What is your favorite medal and why?

SSgt George Brown — Fri, 07 Feb 2014 16:13:44 -0500

Of all of the medals you have received, what is your favorite one?

Response by SSgt George Brown made Feb 7 at 2014 4:16 PM

SSgt George Brown — Fri, 07 Feb 2014 16:16:15 -0500

Mine would be the Naval Meritorious Unit Citation for our unit's participation in the Tripoli bombing. The Air Force, for some reason, would not award us anything. The CIC of Naval Operations, as it was a joint mission, awarded it to the 48th TFW.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2014 4:21 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Feb 2014 16:21:49 -0500

Definitely my Humanitarian Service Medal for the work we did here at Misawa AB after the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. That will absolutely stand as a defining moment in my career.

Response by MAJ John Drake made Feb 7 at 2014 5:30 PM

MAJ John Drake — Fri, 07 Feb 2014 17:30:06 -0500

The AAM I earned as an Asstistant Squadron S4 / UMO. An E5 and I deployed a 900 man Cavalry Squadron and TAT back to Kuwait for Intrinsic Action. I earned that badboy!

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Feb 7 at 2014 5:36 PM

Maj Chris Nelson — Fri, 07 Feb 2014 17:36:30 -0500

I would have to say mine is the Joint Comm I received while deployed to Afghanistan. I started off working with IJC at KAIA and helping with strategic planning for the medical assessets for the country, and ended with teaching the Afghan Army and Afghan Police Nursing program and first ever Physician's Assistant programs.  Was a really rewarding experience.

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Feb 7 at 2014 5:59 PM

1SG Steven Stankovich — Fri, 07 Feb 2014 17:59:02 -0500

The medal I take most pride in is an Army Commendation Medal earned for providing security for the Presidential Elections in Afghanistan in 2004. We provided polling site security for the elections. I am not a politician and neither were my scouts. We did our job, and for that moment in time, that was the most important mission in OEF.

Response by Cpl Robert Clark made Feb 10 at 2014 9:51 AM

Cpl Robert Clark — Mon, 10 Feb 2014 09:51:38 -0500

Personally, my favorite is the Navy Achievement Medal that my direct subordinate (LCpl Pike) received. The Marine Corps used my wording for the citation... As a Cpl, and Maint. Chief, it just made it that much better...

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Feb 10 at 2014 11:21 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Mon, 10 Feb 2014 11:21:43 -0500

My favorite award doesn't even have an associated medal, but that would be the Navy/Marine Corps Combat Action Ribbon. It's the one I'm most proud of, so of course, no one in the Army knows what it is =) That's alright though, just means I get to tell war stories over and over again...

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2014 2:50 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Feb 2014 14:50:06 -0500

I was awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal for serving in the MNF-I JOC in 2010. I was the NCOIC of the Engineer Cell and conducted bridge capabilities to the MNF-I Commander GEN Odierno and I was the only NCO to brief the GEN. <div><br></div><div><br></div>

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2014 2:53 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Feb 2014 14:53:03 -0500

I would not say I have a favorite but definitely one that is the most memorable. I received an AAM from the incoming Company Commander for conducting an excellent Change of Command inventory with very minimum issues. The award was a total surprise to me since I felt I was just doing what I was trained to do. He even announced and presented it in an end of the day meeting with the entire Company to discuss his philosophy and guidelines. He just called me out, to my surprise, and presented it. Very good day.

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2014 7:24 PM

1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Feb 2014 19:24:05 -0500

I was awarded the Korean Defense Service Medal for spending 30 continuous days on the peninsula. I was only supposed to be there for 28. But shockingly the AMC flight that was en route to pick us up experienced a mechanical failure on a Thursday prior to a pay-day weekend... in Hawaii. It's amazing how many AMC planes conveniently break in nice places on a pay day weekend in PACOM. And so, I was awarded the KDSM.

