettering embroidered on the heart and the leaves are at the top only with a larger spray of leaves at the base. Subsequent to the Revolution, the Order of the Purple Heart had fallen into disuse and no further awards were made. By Order of the President of the United States, the Purple Heart was revived on the 200th Anniversary of George Washington's birth, out of respect to his memory and military achievements, by War Department General Orders No. 3, dated 22 February 1932. The criteria was announced in War Department Circular dated 22 February 1932 and authorized award to soldiers, upon their request, who had been awarded the Meritorious Service Citation Certificate or were authorized to wear wound chevrons subsequent to 5 April 1917. During the early period of World War II (7 Dec 41 to 22 Sep 43), the Purple Heart was awarded both for wounds received in action against the enemy and for meritorious performance of duty. With the establishment of the Legion of Merit, by an Act of Congress, the practice of awarding the Purple Heart for meritorious service was discontinued. By Executive Order 9277, dated 3 December 1942, the decoration was extended to be applicable to all services and the order required that regulations of the Services be uniform in application as far as practicable. This executive order also authorized award only for wounds received. Executive Order 10409, dated 12 February 1952, revised authorizations to include the Service Secretaries subject to approval of the Secretary of Defense. Executive Order 11016, dated 25 April 1962, included provisions for posthumous award of the Purple Heart. Executive Order 12464, dated 23 February 1984, authorized award of the Purple Heart as a result of terrorist attacks or while serving as part of a peacekeeping force subsequent to 28 March 1973. The Senate approved an amendment to the 1985 Defense Authorization Bill on 13 June 1985, which changed the precedent from immediately above the Good Conduct Medal to immediately above the Meritorious Service Medals. Public Law 99-145 authorized the award for wounds received as a result of "friendly fire". Public Law 104-106 expanded the eligibility date, authorizing award of the Purple Heart to a former prisoner of war who was wounded before 25 April 1962. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year1998 (Public Law 105-85) changed the criteria to delete authorization for award of the Purple Heart Medal to any civilian national of the United States while serving under competent authority in any capacity with the Armed Forces. This change was effective 18 May 1998.
    Prerequisites
    In Armed Assault, the Purple Heart is awarded to soldiers who, while engaged in an official combat operation are wounded in combat and successfully finish the mission while in a position of leadership.

  10. Meritorious Service Medal (MSM)

    History
    At Tri-Department Awards Conference, 5-6 February 1968, there was a discussion on the need for a third meritorious award to provide appropriate recognition for noncombat achievement or service comparable to the Bronze Star Medal for combat achievement or service. It was felt that the Legion of Merit’s prestige was slipping because it was being used with increasing frequency to reward service below Legion of Merit standard, but higher than that required for the Commendation Medal. A proposed executive order was prepared in April 1968 and forwarded for approval to the Military Departments. An ad hoc committee was formed by the Secretary of Defense (M&RA) to select a name. On 8 November 1968, the committee unanimously approved the name "Meritorious Service Medal". President Johnson established the Meritorious Service Medal per Executive Order No. 11448 dated 16 January 1969. The Executive Order was amended by President Reagan per Executive Order 12312, dated 2 July 1981, to authorize award to members of the armed forces of friendly foreign nations. The decoration was designed by Mr. Jay Morris, The Institute of Heraldry, and the design was approved by the committee on 20 March 1969. The ribbon design purposely follows the colors used for the Legion of Merit to reflect the parallel between the two medals. The eagle, symbol of the nation, stands on laurel branches denoting achievement. The star is used to represent the military service and the rays emanating therefrom denote the constant efforts of individuals to achieve through excellent and meritorious service.
    Prerequisites
    The Meritorious Service Medal shall be awarded to officers or senior NCOs who distinguished themselves by outstanding non-combat meritorious achievement or service below that required for the Defense Superior Service Medal. Award of this medal indicates the awardee has performed in a position of significant responsibility over a sustained period of time, usually in a position of combat leadership.

  11. Air Medal (AM)

    History
    The Air Medal is awarded to anyone who distinguishes himself or herself by meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight.
    Prerequisites
    Awarded for performing outstanding flight-related duties while in a combat zone. Must be assigned an MOS such as Detachment Commander, Pilot, or Crew (W1-W5). May be awarded with a Combat "V" for Valor for an act of meritorious action or bravery against an armed enemy less than the criteria for the Distinguished Flying Cross. 

