List of military decorations

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is a list of military decorations, listed in order of precedence, awarded by different countries, listed in alphabetical order.

[edit] Ancient Rome

Both Roman Republic and Roman Empire.

Victory Titles (including imperator and pater patriae)
Triumphal Arch
Triumph
Triumphal Regalia
Ovation
Myrtle Crown
Laurel Crown
Grass Crown
Civic Crown
Mural Crown
Naval Crown
Military Diploma
Hasta Pura
Phalerae (military honours)

[edit] Australia

Australian Active Service Medal

[edit] Austria-Hungary

Defenders of Tirol
Equitum Melitensium Bene Merenti
Franz-Joseph Medaille
Integritate et Merito
Karl-Truppenkreuz
Maria Theresa Order
Princeps et Patria
Pro Patria
Signum Laudis
Signum Memoriae
Tapferkeits Medaille
Verdienstkreuz
- Eisernes Verdienstkreuz
Verwundetenmedaille
XXXX Annorum (Signum Laboris)

[edit] Bangladesh

Order of Military Merit
Bir Utam/Gallantry Medal I
Bir Bikram/Gallantry Medal II
Bir Pratik/Gallantry Medal III
Rana Oraka (Taraka)/Campaign Star (Army)
Samor Padak/War Medal
Mukti Taraka/Campaign Star
Joy Padak/Victory Medal
Shang Bidan Padak/Constitution Medal
Dabanal Padak/Hill Tracts Campaign Medal
Plaban 1988 Padak/Flood Relief Medal
Ghumjha 1991 Padak/Cyclone Relief Medal
Ghumjha 1991 Padak/Internal Relief Medal
Jesthata Padak I/30 Years Long Service Medal
Jesthata Padak II/20 Years Long Service Medal
Jesthata Padak III/10 Years Long Service Medal

[edit] Belgium

Order of Leopold
Order of the Crown
Decoration Militaire
Croix Militaire
Croix de Guerre

[edit] Canada

Victoria Cross
Cross of Valour
Companion of the Order of Canada
Officer of the Order of Canada
Member of the Order of Canada
Commander of the Order of Military Merit
Officer of the Order of Military Merit
Member of the Order of Military Merit
Star of Military Valour
Star of Courage
Meritorious Service Cross
Medal of Military Valour
Medal of Bravery
Canada Gulf and Kuwait Medal

[edit] China

People's Republic of China

[edit] Germany

Badge of Honour of the German Armed Forces with different levels:
- Medal of Honour of the German Armed Forces
- Cross of Honour of the German Armed Forces in bronze
- Cross of Honour of the German Armed Forces in silver
- Cross of Honour of the German Armed Forces in gold
Iron Cross (only awarded during wartime)
Pour le Mérite (the 'Blue Max') (obsolete)

Information pertaining to Second World War German decorations may be found under the article Awards and Decorations of Nazi Germany.

[edit] Greece

Order of the Redeemer
Order of Honour
Order of the Phoenix
Order of George I (obsolete)

[edit] Israel

Main article: Israeli Military decorations

Medal of Distinguished Service עיטור המופת
Medal of Courage עיטור העוז
Medal of Valor עיטור הגבורה
TZALASH ציון לשבח - recommendation of honor

[edit] Korea

Taeguk Order of Military Valour and Merit
Field Marshal Lord Eulji Order of Military Valour and Merit
Admiral of the Fleet Lord Chungmu Order of Military Valour and Merit
Hwarang Youth Corps Order of Military Valour and Merit
Field Marshal Lord Inheun Order of Military Valour and Merit

[edit] Kuwait

Wisam al-Tahir (or Kuwait Liberation Medal)

Medal of Valor (Condecoración al Valor Heroico) Awarded to military personnel for exceptional acts of heroism at risk of their own life; may be awarded in both war and peace. Gilt-edged red-enameled “Lancer Cross” (equilateral cross whose arms resemble lance heads) resting on a gilt “star” of multiple rays (resembles a square with points at the cardinal points). Oval red central medallion has “1”, “2,” or “3” according to class, surrounded by a white band inscribed, “Valor Heroico” in gold. Suspended from a red & white ribbon according to class, with a gilt bar at top inscribed, “Mexico.” Comes in three classes: 1st cl -solid red ribbon; 2nd cl -five equal stripes, 3 red & 2 white; 3rd cl -white ribbon with medium width red edges

War Cross (Cruz de Guerra) Awarded to military personnel in time of war or armed conflict for brave actions that do not merit an award of the Valor Medal. Red enameled gilt Maltese cross with “stepped” concave terminations; very large central medallion bears gilt head of Cuauhtémoc in war helmet on red background, surrounded by gilt band inscribed, “Cruz de Guerra” above & class of medal below. Suspended from a red ribbon w/gilt bar at top inscribed “Mexico.” Comes in 3 classes.