Response by LT Jessica Kellogg made Feb 14 at 2014 9:27 PM

LT Jessica Kellogg — Fri, 14 Feb 2014 21:27:22 -0500

I don't have it, but on my "hope to earn before I get out of the Navy" list is the Arctic Service Ribbon. I love that part of the world (I've been couple times as a civilian), and I think the ribbon looks really nice.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2014 9:36 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Feb 2014 21:36:40 -0500

I was awarded an ARCOM for winning Fort Bragg Sapper Stakes Competition. My squad was number one out of 19 other squads in BN that competed. I Deployed over 39 months with 3 rotations to Baghdad to get an ARCOM end of tour award. Yet I Get to Bragg as a Airborne Engineer Squad Leader in BN Sapper Stakes for 72hrs and get the same Award. I must admit it felt good to beat out those Ranger/Sapper Tab Squad Leaders though... then the next day I was off to Airborne School. I got the message saying I won it on the bus to Fort Benning.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2014 9:41 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Feb 2014 21:41:53 -0500

Besides the VUA our unit got in 03-04, and the GWOTE that came with it, I would have to say it is one of my 15 AAM's I have. I received one for winning the 2012 8th Army Men's Open (36 and under) Korea Racquetball Championships... It was a great experience playing over there especially when the Korean's would join in.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2014 11:28 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Feb 2014 23:28:37 -0500

The first coin I received from the 7th ENGR Brigade commander for taking charge of the Chemical decon training as a PFC at my first Duty Station in Germany in 1984

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2014 3:19 AM

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Feb 2014 03:19:59 -0500

joint service commendation medal, it has that bling bling but the most important award that I hold close to my heart is not even a medal but the Combat Action Ribbon.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2014 3:32 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Feb 2014 03:32:48 -0500

I'm pretty surprised I went 5 for 5 on GCMs.

Response by SFC Gary (Bigsarge) Portier USARMY RET. made Mar 9 at 2014 8:52 PM

SFC Gary (Bigsarge) Portier USARMY RET. — Sun, 09 Mar 2014 20:52:22 -0400

My favorite would be an MSM for my service if I had one. Next would be a Cold War Medal don't have that either. So I guess it has to be my ARCOM.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2014 9:38 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Mar 2014 21:38:41 -0400

I got my first AAM before I knew what it was.  I was awarded it for learning and executing my job with little assistance and in line with the OPTEMPO of the newly created organization (company-level).

Response by CMC Robert Young made Mar 12 at 2014 2:55 PM

CMC Robert Young — Wed, 12 Mar 2014 14:55:24 -0400

I have an ARCOM from a joint assignment. It was pretty cool standing in formation and having Col. White present it along with a ton of AAMs to the folks that worked for me at the time. It's also a conversation starter when people see it on my Coast Guard uniform.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2014 3:03 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Mar 2014 15:03:17 -0400

My personal favorite of the ones that I have is the Air Medal. I am a commo guy, not aviation, so to have one is fairly rare, and I am pretty darn proud of it.<br>

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Mar 12 at 2014 3:05 PM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Wed, 12 Mar 2014 15:05:55 -0400

I have to say my BSM w/V for my platoons actions during OIF and the securing of the Al-Kifl bridge after the Iraqi Engineers tried to blow it up underneath us as we were crossing the Euphrates. Not a good idea to piss off a tank platoon when you have no armor support of your own.

Response by MSG Tony Williams made Mar 13 at 2014 10:31 PM

MSG Tony Williams — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 22:31:37 -0400

Combat Action Badge, that would have to be the one!

Response by SGT Jeff Stokes made Apr 21 at 2014 10:38 AM

SGT Jeff Stokes — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 10:38:34 -0400

I received a coin from a CW-5 that probably had the most meaning to me. By no means is it the highest ranked coin I have received, but definitely has the most meaning.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2014 4:07 AM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 May 2014 04:07:38 -0400

I would have to say my second NAM for being the Squadron Junior Operations Sailor of the Year. This was the award that really made me feel that everything I did on the deployment that year was worth it. Also, seeing the commandants signature on the award gives it a little more meaning to me.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 11 at 2014 12:52 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Jun 2014 12:52:21 -0400

My Joint Service Achievement(JASM) is my favorite, While deployed in OEF with a JSTF, I was NCOIC of Customs Inspections for all Units assigned to the TF. From the National Guard side, we have a ribbon, State Active Duty, they give theses out for and SAD missions such as natural disasters, etc. I hold close for it was my first ribbon other than BCT, for responding to 9/11.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Sep 7 at 2014 12:31 PM

SGT Richard H. — Sun, 07 Sep 2014 12:31:02 -0400

Kuwait Liberation Medal....because I got to take a country away from an aggressor and give it back to those that they oppressed.

well...me and about 1/2 million other guys, but you get what I'm saying....

