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Symbols
of Bravery, Symbols of Freedom
You've no doubt seen
service men and women with small bits of ribbon
decorating their left chest, and perhaps wondered
what it all meant. Each ribbon represents
a medal that person has received for service
to our country. There are all kinds of
medals and citations, but here are a few of
the most well-known.
The
Oldest Military Award in the US
George
Washington was the first to create and give
a badge of special honor to those in the American
Army who merited being singled out for their
bravery, courage and sacrifice.
He had a friend design a small purple heart-shaped
badge, edged with lace, and with white embroidery
of leaves and the word, "Merit". (Later,
he called upon the same friend to design the
entire city of Washington, DC!) Washington
only gave out three of these badges.
In
1932, his award was resurrected to become the
Purple Heart we are so familiar with today,
which is given "for wounds or death as a result
of an act of any opposing armed force, as a
result of an international terrorist attack
or as a result of military operations while
serving as part of a peacekeeping force."
The heart itself bears a silhouette of Washington.
The
Highest Honor
The
Medal of Honor (often called
the Congressional Medal of Honor, but it's true
title is simply Medal of Honor) is presented
by the President in the name of Congress, and
is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon
any American. Those who wear it are quick
to specify that they are recipients
of it, not winners
of the medal. They have proved their bravery
in harrowing circumstances, and been recognized
by a grateful nation. Less
than 3500 of these medals have been awarded,
and just over 130 of its recipients are still
living.
- The
Wall of Honor -- to read stories
of Medal of Honor recipients and learn about
a special memorial to them, as well as lots
of interactive links to related subjects.
Distinguished
Service Cross
Each
of the various branches of the service have
a version of the Distinguished Service Cross,
the second-highest award for military valor.
It is presented "for extraordinary heroism in
connection with military operations against
an opposing armed force. For service members
serving in any capacity with [each particular
branch of the service.] " It was established
in 1918.
Silver
Star
The
third highest military award,
the Silver Star, is only for heroism in combat.
It is given "for distinguished gallantry in
action against an enemy of the United States
or while serving with friendly forces against
an opposing enemy force." Though created
in 1918 as the Citation Star, it was renamed
in 1932 as the Silver Star.
Bronze
Star
Established in 1944, the
Bronze Star can be given to any member of any
branch of military service "for
heroic or meritorious achievement of service,
not involving aerial flight in connection with
operations against an opposing armed force."
- Read
more about the various medals
given for military service, see examples of
them, and find out where they fit in the Pyramid
of Honor.
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