United States (1776-present, Republic)

The history of decorations in the United States can be traced back to the American Revolution. The very first American medal was one struck to honor George Washington. These medals were large plaques, very unlike the medals we know today. In 1780, the Andre Medal was presented by the Congress. This was a first medal to be worn around the neck. But in August 1782, the Badge of Military Merit was established by George Washington, which was the first real medal to be awarded to all enlisted service men that would applicate for it. This Badge would become the model for the Purple Heart, established on February 22nd 1932.

The 80 year’s that followed, did not see the establishment of any new decoration, although the United States were part of two major conflicts, the War of 1812 and the War with Mexico. A certificate of Merit was established in 1847, but was not accompanied with a medal. In 1861 the Navy Medal of Honor was established, followed in 1862 by the Army Medal of Honor.

Nearly twenty following years, this was all that remained. Although in 1880 the Navy and Marine Corps Good Conduct Medals were established, now other medals were installed during the Spanish-American War. It would last until the 20th century, until medals were established to honour the Military of that war. Even when the First World War started, the only decorations in the United States were the Medal of Honor, the Certificate of Merit and the Navy/Marine Good Conduct Medals. In order to prevent the Medal of Honor to be presented for minor actions, in 1918 the Distinguished Service Cross and the Distinguished Service Medal were established. Also in 1918 it was permitted to receive foreign medals to US military. In 1919 the Navy Cross and the Navy Distinguished Medal followed. With the introduction of the World War I Victory Medal, the use of clasps and bronze or silver stars was introduced for separate battles involved. Also was introduced a 3/16" Silver Star to denote gallantry in action, which would evolve into the Silver Star Medal in 1932.

With the mobilisation of forces on September 8th 1939, for the first time a decoration was introduced for peacetime service, the American Defence Service Medal. After December 7th 1941, one after the other decoration was established. This tradition would be continued after the war until the day of today.