service medals
Earned military decorations
Service medals are military or civilian decorations awarded to recognize participation in a particular campaign, period of duty, or type of service rather than individual acts of valor.
Unlike combat medals given for specific heroic actions, service medals acknowledge sustained commitment—such as serving during wartime, completing a tour of duty overseas, or reaching a milestone of years in service.
His uniform displayed service medals from three different campaigns.
Veterans often wear their service medals at formal ceremonies and commemorations.
- victory medalsAwards for winning
- silver starGray-toned radiant shape
- dress uniformCeremonial military attire
- humanitarian awardsRecognition for aiding others
- insigniaDistinguishing mark of rank
purple heart · military decorations · combat badges · active duty · tour of duty · commendation · oak leaf · recognition · honorary titles · honor · distinguished · excellence awards · citation · sacrifice · veteran · honorable discharge · ribbon · pinned
- honorsaward, trophy, certificate, prize, ribbon
- medalssilver medals, war medals, campaign medals, sports medals, victory medals
- insigniabadges, coat of arms, insignia, seal, emblems
- military honorsPurple Heart, Silver Star, Bronze Star, Navy Cross, Victoria Cross
- military recordsmilitary records, after action report, military rosters, military archives, naval records
- war recordsmilitary archives, military maps, battle plans, casualty lists, military orders
service medalsMedal of Honor
Peak military valor recognition
Victoria Cross · Silver Star · heroism awards · Purple Heart · campaign ribbons
service medalscourt-martial
Armed forces judicial proceeding
dishonorable discharge · demotion · disciplinary action · reprimand