Which is your highest precedent military award, or your most treasured? Post a picture

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 21:54:51 -0400

I am fascinated with militaria, and that includes honors that SM's have earned that I speak to on a daily basis...here on RP.

So, this is a Get-To-Know you question...post and share if you'd like us all to get to know you a little better. Provide a brief description of how you were awarded the top award.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2015 9:57 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 21:57:42 -0400

My top award is the AAM, but I do treasure my CAR the most out of my current rack of ribbons.

I received it for some actions while at AT in Honduras...hasty actions for a soldier that was having a heat stroke. Pretty routine award across the Guard.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Apr 14 at 2015 10:04 PM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 22:04:14 -0400

Pretty simple combo

Response by COL Charles Williams made Apr 14 at 2015 10:18 PM

COL Charles Williams — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 22:18:29 -0400

I have many awards and decorations, and badges, which happens over 33 years in the Army. The thing I am most proud of, was being inducted into the Fort Benning Infantry OCS Hall Fame. Not because I am anything special; I consider myself an average Joe. It is special to me because of the names were already in there.

Response by MSG David Chappell made Apr 14 at 2015 10:23 PM

MSG David Chappell — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 22:23:51 -0400

In 1991 while on assignment in Panama I was awarded the Indiana Distinguished Service Cross for valor. It is the highest award given to the Indiana national guard but the lowest by active duty standards. One of my stupidest acts and my proudest moment.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2015 10:29 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 22:29:58 -0400

The award that means the most to me is probably the BN coin I received as a Cadet. I was put in by my 1SG, a man who continually set the bar for leadership. His mentorship has continued to influence me to this day. My BN Commander was also one of the best Officers I've served with. The fact that these two men I had so much respect for valued my contributions made that coin incredibly special to me.

My top award is an MSM. I'm admittedly a little bitter about it. About a third of the PLs and PSGs in my BN had their end of tour awards downgraded from a BSM to MSM by our own Brigade. We all ran the same missions and for the most part received the same amount of contact. Once more, I had more time outside the wire than the majority of my peers. I was able to get BSMs through for my 3 SLs and my PSG, so my troops received higher awards than I did. I don't necessarily think I deserve a BSM for my deployment, but I do feel that I deserve the same award as my peers. The fact that the REMFs in Arifjan received BSMs and never even went into Iraq doesn't help my outlook either.

Response by CPT Bruce Rodgers made Apr 15 at 2015 12:32 AM

CPT Bruce Rodgers — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 00:32:39 -0400

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Apr 15 at 2015 12:53 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 00:53:11 -0400

CPT Private RallyPoint Member presented me with this bad mamma jamma.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2015 2:04 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 02:04:30 -0400

First metal awarded and still the most cherished!

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Apr 15 at 2015 7:19 AM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 07:19:15 -0400

Meritorious Service Medal - Beirut, Lebanon (1983-1984)

Back in the 80s, it was rare to see an enlisted Marine with a Meritorious Service Medal --- they usually went to senior enlisted (upon retirement) and, of course, to officers.

Response by SFC Charles W. Robinson made Apr 15 at 2015 12:37 PM

SFC Charles W. Robinson — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 12:37:43 -0400

I am not where I can grab a photo so I will just type it in.

I prefer the coins of excellence. They are given on the spot for something outstanding by a leader that thought - Wow, that was standup!

Immediate praise for a job well done leaves a lasting impression on a service member and is the sign of a good leader.

"The impression that this coin leaves in your hand will last only a few seconds, but the impression left by a great leader lasts forever. I want you to become that leader!"

Response by SFC Stephen King made Apr 15 at 2015 2:37 PM

SFC Stephen King — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 14:37:34 -0400

My most cherished award is my Good Conduct Medal. It has two silver clasps (no picture). In essence it represents my service to this great country. Even though I have had some failures in my career. I have been able to maintain the good conduct medal throughout my career.

The Army Good Conduct Medal (AGCM) was established by Executive Order 8809, 28 June 1941 and was amended by Executive Order 9323, 1943 and by Executive Order 10444, 10 April 1953. It is awarded for exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity in active Federal military service. It is awarded on a selective basis to each Soldier who distinguishes himself or herself from among his or her fellow Soldiers by their exemplary conduct, efficiency, and fidelity throughout a specified period of continuous enlisted active Federal military service, as outlined in chapter 4, AR 600-8-22. There is no right or entitlement to the medal until the immediate commander has approved the award and the award has been announced in permanent orders.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Apr 15 at 2015 2:42 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 14:42:35 -0400

I have two I was really proud of. I have a Letter of Appreciation from Boot Camp (from the Chaplain), and a NavCom (as a Sgt).

