Military ribbons are not a metaphor to mean something. However, military ribbons are significant in several ways. Physically, they are nothing more than thin ribbons mounted on a bar. It is then attached using a small device. The bar varies in size and color. Additionally, different military ribbons are made with unique fabric. A ribbon is a substitute for a medal, where it is not appropriate to wear one. Rules on ribbons may vary between countries. The United States has some events where only ribbons are awarded.
Military ribbons are awarded to the men and women in service for various accomplishments. Here is a glimpse of what military ribbons are for.
Distinguished Acts of Valor (Beyond the Call of Duty)
The highest and most prestigious decoration, the Medal of Honor, is only awarded to a few exceptional individuals. Only men and women with distinguished acts can get it. Abbreviated MOH, the thin ribbon is normally awarded by the president. And not only that, it must be awarded in the presence of Congress. Just how important is the Medal of Honor? Well, enough to require military men and women to render salutes to a recipient. Besides, the recipient receives many other privileges. Signalman First Class Douglas Munro is the first and only coast guardsman to receive it. He rescued 500 marines under fire in 1942.
Extreme Gallantry in Combat
Distinguished Service Cross comes only second to the MOH. Exclusively awarded by the army, this medal is awarded for extreme gallantry and risk of life. Only the most gallant soldiers receive it. Distinguished Service Cross comes only second to the MOH. Recipients include soldiers who participated in the Boxer Rebellion of the Philippines. Unlike other ribbons, the Distinguished Service Cross is only awarded in combat. Navy Cross, Air Force Cross, and Coast Guard Cross are the other medals awarded under this category.
Exceptional Acts of National Security
The thin ribbons in this category are awarded to those who have shown exceptional acts of patriotism. It is for military people who have contributed to the security of the country, one way or another. Many medals fall under this category, including:
- Defense Distinguished Service medal
- Airforce Distinguished Service Medal
- Homeland Security Distinguished Service Medal
- Navy Distinguished Service Medal
- Distinguished Service Medal (Army)
Unlike medals in the first two categories above, this particular one can be awarded to civilians. However, it is only civilians working for the listed military departments are eligible.
Non-combat Heroism
Specific soldiers are awarded military ribbons for other actions besides combat. The ribbon is unique because it can be awarded to persons of a foreign country. But the person must have assisted the United States to accomplish a mission. Medals under this category include Soldier’s Medal, Navy and Marine’s Corp Medal, and Airman’s Medal.
Medals are the most prestigious elements of the military. Receiving one, irrespective of the level, is every service person’s dream. Is everyone allowed to wear military ribbons? Only veterans can wear a military ribbon. They are encouraged to wear them. Phaleristics is a term used to collect ribbons and other military decorations. Yes, you heard that right. Ribbons are collected, but it is debatable whether it is legal. It is also uncertain if genuine ones can be collected by not-so-military individuals. But one thing is for sure; a military ribbon is not for everyone. One has to earn it, and it comes naturally. We may never know how many people came short of earning a ribbon but didn’t. You can guess some people died in the middle of a heroic act. Some potential recipients may also have gone unnoticed.