In the United States, the highest-ranking military medals are generally awarded to honor valor, heroism, and those who serve in combat above and beyond the call of duty. Below we take a look at the top-ranking medals, which are awarded for exceptional service on the battlefield. One thing to keep in mind before we dive in: Military medals are typically classified into awards and decorations. The main difference between the two is that awards can be presented to a full unit but can only be presented to an individual. A great way to show off your achievements for your time in the military is showcasing them in Navy shadowboxes.
The Medal of Honor
This is the highest military award that honors valor. Another exceptional feature of this medal is that it’s the only military award that’s approved by Congress for presentation by the President. This decoration is presented to individuals who have been recognized for going above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in combat against any name of the U.S.
Typically, this medal is sometimes incorrectly referred to as the Congressional Medal of Honor. The three branches of the US military, namely the Army, the Air Force, and finally, the Navy. The Coast Guard and Marine Corps each have their own versions. Currently, about 3,473 Medals of Honor have been awarded to service members across all branches. The perfect way to preserve this medal is in a Nave shadowbox.
The Distinguished Service Cross
This distinguished the second-highest military medal. Like the Medal of Honor, it’s presented to an individual who has shown valor. The Navy has its own version called the Navy Cross, then there’s also the Air Force Cross.
The Silver Star
As the third-highest military medal, the Silver Star is awarded only for bravery and exceptional service demonstrated by an individual under fire. The Silver Star can only be presented by a general with at least three stars.
Distinguished Flying Cross
As the name suggests, this military medal is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional bravery or extraordinary achievement, that’s related to flying.
The Bronze Star
The Bronze Star is an exceptional medal because it can be awarded to both members of the U.S troops and foreign military organizations. It’s presented for both valor and meritorious service.
The Purple Heart
The Purple Heart is an important military medal that’s awarded for loss of life or injuries caused by an opposing force while in combat. The Purple Heart can be presented to individuals without the need for a recommendation, unlike other medals such as the Silver Star and Distinguished Flying Cross.
The above-mentioned military medals are highly esteemed and, as such, should be preserved well in navy shadowboxes. In fact, Navy shadowboxes are an idea that first sprang to life when sailors long ago kept mementos in handmade sturdy boxes. They are therefore borne of an ancient naval tradition, hence the name “navy shadowboxes.”