Medal of Military Merit (Condecoración al Mérito Militar) Presented to members of the Army & Air Force for acts of exceptional merit that greatly benefits the Mexican Armed Forces. Takes the form of an 8-point gilt or silver star of multiple rays, resting on a blue-enameled cross pattée with slightly concave ends; central medallion has the Mexican eagle on a blue background, surrounded by a red band inscribed, “Mérito Militar” above “1a” or “2a” and “Clase.” Suspended from a blue & red ribbon according to class, with a gilt or silver bar at top inscribed, “Mexico.” Comes in 3 classes: 1st cl -gilt star, worn directly on breast without ribbon; 2nd cl -gilt star, blue ribbon with medium-wide red center stripe; 3rd cl -silver star, blue ribbon with 2 medium-wide red center stripes

Medal of Naval Merit (Condecoración al Mérito Naval) Naval equivalent of the Medal of Military Merit, conferred for exceptionally meritorious acts which benefit the Mexican Navy. Gilt or silver 8-point star of multiple ray, with an anchor in the center in opposing metal color surrounded by a wreath of laurel & oak; inside the wreath is a blue ring inscribed, "Mérito Naval" in gold. Suspended from a white ribbon with blue stripes according to class. Comes in two classes: 1st cl -gilt star w/silver anchor & wreath, blue ribbon with medium-wide white center stripe; 2nd cl -silver star w/gilt anchor & wreath, blue ribbon with 3 equally spaced narrow white stripes

Medal of Naval Aviation Merit (Condecoración al Mérito Aeronautico Naval) Equivalent to the Medal of Naval Merit, given for exceptionally meritorious acts that benefit Mexican Naval Aviation. Consists of a gilt or silver 5-point star with a red central medallion bearing a silver anchor with a gilt propeller along its shaft. Band surrounding center reads, "Mérito Aeronautico". Suspended by a small gilt or silver replica of the Mexican eagle from an olive green ribbon with white stripes according to class. Comes in 2 classes: 1st cl -gilt star, solid olive green ribbon; 2nd cl -silver star, olive green ribbon with equal-width white center stripe

Medal of Technical Merit (Condecoración al Mérito Técnico) Presented to Army or AF personnel who invent or develop useful materials, methods, or reforms that contribute greatly to national defense or the benefit of the armed forces. Gilt or silver 8-point star of multiple rays, bearing large read central medallion with a faceted gilt 5-point star, surrounded by white band inscribed, "Mérito Técnico Militar." Surrounding this band is a silver wreath of laurel & oak. Suspended by a small replica of the Mexican eagle from a green & white ribbon according to class, with a gilt or silver bar at top inscribed, “Mexico.” Comes in 2 classes: 1st cl -gilt medal; lt green ribbon with medium-wide white edges; 2nd cl -silver medal; ribbon has 5 equal stripes, 3 white & 2 lt green

Medal of Naval Technical Merit (Condecoración al Mérito Técnico Naval) Equivalent to the Medal of Technical Merit, awarded to Naval personnel for the development of materials, methods, or reforms that contribute to national defense or the professional expertise of the Navy. Consists of a gold or silver cross with pointed terminations & slightly curved arms, resting on pointed rays. Blue central medallion bears a silver anchor, surrounded bya red band inscribed, "Mérito Técnico Naval" in black. Suspended by a small replica of the Mexican eagle from a blue & white ribbon according to class. Comes in 2 classes: 1st cl -gold cross, blue ribbon; 2nd cl -silver cross, blue ribbon with equal-width white center stripe

Medal for Academic Merit (Condecoración al Mérito Facultativo) Bestowed on students who achieve exceptional marks during their studies at the Military Academies. 1st class medals are given to those who achieve first-tier grades during all their years of study, and 2nd class medals to those who post first & second tier marks. Round medal with raised rim, bearing figure of the statute of the Virgin Mary of Guadalupe, with the Higher Military Academy in the background. Suspended from a green & white ribbon according to class, with a gilt or silver bar at top inscribed, “Mexico.” Comes in 2 classes: 1st cl -gilt medal, moss green ribbon with medium width white center stripe; 2nd cl -silver medal, ribbon has 5 equal stripes, 3 moss green & 2 white 1

Medal for Naval Academic Merit

Medal for Teaching Merit (Condecoración al Mérito Docente) Recognizes instructors at Higher Military Schools who discharge their duties in an exemplary manner for at least 3 years. Gilt 8-point star of multiple rays, with blue central medallion bearing head of Aztec chieftain Cuauhtemoc behind head of the goddess Athena, enclosed within a white band inscribed, “Recompensa al Saber y Asidua Aplicacion.” A green wreath of laurel surrounds the white band. Suspended from a ribbon with 3 equal stripes of red-green-red, with a gilt bar at top inscribed, “Mexico.”

