The terms ‘medals’ and ‘decorations’ are used interchangeably in some settings but differ in many ways. Each of these awards should fit comfortably in military award display boxes, but knowing the differences between them will make your display that much better.
What Are Military Medals?
Military medals are medallions that can hang from your uniform and are given out based on various acts performed in the line of duty. Specifically, medals are given out for ‘good conduct’ based on elements like the specific campaign you fight.
Most of the time, they come in a round shape and hang from a ribbon off your uniform. And while they are often listed alongside decorations and serve a similar purpose, decorations are different and in some ways more highly acclaimed than standard medals.
What Are Decorations?
Decorations may take the shape of crosses or stars and are different than medals because they are given out for various types of meritorious services and acts of gallantry. For example, multiple crosses indicate bravery in the line of fire or service that went above and beyond expectations.
You may find that some decorations are called ‘medals,’ which may be confusing. For example, the Medal of Honor is considered a decoration but has the word ‘medal’ in its name, breeding some confusion when putting them in military award display boxes.
What Awards Are Common?
Many types of military decorations and medals are widespread. For instance, the Silver Star is the third-highest military combat decoration available to the US Armed Forces members. Other awards include:
- Ribbons – These awards are placed according to specific protocols, showing combat action and overseas service.
- Badges – As a type of decoration that indicates a member’s ratings, qualifications, and skills and is usually something that most military members possess.
- Personal Medals – Given out for specific acts that you have completed, such as bravery in the face of adversity and other types of awards.
- Conduct Medals – These are given out for those service members who displayed good or brave conduct in unexpected situations and scenarios.
Many of these awards are often given out based on your campaign, too, such as getting specific awards for serving in the Korean War or various other actions.
Displaying Your Awards
Most are designed to fit within military award display boxes easily, so make sure that you find a box that meets your needs and feels easy to display in your home with minimum difficulties.