  12. Joint Service Commendation Medal (JSCOM)

    History
    The Joint Service Commendation Medal was was created in 1963. This award is intended for senior service on a joint military staff and is senior in precedence to service-specific Commendation Medals. As such, it is worn above the service Commendation Medals on a military uniform. As a joint award, multiple awards are denoted with an oak leaf cluster regardless of service.
    Prerequisites
    The Joint Service Commendation Medal shall be awarded to soldiers for outstanding or significant sustained achievement in performance of DMOS functions or DMOS leadership below that required for the Meritorious Service Medal.

  13. Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM)

     

    History

    In a summary sheet, 5 November 1945, WDGAP, Personnel Division recommended that an Army Commendation Ribbon of distinctive design be established to recognize meritorious service in an area at a time for which the Bronze Star Medal may not be awarded. The recommendation was approved by the Secretary of War and the ribbon was established by War Department Circular 377, dated 18 December 1945. This circular authorized award to "members of the Armed Forces of the United States serving in any capacity with the Army for meritorious service rendered since 7 December 1941, not in sustained operational activities against an enemy nor in direct support of such operation, i.e., in areas and at times when the Bronze Star Medal may not be awarded because of its operational character". Authority to award the Commendation Ribbon was delegated to Major Generals or commanders of any command, force or installation normally commanded by Major Generals.
    Prerequisites
    The Army Commendation Medal shall be awarded to soldiers for outstanding performance or achievement in a combat leadership role below that required for the Meritorious Service Medal. Can be awarded for achievement in action in a competitive match below that required for a Bronze Star. In case of a combat award, the V device shall be attached.

     

  14. Joint Service Achievement Medal (JSAM)

    History
    The Joint Service Achievement Medal was designed by Jay Morris and sculpted by Donald Borja, both of the Army's Institute of Heraldry. The bronze medal is 1-7/16 inches in overall diameter, consisting of a star of twelve points. An eagle holding three arrows is superimposed in the center. The shape of the medal was chosen to make it distinctive from all other decorations, and the eagle was taken from the Seal of the Secretary of Defense, under whose authority the medal is awarded. On the reverse, there is a circle composed of the following inscription (in raised letters): JOINT SERVICE (which comprises the upper portion of the circle) ACHIEVEMENT AWARD (which comprises the lower portion of the circle). The space in the center of the circle is left blank for inscribing the recipient's name. The ribbon consists of a center stripe of red flanked on either side by stripes of light blue, white, green, white, and blue.
    Prerequisites
    The Joint Service Achievement Medal shall be awarded to soldiers for significant achievement in performance of DMOS functions below that required for the Joint Service Commendation Medal.

  15. Army Achievement Medal (AAM)

    History
    As part of the Army Cohesion and Stability Study (ARCOST) of 1980, a recommendation was made to establish the Army Achievement Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, and the NCO Professional Development Ribbon. On 18 February 1981, MILPERCEN requested TIOH initiate action to develop the recommended awards. Designs were prepared by TIOH and forwarded to MILPERCEN on 18 March 1981. On 10 April 1981, the Secretary of the Army approved establishment of the decorations recommended by the ARCOST group. On 13 April 1981, the DCSPER approved a design which had been submitted by TIOH and directed development be initiated.
    Prerequisites
    The Army Achievement Medal shall be awarded to enlisted soldiers for significant achievement in non-combat squad activities, or for achievement in combat leadership below that required for the Army Commendation Medal.