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2015 2:16 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Jan 2015 14:16:03 -0500

My favorite medal would be the Navy Achievement Medal for my end of tour as I ETS'd from the Navy, having 11(!) collateral duties as and E-4 that my command shot down and instead gave me nothing, lol...

No, that's sour grapes. I really do appreciate ALL of my medals, though there are some (like my second Nat'l Defense and the GWOT Service) that I wish didn't need to be awarded...

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2015 2:29 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Jan 2015 14:29:35 -0500

I can't say I have a favorite, I wear all of them with pride.

Response by SPC Todd Hanson made Jan 3 at 2015 3:35 PM

SPC Todd Hanson — Sat, 03 Jan 2015 15:35:30 -0500

MOVSM for picking up soldiers under the SADD program.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2015 3:39 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Jan 2015 15:39:57 -0500

I would say mine would be the Purple Heart because it reminds me of a tragic event me and my battle buddies went through in Iraq back in 2006. But it also never lets me forget the fallen comrades of that tragic event. I relive this event every day and to this day all of us who suffered in that event have had a closer bond with each other.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2015 12:26 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 11 Jan 2015 00:26:19 -0500

My VUA, Saudi Arabia Lib of Kuwait Ribbon, Kuwaiti Lib of Kuwait Ribbon, ARCOM from Desert Shield/Storm and an AAM for preventing a Soldiers suicide while I was a squad leader at Ft Campbell WTB.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Jan 11 at 2015 12:55 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Sun, 11 Jan 2015 00:55:06 -0500

My favorite medal is the one I never earned. The Humanitarian Service Medal.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Jan 11 at 2015 10:01 AM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Sun, 11 Jan 2015 10:01:49 -0500

The medal I take the most pride in is an AAM awarded to me for leading my Combat Engineer squad to a first place in our Company wide competition. Day one we were trucked up into the hills, I was given a map with points on it. I navigated to the points. When we got there, CTT tests were done. We were graded on movement as well. It took about seven to eight hours to move though the course. The final station was navigating a mine field. The next day we had to build obstacles to standard - a section of triple strand concertina; build a tangle foot, set a mine cluster of AT/AP mines, and a road block.

My guys really did a good job. The whole squad worked as a team. I never received another medal that meant more than this one!

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Jan 11 at 2015 10:16 AM

Capt Richard I P. — Sun, 11 Jan 2015 10:16:47 -0500

The Combat Action Ribbon, it's why Marines join up.

Response by PFC Oriana Franklin made Jan 11 at 2015 11:59 AM

PFC Oriana Franklin — Sun, 11 Jan 2015 11:59:05 -0500

ARCOM being the only female on PSD in Afghanistan for my brigade.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2015 8:42 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 20:42:23 -0500

The favorite one I received is my AF achievement medal but the one that i hope to earn is the AF combat action ribbon.

Response by Cpl Arlander Galloway II made Jan 28 at 2015 8:44 PM

Cpl Arlander Galloway II — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 20:44:24 -0500

I take most pride in my Good cookies

Response by SSG Sean Knudsen made Mar 7 at 2015 4:42 PM

SSG Sean Knudsen — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 16:42:08 -0500

Good Conduct Medal. Both of my grand fathers, my uncles, myself and my nephew have earned them serving our country during wartime service.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2015 6:46 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 18:46:03 -0400

My very first AAM. Once upon a long time ago, in what seems a galaxy far away, I was a very young PFC fresh out of AIT (1994), when I was sent to represent my unit at the Soldier of the Year board at Battalion level. I was the only PFC amongst many a SPC. I hadn't even earned my first Service Stripe yet. That's how green I was. I won that competition and my own CSM submitted me for an AAM. First medal ever awarded.

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Mar 18 at 2015 6:58 PM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 18:58:10 -0400

Combat Action Ribbon - Beirut, Lebanon (1983-1984)

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2015 9:02 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 21:02:51 -0400

My favorites are the medals that I wasn't awarded that I worked so hard for but received no recognition.

Have you ever noticed its always the people with a chest full of recognition that say, "They don't deserve a medal. They are just doing their job"?