NavComs are fairly rare in the Marine Corps compared to ACM's in the Army, and having one as a Sgt was extremely rare.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2015 10:35 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 22:35:22 -0400

I can't find a good pic, but mine is The Order of Saint Maurice (Centurian level).

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2015 10:42 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 22:42:37 -0400

BSM w/Valor is my most cherished.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2015 11:27 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 23:27:45 -0400

The highest I have is a plain ole MSM.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2015 5:28 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 05:28:17 -0400

My CIB, it reminds me to always humble myself and thank God everyday I could come back home when others couldn't...will always have great pride and meaning within me

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2015 8:34 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 08:34:39 -0400

I received a Navy Achievement Medal during my first tour to Afghanistan. By no means the highest, but I am most proud of that one.

Response by PO3 Tanis Huston made Apr 16 at 2015 8:41 AM

PO3 Tanis Huston — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 08:41:25 -0400

I have two that mean a lot to me. One is the Combat Action Ribbon that I earned in 2005. That was the moment that I realized if things played out any differently I wouldn't be here today but it didn't bother me because I knew that I would be leaving this earth with some of the greatest people that I consider my family.

And don't laugh because my other favorite is my Good Conduct metal because as snipe there where a fare amount that never made it to there first one the first time. Also because I had a lot of family that said see you in a couple weeks when I was leaving for boot camp because they didn't believe I would even make it through boot camp let alone to the end if my enlistment.

Response by PO2 Mark Saffell made Apr 16 at 2015 11:56 AM

PO2 Mark Saffell — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 11:56:57 -0400

I'm honored to be on RP with my fellow veterans. I was in during a time it was rate to get anything but a good conduct. As an ET we all got those. However I have learned recently that Congress may actually thank those if us that stood the watch during the Cold War. I was in from 1975 to 1981. Missed Viet Nam and was gone from active duty before Grenada. But that didn't stop our 9 month deployments to be ready for the Cold War.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Apr 16 at 2015 12:17 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 12:17:20 -0400

Antarctic Service Medal. Got to do and learn so many things as an O1/O2. Being 23-25 and building things, blowing things up, joining the 200 and 300 degree clubs, gassing the XO with nitrous oxide.... Oh yeah. Best job I ever had.

Response by SSG John Bacon made Apr 16 at 2015 2:32 PM

SSG John Bacon — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 14:32:12 -0400

How many E-5's receive this award?

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2015 3:01 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 15:01:18 -0400

My most treasured is my MOVSM. There is not much to doing my job and getting an award. But my I challenged myself to take time out of my day for many days after work and on the weekends to help out others in a plethra of ways. This award is biggest accomplishment, to be less selfish and more selfless.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Apr 16 at 2015 3:04 PM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 15:04:37 -0400

Highest is My CIB. But Most memorable was My second ARCOM.

Response by CPT Bob Moore made Apr 16 at 2015 4:12 PM

CPT Bob Moore — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 16:12:22 -0400

I've got an MSM and a JCOM, but my most cherished "awards" and my NCOPD Ribbon, My Good Conduct Medal, and the coin SMA Kidd gave me. The first two help show that this guy once knew what it was like to be one of those lower enlisted guys in the mud, the last one I got when I was a Specialist in Korea doing some awesome stuff with some awesome guys.

Response by SFC Michael Jackson, MBA made Apr 16 at 2015 4:30 PM

SFC Michael Jackson, MBA — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 16:30:26 -0400

My highest award is the Bronze Star. However, my most cherished is the MSM I received coming off of Drill Sergeant Duty.

Response by SSG John Erny made Apr 16 at 2015 6:21 PM

SSG John Erny — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 18:21:15 -0400

Generals Coin from the Nebraska TAG for suicide prevention efforts as a peer counselor. I can tell that it is not a pleasant experience when called upon to intervene in a soldiers life to prevent them from making a mistake that can not be undone. When you succeed, it is rewarding; however, It is great burden when you fail.

Sorry I do not have a picture of it.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Apr 16 at 2015 6:23 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 18:23:31 -0400

Defense Meritorious Service Medal

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2015 7:16 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 19:16:28 -0400

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2015 9:15 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 21:15:45 -0400

Highest award. DMSM.
Treasured. MOVSM.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Apr 16 at 2015 9:56 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 21:56:01 -0400

Most treasured, the Air Medal

Response by SSG Richard Reilly made Apr 17 at 2015 1:24 PM

SSG Richard Reilly — Fri, 17 Apr 2015 13:24:41 -0400

I have several awards (MSMs, ARCOMs, AAMs, other pretty colored and shiny ones) but the think I appreciate the most is that I have every US flag I stood in front of for reenlistment and my retirement US flag.

