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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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