  16. Good Conduct Medal (GCM)

    History
    The Good Conduct Medal was established by Executive Order 8809, dated 28 June 1941, and authorized the award for soldiers completing three years active service after that date. The criteria was amended by Executive Order 9323, dated 31 March 1943, to authorize award for three years service after 7 December 1941 or one year service while the United States is at war. Executive Order 10444, dated 10 April 1953, revised the criteria to authorize award for three years service after 27 August 1940; one year service after 7 December 1941 while the United States is at war; and award for the first award for service after 27 June 1950 upon termination of service, for periods less than three years, but more than one year. The medal was designed by Mr. Joseph Kiselewski and approved by the Secretary of War on 30 October 1942. The eagle, with wings spread, denotes vigilance and superiority. The horizontal sword denotes loyalty, and the book represents knowledge acquired and ability gained. On the reverse, the lone star denotes merit. The wreath of laurel and oak leaves denotes reward and strength. The second and subsequent awards are indicated by the wear of the clasp with loop on the ribbon. Bronze clasps indicate the second (two loops) through fifth award (five loops); silver clasps indicate sixth (one loop) through tenth award (five loops); and gold clasps indicate eleventh (one loop) through the fifteenth award (5 loops).
    Prerequisites
    The Good Conduct Medal shall be awarded to enlisted soldiers for meeting a high standard of efficiency, loyalty and duty (3 months of consecutive service) in the performance of their squad or DMOS functions to a level below that required for the Army Achievement Medal or Joint Service Achievement Medal.

  17. National Defense Service Medal (NDSM)

    History
    The National Defense Service Medal (NDSM) was established by President Eisenhower per Executive Order 10448, dated 22 April 1953, for service between 27 June 1950 and a date to be announced. On 17 June 1954, the Chief of Staff approved establishment of 27 July 1954 as the termination date for award of the NDSM. Executive Order 11265, dated 11 January 1966, amended Executive Order 10488, to include a termination date and authorized the Secretary of Defense to establish periods of eligibility subsequent to 31 December 1960. Eligibility for award, commencing with the period after 31 December 1960, was established by DOD Directive 1348.7, dated 1 April 1966, and terminated effective 15 August 1974, per letter from Manpower and Reserve Affairs, subject: Termination of Eligibility for the National Defense Service Medal, dated 30 June 1974. The NDSM was again authorized by memorandum, dated 20 February 1991, from Secretary of Defense Cheney for active service on or after 2 August 1990 with no termination date established. The termination date was later established as 30 November 1995. The NDSM was reinstated by memorandum from The Deputy Secretary of Defense, dated 26 April 2002, from 11 September 2001 to a termination date to be determined in the future. The Heraldic Division, Quartermaster General’s Office, was requested to provide proposed designs for the NDSM and designs created by Mr. T. H. Jones were submitted to the G1 on 26 May 1953. A committee appointed by DOD, which included representatives of all services, met on 27 May 1953 and 3 June 1953 and selected the design for final approval. The eagle, our National emblem, together with the shield of the Coat of Arms of the United States is used to symbolize the defense of the United States. The combination of oak and palm leaves signify strength and preparedness.
    Prerequisites
    The National Defense Service Medal shall be awarded to soldiers that have served in their nations Armed Forces. Copy of a DD214 or photo proof must be sent to Command Staff for verification.

  18. Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM)

    History
    During the late 1950's, it became apparent that a medal was needed to recognize the services of the Armed Forces who participated in the increased involvement of the American military in peacekeeping activities. As a result, President Kennedy established the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, per Executive Order 10977, dated 4 December 1961, for operations on or after 1 July 1958. In a memorandum dated 20 December 1961, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense requested that The Institute of Heraldry submit proposed designs as soon as possible. Proposed designs were submitted on 25 January 1962 and a design, created by Mr. Jay Morris, was tentatively selected. The design was submitted to the Commission of Fine Arts for comments prior to approval by the Deputy Secretary of Defense on 24 April 1962. The selected design uses the eagle to represent the strength of our Armed Forces, and the sword, loose in its scabbard, denotes the readiness to serve wherever needed, as further suggested by the compass rose. At the present time, JCS has designated 22 operations for which the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal may be awarded. A bronze service star is worn to denote second and subsequent awards of the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. Each Service may authorize the use of campaign streamers for operations in the designated areas. The Army has authorized campaign credit and display of streamers for three areas: Grenada, Panama and the Dominican Republic. The Air Force has authorized display of streamers for all 22 operations. The Navy authorizes display of three silver stars and four bronze stars on the streamer representing 19 operations.
    Prerequisites
    The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal shall be awarded to soldiers who have deployed to a theater other than being state-side for training for at least 12 months. This includes official operations, FTX's or CTX's.