Response by SSgt Joe V. made Apr 24 at 2015 3:01 PM

SSgt Joe V. — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 15:01:25 -0400

Pretty proud of these two...(I know one of them isn't military...)

Response by MSgt James Mullis made Apr 24 at 2015 3:45 PM

MSgt James Mullis — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 15:45:43 -0400

I was fortunate enough to receive three MSM's in my career. I'm most proud of my first one, which I received as a TSgt in 1992 at Kunsan AB in South Korea. I remember the medal package returning from my squadron commander (a Major), with a note that said TSgt's (E6) don't get MSM's in his squadron (period). When my boss, a Lt Col and (and finest officer I ever worked for) read the note, he quietly told me to come with him and we went to the Majors office. In a very commanding voice, he told the major he did not care about his "little policy" and to sign the "damn paper now". He then carried the package to the Wing Commander for approval and the next day hand carried it to the 7th AF commander (a Lt Gen and future Chief of Staff of the AF). What the Major did not know, was that my boss had just been selected as the 7th AF Commander's Executive Officer.

To make a good story sad, the Colonel was killed in a F-16 accident a month later. You never know what will come, even to the best of us.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2015 9:46 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 21:46:04 -0400

I have two that I consider most memorable: my overseas service ribbon because I have great memories from Germany. The other is my good conduct ribbon because I never knew it was awarded until nearly 5 years after it was in fact awarded. I finally found out when I decided to join the Illinois Army National Guard after 5 years of separation from active duty.

I am most proud of my first ARCOM because while most of the E4s got AAMs for service in Iraq, I got an ARCOM because I earned it thru hard work and never saying "no" to any additional duty or assignment.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2015 3:25 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 15:25:47 -0400

My highest award is the Army Commendation Medal (three of them). One was submitted as a MSM but the GO in the chain downgraded it and sent it back as an ARCOM. The first one I received for my service in Iraq probably means the most.

I've got a host of other awards and they all mean something to me for some event in my military career. I received the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal for my 16 plus years of volunteering with the Civil Air Patrol. That one means a lot too.

The group photo is not updated since the award of the third ARCOM but the MOVSM is on the bottom row.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2015 2:43 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 May 2015 14:43:26 -0400

Tangible: Air Medal
Non-tangible: Thank you.

Response by SPC Charles Brown made May 2 at 2015 2:56 PM

SPC Charles Brown — Sat, 02 May 2015 14:56:06 -0400

This one is the ribbon I am proudest of, it simply says I served.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made May 2 at 2015 3:08 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Sat, 02 May 2015 15:08:41 -0400

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made May 2 at 2015 3:12 PM

LTC Bink Romanick — Sat, 02 May 2015 15:12:30 -0400

The Legion of Merit, the Order of St George and the Order of St Maurice.

Response by LTC Gavin Heater made May 2 at 2015 4:18 PM

LTC Gavin Heater — Sat, 02 May 2015 16:18:03 -0400

My most treasured award is my Honorable Order of Saint Barbara. It was conferred upon me when I left Active Duty from the 1st Cav DIVARTY in 1995 by then COL Kevin Byrnes (eventually GEN and TRADOC CG). I miss my days as a young RED LEG.

Response by SFC Ronnie Seaton Jr made May 2 at 2015 6:40 PM

SFC Ronnie Seaton Jr — Sat, 02 May 2015 18:40:17 -0400

Once received an ARCOM for building a full service gym out of scrap metal in Balad, Iraq in 2003. It had thirteen weight stations. I did it on my off time. The whole BN used it. That's the one I love the most because I could see the impact it made on my unit, and it kept my head in the game.

Response by SSG Stephen Arnold made May 2 at 2015 6:51 PM

SSG Stephen Arnold — Sat, 02 May 2015 18:51:03 -0400

Most treasured? Beats me. I really don't think about it, and I did not earn a salad bar of medals. I was up for a couple of things when I left Saudi Arabia that I told the unit to not bother. It didn't matter to me, and there were other troops more deserving. I suggesting that they expend there effort on them.

Kudos to you guys with the valor awards.

I received an Army Achievement Medal when I left my first duty station. I call it my "thanks for leaving" award.

Response by 1LT William Clardy made May 2 at 2015 8:32 PM

1LT William Clardy — Sat, 02 May 2015 20:32:45 -0400

What can I say? This is what I feel is my highest award.

