9. Presidential Unit Citation
> Issuing branch(s): Issuing branch(s): Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard
> Medals: Medal examples: Army and Air Force Presidential Unit Citation, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Air Force Gallant Unit Citation
This medal category is awarded to U.S. military units, rather than individuals. The unit must display gallantry and determination in accomplishing its mission under highly difficult conditions.
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8. Combat Action Ribbon
> Issuing branch(s): Issuing branch(s): Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard
> Medals: Medal examples: Navy Combat Action Ribbon, Coast Guard Combat Action Ribbon, Air Force Combat Action Medal
The Combat Action Ribbon category is a medal that may be awarded to members of the Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard who have actively participated in ground or aerial combat. To be considered for a Combat Action Ribbon, evidence must establish the military member engaged the enemy, was under hostile fire, or attacked by the enemy. Simply being in an active combat zone isn’t enough to merit one of these medals.
7. Achievement Medal
> Issuing branch(s): Issuing branch(s): Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard
> Medals: Medal examples: Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Commandant’s Letter of Commendation
The Achievement Medals are a military award that is issued by the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard. They are awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who distinguish themselves by outstanding achievement or meritorious service that doesn’t quite constitute nomination for a commendation medal.
6. Commendation Medal
> Issuing branch(s): Issuing branch(s): Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard
> Medals: Medal examples: Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Coast Guard Commendation Medal
Commendation Medals are issued by the Army, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard. This medal category is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguished themselves by meritorious achievement or service. One example, the Joint Service Commendation Medal was authorized in June 1963 and is senior in precedence to service-specific Commendation Medals.
The award category is given for achievements in non-combat situations that warrant more than an achievement medal but not as high as a Meritorious Service Medal. Often, this class of award is given to Non-Commissioned Officers.
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5. Meritorious Service Medal
> Issuing branch(s): Issuing branch(s): Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard
> Medals: Medal examples: Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Aerial Achievement Medal
The Meritorious Service Medal is a military award that is given to service members who display exemplary achievement or service. Issued by the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard, there are specific medals for each branch. Some examples of the different medals include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal and the Aerial Achievement Medal. To be eligible for the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, one must complete duties with distinction on a joint assignment. Most often, this award is given to officers in pay grades O-4 and above.