  19. Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (GWOTE-M)

    History
    On 20 September 2002, the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense, requested the Institute provide suggested designs. This was accomplished and the design was selected on 7 January 2003. Executive Order 13289, dated 12 March 2003, signed by President Bush, established this medal. The Office of The Under Secretary of Defense approved additions to the designated geographical areas of eligibility on 21 March 2005.
    Prerequisites
    The Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal shall be awarded to any soldier who has deployed with the unit to a region controlled by enemy forces and has assisted in the search for and removal of the enemy and/or assisted with missions regarding enemy plots in no less than six official operations.

  20. Global War on Terrorism Service Medal (GWOTS-M)

    History
    On 20 September 2002, the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense, requested the Institute provide suggested designs. This was accomplished and the design was selected on 7 January 2003. Executive Order 13289, dated 12 March 2003, signed by President Bush, established this medal.
    Prerequisites

    The Global War on Terrorism Service Medal shall be awarded to any soldier who has been deployed to fight in support of the 3rd Infantry Division Realism Unit's mission. While being deployed, the soldier must complete his/her duties to the best of their abilities in no less than three official operations, also always awarded with the 3rd Infantry Division Combat Patch.

  21. Armed Forces Service Medal (AFSM)

    History
    On 2 March 1995, the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Force Management Policy) (OASD-RMP) requested that The Institute of Heraldry prepare a medal and ribbon design for the proposed Armed Forces Service Medal. This medal was to be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who participated as members of units involved in military operations of significant numbers with no foreign armed opposition or the threat of imminent hostile action. This medal is intended to meet a void in the criteria between the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and the Humanitarian Service Medal. Proposed design was forwarded by OASD-FMP to the Services and the Joint Staff. Concurrence in the establishment of the medal from the Services and the Joint Staff was received and the proposal was forwarded to the Office of Budget and Management (OMB) for issuance of an Executive Order. The medal was authorized by Executive Order 12985, dated 11 January 1996.
    Prerequisites
    The Armed Forces Service Medal shall be awarded to soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Division that are assigned to non-combat positions (DMOS) in addition to their combat billet and serve with distinction for a period of six months or longer.

  22. Humanitarian Service Medal (HSM)

    History
    The Humanitarian Service Medal was established by President Ford per Executive Order 11965, dated 19 January 1977. The order provided for award for participation in a military operation of a humanitarian nature subsequent to 1 April 1975. The policy and award criteria for the Humanitarian Service Medal was established by Department of Defense Directive 1348.25, dated 23 June 1977. Proposed medals were submitted to the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) for approval 18 April 1977 and the selected design was approved by OSD on 10 May 1977. The design by Mr. Jay Morris, The Institute of Heraldry, uses the outstretched hand with palm up as the international symbol for aid and assistance. On the reverse, the oak sprig is symbolic of strength imparted through a selfless mission to aid mankind. The color purple in the ribbon stands for self-sacrifice, white for regeneration and blue for universal friendship. In addition, the two shades of blue are the colors used in the flags of OSD.
    Prerequisites

    The Humanitarian Service Medal shall be awarded to members of the 3rd Infantry Division who distinguish themselves by meritorious direct participation in any significant online act or operation of a humanitarian nature approved by Command Staff. The medal is awarded for participation in areas of helping others with technical issues (such as web design, graphics, signatures and general computer problems) or morale support to fellow soldiers in times of need.

    The Humanitarian Service Medal shall be awarded to members of the 3rd Infantry Division who distinguish themselves by meritorious direct participation in voting on clanlists. Each member is authorized to vote up to two (2) times a day (on separate devices) within a 30 day time frame. Any member with 60 total votes logged on their profile will be eligible for the HSM. The HSM as also been Award to soldiers who have bought a fellow soldier a game that cost $50 or more so that that soldier participate in other unit fun events. 

  23. Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (MOVSM)

    History
    The Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (MOVSM) was established by Executive Order 12830, 9 January 1993. It may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States and their Reserve Components, who subsequent to 31 December 1992, perform outstanding volunteer community service of a sustained direct and consequential nature.
    Prerequisites
    The Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal shall be awarded to any soldier who donates in excess of $50 in any calendar month. A "V" device is added for donations in excess of $100 in any calendar month. 
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