Response by SFC Stephen Carden made May 21 at 2015 8:32 AM

SFC Stephen Carden — Thu, 21 May 2015 08:32:42 -0400

I have two Bronze Stars and two Meritorious Service Medals, but the one ribbon on my rack that I was most proud of was my Army Service Ribbon. I went through BCT and AIT as a 17-year old kid. It was the most significant thing I had done in my life to that point, and I was damn proud of myself for getting through it. I wish I still had the original jump wings that were pinned on me at Ft. Benning, but they are buried, pinned to my grandfather's lapel, because he was my inspiration for joining the military. It was only right that he keep those.

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2015 11:46 AM

1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 11:46:52 -0400

NMCCM w/V for from Iraq. Retirement MSM was cool but meant a lot less. I never forget the look of comfort the boys had when I arrived on scene after they got their "SPI". Lost some good guys who will never be forgotten.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jul 26 at 2015 4:25 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 16:25:57 -0400

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2017 12:56 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 12:56:45 -0400

I received a Soldiers Medal as a young SPC in 1996 for pulling out some young men out of the water after their vehicle went into a river. Anyone would have done it. I didn't think it was heroic, I just was the first on the scene. I just happened to have over 50+ witness who saw it from the river bank and bridge and wrote statements that went up with the packet.

Later on in my career I was actually embarrassed to talk about it because I felt it was just doing my duty. I got a lot of attention at Class-A inspections and at later ASU inspections. I never discussed it and I was always introverted when it came to my own personal accomplishments during my entire career.

I even staggered my ribbon rack to "hide" it underneath the lapel of my Class-A & ASU jacket!

I am not trying to diminish the award or anyone who ever earned it. Please understand that.

I just retired and this may sound selfish but I did get a 10% increase in my retirement pay for being awarded the SM. That was very nice.

Let's just say I can have free coffee for life now.

Response by SSG Tom Montgomery made Sep 27 at 2019 11:29 PM

SSG Tom Montgomery — Fri, 27 Sep 2019 23:29:02 -0400

My most treasured medal is the ARCOM I received for three years as installation coordinator at Hindenburg Kaserne in Wuerzburg, Get. It meant a lot to me to have my superiors recognize my accomplishments. I worked for some of the most awesome officers in the Army.

Response by SSG Tom Montgomery made Sep 27 at 2019 11:33 PM

SSG Tom Montgomery — Fri, 27 Sep 2019 23:33:55 -0400

My most important piece of militaria are the memories I have of my comrades in arms. The loyalty, friendship and commoradederie. There is no better feeling in the world than to be a part of the greatest military in history

Response by CPT Byron Ward made Apr 27 at 2024 10:53 AM

CPT Byron Ward — Sat, 27 Apr 2024 10:53:03 -0400

That photo perfectly represents what I believe should be the military's top decorations. Unfortunately, distinguished service medals currently rate a higher precedence than the Silver Star, and that should be changed.

Response by MSG Thomas Currie made Apr 28 at 2024 9:05 AM

MSG Thomas Currie — Sun, 28 Apr 2024 09:05:31 -0400

Response by LTC Thomas (Tom) Jones made Apr 28 at 2024 9:33 AM

LTC Thomas (Tom) Jones — Sun, 28 Apr 2024 09:33:18 -0400

Tested 290-plus on both APFTs taken under the (then) new criteria. Award is particularly meaningful to me due to the fact that I spent much of my early youth in a state of obesity.

Response by CPL LaForest Gray made Apr 28 at 2024 12:43 PM

CPL LaForest Gray — Sun, 28 Apr 2024 12:43:25 -0400

From a 12 1/2 year Honorable Discharged Army Veteran who came back into the military when I didn’t have to after serving 8 yrs. prior when 9/11 happened.... I called a Army recruiter buddy on Sept 12th, 2001” and told him to get me back in...

* Our Unit Award : Presidential Unit Citation (We answered the call)

* My two DD-214’s of Honorable Discharge

I discharged with a P3 profile after treatment at the old Walter Reed Hospital 2005’ after being a medical hold over.

On September 27th, 2001” I was going through basic training for the 2nd time in my military career ( 1st was at Ft. Dix, NJ) at Ft. Jackson, SC because of a 4 year break.

I made sure I was going to a unit that would deploy to combat.

I was injured prior to our deployment and had to get a waver and be under our unit medical TEAM to get clearance to deploy. I don’t regret anything.

Response by SPC James Neidig made Apr 29 at 2024 1:48 AM

SPC James Neidig — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 01:48:51 -0400

My Most Treasured Award Is My Marine NCO Sword , It Is The Only Award I Have Displayed On The Wall Of My Office.

Response by SSG James Oscarson made May 6 at 2024 12:44 AM

SSG James Oscarson — Mon, 06 May 2024 00:44:18 -0400

Mine is a meritorious service medal.