Long Service Medal (Condecoración al Perseverancia) Granted to military personnel for faithful, uninterrupted periods of military service. Basic form is a Maltese cross with 2 or 3 inner raised rims, resting on a 1 or 2 circular wreaths of laurel, with a large round gilt central medallion bearing the number of year's service surrounded by a white band inscribed “Perseverancia” above and the class of medal below. Suspended by a small replica of the Mexican eagle or a 5-point star from a ribbon colored according to class, with a gilt bar at top inscribed “Mexico.” Comes in 9 classes: Por la Patria -(50 yrs service) yellow enameled gilt cross, 2 laurel wreaths, diagonal red-white-green ribbon w/Mexican eagle as suspender; Institucional -(45 yrs service) red enameled gilt cross, 2 laurel wreaths, diagonal red-white-green ribbon w/Mexican eagle as suspender; Extraordinaria -(40 yrs service) white enameled gilt cross, 2 laurel wreaths, red ribbon with medium-narrow green-white center stripe, Mexican eagle as suspender; Especial -(35 yrs service)white enameled gilt cross, 1 gilt laurel wreath, diagonal yellow above gray ribbon divided by narrow green-white-red stripes, Mexican eagle as suspender; 1a clase -(30 yrs service) gilt cross w/blue rims, 1 laurel wreath, white ribbon with diagonal green-white-red center stripes, Mexican eagle as suspender; 2a clase -(25 yrs service) red enameled cross, 1 laurel wreath, ribbon of 3 equal green-white-red stripes w/Mexican eagle as suspender; 3a clase -(20 yrs service)green enameled cross, 1 laurel wreath, ribbon with 5 equal green-white-red-white-green stripse, 5-point star as a suspender; 4a clase -(15 yrs service) white enameled cross, 1 laurel wreath, white ribbon with medium width green (left) and red edges, 5-point star as suspender; 5a clase -(10 yrs service) red enameled cross, 1 silver laurel wreath, halved green (left) and red (right)ribbon w/5-point star as suspender

Military Sports Medal (Condecoración al Merito Deportivo Militar) Given to military personnel who distinguish themselves while representing Mexico in either individual or team sports competitions. Rectangular yellow allow medal with circular emblem in center representing various sports, with inscription “Merito” above & “Deportivo” below. Suspended by a Mexican eagle resting in the flames of a torch from a orange & white ribbon according to class, with a gilt bar at top inscribed, “Mexico.” Comes in 4 classes: 1st cl -orange ribbon with medium width white edges; 2nd cl -white ribbon with 5 equal width stripes, 3 white & 2 orange; 3rd cl -white ribbon with 7 equal width stripes, 4 white & 3 orange; 4th cl -white ribbon with 9 equal width stripes, 5 white & 4 orange

Distinguished Service Medal (Condecoración al Servicios Distinguidos) Presented to Army & AF personnel who demonstrate initiative & dedication throughout the course of their military career. Round gilt medal with outer rim formed by a wreath of laurel enclosing inner beaded, raised rim; center bears 10-rayed Aztec style “sun wheel” with Toltec pyramid inside, above inscription “Servicios Distinguidos”. Suspended by a small Mexican eagle from a ribbon of 3 equal lt blue-white-lt blue stripes with a gilt bar at top inscribed, “Mexico.”

Pacific Service Medal (Condecoración por Servicio en el Lejano Oriente) Recognizes military personnel, primarily members of the Mexican Expeditionary Air Force, who fought against the Japanese in the Pacific during 1944-45. Round medal with silver rim inscribed “Servicio en el Lejano Oriente” enclosing yellow enamel ring surrounding gilt central medallion bearing Aztec “sun god” emitting rays with three 5-point stars below & to sides. Gilt FAEM pilot's wing with pointed, enameled shield is mounted just above the center medallion, partially obscuring the top of the medallion and with wings breaking the edge of the medal. Suspended from a unique ribbon, half green (left) & half red with triangular white field inset at top; gilt attachment bar at top reads “Mexico.”

