Understanding the Highest Military Awards in the U.S. Army and Their Significance

The U.S. Army, like all branches of the American military, has a rich history of acknowledging the bravery and sacrifice of its soldiers through various awards and honors. The highest military award a soldier can receive, which is often the focus of countless discussions and debates, is the Medal of Honor. This award is followed by various other honors that recognize different levels of valor and achievement. In this article, we will explore the significance of the Medal of Honor and other notable awards given to active-duty soldiers, as well as discuss the role of the President in awarding these honors.

The Highest Military Award: The Medal of Honor

The Medal of Honor is the highest military award that can be given to an active-duty soldier by the President of the United States. This prestigious award recognizes extraordinary heroism while performing military service. Historically, this award has been given to soldiers who demonstrate the highest standards of excellence and self-sacrifice in the face of enemy action.

Since its inception, the Medal of Honor has been awarded over 3,500 times. Notable examples include the service of soldiers who saved the lives of comrades at the risk of their own life or made significant contributions to the success of a mission.

Other Major Awards in the U.S. Army

While the Medal of Honor stands as the pinnacle of recognition, there are other commendations and awards that soldiers can earn to recognize their exceptional service. Some of the most notable awards in the U.S. Army include:

Presidential Unit Citation

The Presidential Unit Citation (PUC) is a battle honor that a unit can receive for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service. While the Presidential Unit Citation is not an individual award, it is still a significant honor that reflects the valor and dedication of the entire unit.

Defense Superior Service Medal

The Defense Superior Service Medal (DSSM) is a service medal awarded to individuals who have demonstrated exceptionally meritorious service while serving in a responsible position. It is a lesser-known but still prestigious award that highlights significant contributions to military operations.

Legion of Merit

The Legion of Merit (LOM) is one of the highest individual awards that can be given for exceptional service and performance. The LOM is bestowed upon individuals who have accomplished outstanding feats of heroism or extraordinary service to the United States.

Other Notable Awards

Various other awards, such as the Distinguished Service Medal (DSM), Silver Star, and Bronze Star, also recognize significant contributions and achievements. These medals and awards range from high-level honors like the Silver Star, which recognizes valor in the face of enemy action, to the Bronze Star, which can be awarded for heroism and meritorious service in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States.

Awarding Process

The process of awarding these honors is rigorous and often involves a detailed review of the individual's actions and contributions. Typically, after a soldier's commendation is reviewed, it is submitted to a board, usually composed of service members at the highest levels, for final approval. The board assesses the evidence and decides whether the soldier's actions warrant the award.

A notable example of this process involves the elevation of soldiers' heroic acts and their awards. In many cases, initial recommendations for awards are made at lower levels but are often reviewed and sometimes elevated by higher authorities.

The Role of the President

The President of the United States holds the authority to award the Medal of Honor, making it the highest award that an individual can receive. The nomination process for the Medal of Honor usually involves thorough documentation of the individual's actions and heroism, followed by a formal presentation by the President. This can take place during ceremonies, state occasions, or even on the battlefield.

In addition to the Medal of Honor, the President can also award other individual and unit awards, such as the Distinguished Service Medal and the Presidential Unit Citation, as part of their official duties.

Conclusion

The U.S. Army and other branches of the U.S. military have a long history of recognizing the bravery and dedication of their soldiers. From the highest award, the Medal of Honor, to lesser-known but still significant honors like the Presidential Unit Citation, each award serves a purpose in commending and commemorating the extraordinary service and valor of soldiers. Understanding the significance of these awards and the process by which they are awarded helps to preserve the memory of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

Keywords: Medal of Honor, Army Awards, Combat Medals