The Commendation Medal is a mid-level United States military decoration presented for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service. Each branch of the United States Armed Forces issues its own version of the Commendation Medal, with a fifth version existing for acts of joint military service performed under the Department of Defense.
Five Commendation Medals are awarded by branch or service. From left to right: Joint Service, Army, Naval Service, Air and Space Forces, and Coast Guard.
Image: Joint Service Commendation Medal
Image: Navy and Marine Corps Commedation Medal
Image: Air and Space Commendation Medal
Awards and decorations of the United States Armed Forces
The awards and decorations of the United States Armed Forces include various medals, service ribbons, ribbon devices, and specific badges which recognize military service and personal accomplishments of members of the U.S. Armed Forces. Such awards are a means to outwardly display the highlights of a service member's career.
Service ribbons, ribbon devices, and badge awards displayed on a Command Master Chief Petty Officer's service uniform.