Soldier's Medal Ribbon / Medal Details

Details for the Soldier's Medal

Date Authorized: May 5th, 1930

Ribbon Identification Colors: gold; blue (67118); red (67156); white (67101)

Visual Description (Ribbon):

Awarded to armed forces personnel of the United States Army (as well as foreign members in service to such) that distinguishes themself "by heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy". Criteria must supercede "personal hazard or danger and include the personal risk of life. The degree of heroism is comparable to the Distinguished Service Cross and go beyond the saving a life.

Visual Description (Medal):

Octagonal bronze medal; the medal is suspended from the ribbon by a rectangular loop; along the front of the medal, there is showcased an eagle facing left with its wings spread out and above its head; the eagle splits two groups of stars - six clustered to the left and a further seven clustered to the right; the group of six is capped with a spray of leaves; the eagle sits atop a structure; on the reverse of the mdeal is written "Soldier's Medal" arched over the top as well as "For Valor" to the left and right of a shield paly lines with laurel and oak; the recipient's name is engraved in an open rectangular area at the center bottom of the reverse side.

Award Criteria:

Awarded to armed forces personnel of the United States Army (as well as foreign members in service to such) that distinguishes themself "by heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy". Criteria must supercede "personal hazard or danger and include the personal risk of life". The degree of heroism is comperable to the Distinguished Service Cross and go beyond the saving a life.

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