Legion of Honor (Condecoración el Legión de Honor Mexicano) Honors officers inducted into the Mexican Legion of Honor as a result of their efforts and achievements. Red enameled gilt Maltese cross with single blue inward pointing arrowhead inserted between the points of the terminations, with single sharp ray between each arm; the whole rests on a lt blue oval with serrated edges. Hollow central oval bears gilt figure of warrior king Cuauhtemoc in feathered headdress surrounded by red band inscribed, “Legión de Honor” above a half-wreath of laurel. Suspended by a small gilt Mexican eagle from a lt blue ribbon with medium-width yellow edges, with a gilt bar at top inscribed, “Mexico.”

Retirees Medal (Condecoración de Retiro) Presented to officers who retire after more than 45 years active service. Vaguely cross shaped medal, each arm formed by 3 pointed rays (center ray longer than other 2) with single, wide faceted ray between the arms (looks like pointed cross resting on an octagon). Central oval portrays hand above volcano within half-wreath of laurel, all on field of inscribed rays. Suspended from a sky blue ribbon with equal width golden-yellow center stripe, with a gilt bar at top inscribed, “Mexico.” Comes in 3 classes: Banda -badge on sash for General grade officers; Collar -badge on neck ribbon for Sr Officers; Medalla -badge on chest ribbon for Officers

Anti-narcotics Campaign Medal of Merit (Condecoración por Mérito en el Campaña contra el Narcotráfico) Recognizes military personnel and civilians for active participation in countering narcotics traffic. Red-enameled gilt cross pattee with slightly widened terminations, with an 8-point star of multiple blunt rays in the center; the three major rays of each point are square-ended and extend more than the other rays. Green central medallion bears gilt map of Mexico, surrounded by white band inscribed, “Merito en Campana” above and “Narcotrafico” below. Suspended by a small replica of a Mexican eagle from a green & black ribbon according to class, with a gilt bar at top inscribed “Mexico.” Comes in 4 classes: Orden -slightly larger cross, green ribbon with wide black center stripe and overlaid diagonal green-white-red central stripe; 1st cl -cross suspended from green ribbon with wide black center stripe; 2nd cl -cross suspended from ribbon with 5 equal green-black-green-black-green stripes; 3rd cl -cross suspended from ribbon with 3 equal green-black-green stripes

[edit] Netherlands

Order of William
Order of Orange Nassau
Bronzen Leeuw (Bronze Lion)
Bronzen Kruis (Bronze Cross)
Kruis van Verdienste (Cross of Merit)
Vliegerkruis (Pilots' Cross)

[edit] Norway

Norwegian army national service medal

These orders and medals may be awarded for service in the Norwegian armed forces, some of them may also be awarded for civilian merits.

War Cross with sword
The Royal Norwegian Order of St. Olav
The Royal Norwegian Order of Merit
Haakon VIIs Freedom Cross
War Medal
Medal of Heroism, Military
Haakon VIIs Freedom Medal
Defence Service Medal with Laurel Branch
Defence Medal 1940 – 1945
H. M. The Kings Medal of Merit for Service in the Home Guard
Norwegian Korea Medal
Haakon VIIs 70th Anniversary Medal
Defence Service Medal
Defence Medal Wounded in Combat Two versions
Defence Medal International Operations
Medal for Defence Service Abroad
Medal for Defence Operation Abroad
National Service Medal Four versions.
- See also Norwegian orders and medals.

[edit] Pakistan

[edit] Poland

For a full list with ribbons see: Polish military awards and decorations

Virtuti Militari
Order Orła Białego Order of the White Eagle
Krzyż Armii Krajowej Home Army Cross
Krzyż Niepodległości Cross of Independence
Krzyż Walecznych Cross of Valour
Order of Polonia Restituta
Medal za Zasługi dla Obronności
Medal Wojska za Wojnę 1939-45 Military Medal for the War of 1939-45
Krzyż Zasługi Cross of Merit

[edit] Prussia

[edit] Romania

Medalia "Apăratorii independenţei" (Medal for Defense of Independence (for the War 1877-78))
Crucea comemorativă a războiului 1916-1918 (World War I Commemorative Cross)
Crucea "Trecerea Dunării" (Cross of "Danube Crossing", for the War 1877-78)
Cruciada împotriva Comunismului(Crusade against Communism)
În amintirea înalţătorului avânt 1913 (Commemorative Medal for the Balkan War of 1912-1913)
Ordinul Mihai Viteazul (Order of Michael the Brave)
Ordinul "Steaua României" (Order of the Star of Romania)
Ordinul "Pentru Merit" (Order for Merit)
Medalia "Virtutea Militară" (Medal for Military Virtue)
Medalia "Bărbăţie şi Credinţă" (Medal for Bravery and Loyalty)

