Army Commendation Medal Ribbon / Medal Details

Details for the Army Commendation Medal

Date Authorized: December 18th, 1945

Ribbon Identification Colors: white; green

Visual Description (Ribbon):

Thin white band then followed by thicker green band; at the center are thin bands of white and green in order white-green-white-green-white-green-white-green-white, ending with a thicker green band and a thin white band.

Visual Description (Medal):

Hexagonal medal suspended by loop ring from ribbon; image depicted is of an American Bald Eagle with wings open; on its breast is a shield; in the grasp of the its talons are three arrows, crossed at their midway point; the arrowheads point to the left side; REVERSE: There is a rectangle for engraving of recipients name; above the panel are the words "For Military" and below it, "Merit"; There is a single sprig of laurel under the entire scene.

Award Criteria:

Awarded to US Armed Forces personnel (excluding General Officers) having served in the US Army after Decemver 6th, 1941 and having had distinguished themselves through heroism; meritorious achievement or like service. This award may also be presented to a member of a US-friendly ally through the same criteria, though this encompasses actions only after June 1st, 1962. This action would have to be beneficial to a US-ally or the United States directly. May be given for acts of "noncombat-related heroism". Also given for acts that do not fulfill the higher criteria required for the awarding of the Bronze Star.

For official awarding criteria per the US military, please visit: http://www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil/Awards/order_of_precedence.aspx