Awards And Decorations

Question 1

What is the difference between a decoration and an award?

Answer 1

Decoration - a distinctively designed mark of honor denoting heroism or meritorious/outstanding service or achievement for individuals and units Award - recognition given to individuals or units for certain acts or services, badges, accolades, emblems, citations, commendations and streamers

Question 2

What are some examples of Individual US Army decorations?

Answer 2

Medal of Honor Distinguished service cross Distinguished service medal Silver star Legion of merit Distinguished flying cross Soldiers medal Bronze star medal Purple Heart MSM Air medal ARCOM AAM

Question 3

Examples of US unit decorations?

Answer 3

Presidential unit citation Valorous unit award Meritorious unit commendation Army superior unit award

Question 4

What is a medal?

Answer 4

Term used to include 3 categories of awards: decorations, good conduct medals, service medals.

Question 5

What is meant by meritorious achievement?

Answer 5

An act which is well above the expected performance of duty. The act should be an exceptional accomplishment with a definite beginning and ending date. The length of time is not a primary consideration, however speed of accomplishment of an important task can be a factor in determining the value of an act

Question 6

What is meant by meritorious service?

Answer 6

Distinguished by a succession of outstanding acts of achieve to over a sustained period of time. Individual performance must exceed that expected by virtue of grade and experience based on accomplishments during an entire tour of duty

Question 7

What are the categories in which individual awards are grouped?

Answer 7

Decorations Good Conduct Medal Campaign and service medals Service ribbons, badges, and tabs Certificates and letters

Question 8

No military decoration will be awarded more than 2 years after the act or period of service to be honored. What decoration is the exception?

Answer 8

Purple Heart

Question 9

Commanders authorized to award combat and special skills badges are authorized to revoke such awards. When can an award of any combat or special skill badge be automatically revoked?

Answer 9

On dismissal, dishonorable discharge, or conviction by courts-martial for desertion in wartime

Question 10

Any enlisted servicemember who is credited with extraordinary heroism in line of duty and who retires after 20 years or more is entitled to an increase in retired pay, subject to the 75% limit on total retired pay. What is the percentage of increase in retired pay?

Answer 10

10%

Question 11

How are decorations, GCM, service medals and service ribbons ranked in order of precedence when worn or displayed?

Answer 11

1) US military decorations 2) US nonmilitary decorations 3) POW medal 4)GCM 5) reserve component achievement medals 6) service medals and ribbons 7) US merchant marine decorations 8) foreign decorations 9) non-US service medal and ribbons

Question 12

What is so special about peacetime achievements?

Answer 12

Must have significantly contributed to the readiness or effectiveness of a unit or organization or have made notable contributions to the morale or esprit de corps of units or organizations

Question 13

Who may recommend a soldier for award of decoration?

Answer 13

The recommending official must be senior in grade or have first-hand personal knowledge of the event at the time of the action or service to the individual being recommended for an award.

Question 14

What medal is awarded only by the president of the United States?

Answer 14

Medal of Honor

Question 15

What decoration is awarded when an action does “not justify the award of a Medal of Honor” while engaged in an action against an enemy of the US?

Answer 15

Distinguished service cross

Question 16

What decoration is awarded to a person who has distinguished himself by “exceptionally meritorious service” to the government in a duty of great responsibility?

Answer 16

Distinguished service medal

Question 17

What decoration is awarded for “gallantry in action” against an enemy of the US?

Answer 17

Silver star (a valor award. Not awarded for service)

Question 18

What decoration is awarded for distinguishing himself by “exceptionally meritorious conduct” in the performance of outstanding services and achievements?

Answer 18

Legion of merit

Question 19

What decoration is awarded for “heroism not involving” actual conflict with an enemy?

Answer 19

Soldiers medal

Question 20

What decoration is awarded for “heroic or meritorious achievement or service not involving participation in aerial flight” in connection with military operations?

Answer 20

Bronze star medal

Question 21

What decoration is awarded for “outstanding” meritorious achievement or service?

Answer 21

Meritorious service medal

Question 22

What decoration is awarded for heroism, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service?

Answer 22

Army commendation medal

Question 23

What decoration is awarded for meritorious service or achievement of a lesser degree than required for an ARCOM?

Answer 23

Army achievement medal

Question 24

What DA Form is used to initiate, process and approve award recommendations of all US army individual decorations to include valor and heroism?

Answer 24

DA Form 638

Question 25

What medal is awarded for exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity in active federal military service?

Answer 25

Army good conduct medal

Question 26

What is the basis for approval for the GCM?

Answer 26

The immediate unit commander’s personal knowledge of and the individuals official records for periods of service under previous commanders during the period for which the award is to be made

Question 27

What army regulation addresses military awards?

Answer 27

AR 600-8-22