[edit] Russian Federation

Honorary title:

Hero of the Russian Federation

Orders:

Order of St. Andrew (highest civil and military award)
Order of Saint George (highest military award)
Order of Merit for the Fatherland
Order of Courage
Order of Zhoukov
Order of Suvorov
Order of Ushakov
Order of Kutuzov
Order of Alexander Nevsky
Order of Nakhimov
Order of Maritime Merit
Order of Military Merit (Russian Federation)

Medals (main):

Medal of the Gold Star (for the title "Hero of the Russian Federation")
Medal of the Order of Merit for the Fatherland
Medal of Valour
Medal of Suvorov
Medal of Nesterov
Medal of Ushakov
Medal of Zhukov

[edit] Saudi Arabia

Nuth al-Tahrir al-Kuwait (or Medal for the Liberation of Kuwait)

[edit] Singapore

Darjah Utama Bakti Cemerlang (Tentera) (Distinguished Service Order (Military))
Pingat Gagah Perkasa (Tentera) (Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (Military))
Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera) (Meritorious Service Medal (Military))
Pingat Pentadbiran Awam, Emas (Tentera) (Public Administration Medal, Gold (Military))
Pingat Pentadbiran Awam, Perak (Tentera) (Public Administration Medal, Silver (Military))
Pingat Pentadbiran Awam, Gangsa (Tentera) (Public Administration Medal, Bronze (Military))
Pingat Penghargaan (Tentera (Tentera) (Commendation Medal (Military))
Pingat Berkebolehan (Tentera) (Efficiency Medal (Military))
Singapore Armed Forces Overseas Medal (Operational)
Singapore Armed Forces Overseas Medal (Non-operational)
Singapore Armed Forces Long Service and Good Conduct Medal
Singapore Armed Forces Good Service Medal

[edit] South Africa

Current South African military decorations and medals:

Nkwe ya Gauta (Golden Leopard)
Nkwe ya Selefera (Silver Leopard)
iPhrothiya yeGolide (Golden Protea)
Nkwe ya Boronse (Bronze Leopard)
iPhrothiya yeSiliva (Silver Protea)
iPhrothiya yeBhronzi (Bronze Protea)
Tshumelo Ikatelaho (General Service Medal)
Medalje vir Troue Diens (Medal for Loyal Service)
Okhankanyiweyo (Mention in Despatches)
Emblem for Reserve Force Service

[edit] South Vietnam

[edit] Sri Lanka

Parama Weera Vibhushanaya
Noble Courage Adornment
Weerodara Vibhushanaya
Weera Wickrama Vibhushanaya
Rana Wickrama Padakkama
Rana Sura Padakkama
Vishista Seva Vibhushanaya
Uttama Seva Padakkama
Videsha Seva Padakkama
Desha Putra Sammanaya
North and East Operations Medal
Purna Bhumi Padakkama
Prashansaniya Seva Vibhushanaya
Prashansaniya Seva Padakkama

[edit] Thailand

Order of Rama (เครื่องราชอิสริยาภรณ์อันมีศักดิ์รามาธิบดี)
Order of the White Elephant (เครื่องราชอิสริยาภรณ์อันเป็นที่เชิดชูยิ่งช้างเผือก)
Order of the Crown of Thailand (เครื่องราชอิสริยาภรณ์อันมีเกียรติยศยิ่งมงกุฎไทย)
The Bravery Medal (เหรียญกล้าหาญ)
The Victory Medal World War II (เหรียญชัยสมรภูมิ สงครามมหาเอเชียบูรพา)
The Victory Medal in the war at Korea (เหรียญชัยสมรภูมิ สงครามร่วมรบกับสหประชาชาติ ณ ประเทศเกาหลี)
The Victory Medal in the war at Vietnam (เหรียญชัยสมรภูมิ การรบ ณ สาธารณรัฐเวียดนาม)
Freemen Safeguarding Medal (เหรียญพิทักษ์เสรีชน)
Dushdi Mala Medal (เหรียญดุษฎีมาลา เข็มศิลปวิทยา)
Border Service Medals (เหรียญราชการชายแดน)
Chakra Mala Medal (เหรียญจักรมาลา)
Chakrabarti Mala Medal (เหรียญจักรพรรดิมาลา)