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Mar 19 at 2015 4:38 AM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 04:38:53 -0400

Meritorious Unit Commendation - Moscow, U.S.S.R. (1977)

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Mar 19 at 2015 4:39 AM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 04:39:57 -0400

Humanitarian Service Medal - Evacuation of noncombatants from Beirut, Lebanon (1984)

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2015 4:52 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 04:52:38 -0400

ASR the begining of it all getting what everyone else earned knowing i was a part of what my family had done being a part of the team per say all the others were staying out of trouble or being in the rite place rite time really i treasur coins more each have a story. Most regretable moment cleaning barracks for troops redeployment while the SOD held a formation to give out the second highest coin possible to receive while in sevice just giving to everyone who was in the formation.

Response by CPL Jesse Vasconcelos made Mar 19 at 2015 4:12 PM

CPL Jesse Vasconcelos — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 16:12:09 -0400

I wouldn't point out just one medal. I would say having the U.S. flag on my shoulder and fighting for the greatest nation on earth is the greatest thing I have ever worn

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Mar 19 at 2015 4:13 PM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 16:13:55 -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 Michael Hasbun made Mar 19 at 2015 4:23 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 16:23:17 -0400

My Samuel Sharpe award... I had to jump through my butt and perform above my paygrade for years to earn that one..

In second place is my Combat Action Ribbon... It may not have a dangling medal beneath it, but BOY did the Marines make me earn that one...

Response by SrA Andrew McCarty made Mar 19 at 2015 4:48 PM

SrA Andrew McCarty — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 16:48:02 -0400

How many times have you heard of a servicemember going above and beyond, ranging from something small to the absolute most heroic, only to have their citation downgraded because of politics, prejudice, pettiness, etc? With each story I hear, my faith in "the system" that awards medals is equally downgraded. My Air Force Commendation Medal means the world to me. I know what went into earning it. But some officer made a decision to also award tens of other airmen who just happened to be in the same vicinity, as if he/she was trying to water down the importance of the citations.

So for me, I'm tempted to say the Basic Training ribbon. It may be the first and last award we receive for which the standards are the same across the board. Not taking away from the other medals or those who've earned them. But I no longer look at a ribbon rack and assume anything. Too many have received medals they don't deserve; too many have been robbed of those they do.

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Mar 20 at 2015 10:10 AM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 10:10:41 -0400

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2015 6:05 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 18:05:34 -0400

I would have to say that today, I'm most proud of my Purple Heart. I spent just short of a decade feeling embarrassed to have it and not wanting anyone to know. But thinking back on a conversation I had as a Drill Sergeant with one of my graduates, my perspective completely changed.

Baghdad, Iraq 21 Apr 2004

Response by SFC Rob Hawkins made May 5 at 2016 8:06 PM

SFC Rob Hawkins — Thu, 05 May 2016 20:06:10 -0400

The ARCOM that my team and I received for participating in the ROWPU Rodeo at Ft. Story, VA in 2001. (Reverse Osmosis Water Purification Unit or ROWPU). We had zero train days as a team before going out because we were all Guard members from different units. We held our own and placed 3rd in the Reserve Component Category and finished 13th out of 39 teams overall if I remember correctly (which is questionable!!). It was a great two weeks and certainly memorable. We really just didn't want to be embarrassed and ended up rocking it out!

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 1 at 2017 9:15 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Dec 2017 09:15:15 -0500

Antarctic Service Medal, Operation DEEP FREEZE 2017.

Though the Reserve Sea Service Deployment ribbon is a rare award, hard to get to sea for a reservist. Navy Achievement medal for service on the 6th Fleet flagship as a reservist was pretty neat too, as was a Navy Comm for my first EOT. Humanitarian Service, USCG Achievement....now that I think about it, every one that I have reminds me of a unique and special period of ministry and service.

I have a friend who once argued “If it has more than 3 words in the name, it doesn’t mean anything. National Defense Service Medal (4words), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal (6words), Armed Forces Service Medal (4words), you wouldn’t change your medal rack for that. Legion of Merit, Silver Star, Medal of Honor, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, see three words or less, you’d totally spend money to change your rack for that.”

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2018 5:53 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Feb 2018 17:53:49 -0500

The screaming chicken. Aka the Air Medal. Iraq, OIR 2014 & 2016

Response by SFC David Xanten made Feb 5 at 2018 12:03 AM

SFC David Xanten — Mon, 05 Feb 2018 00:03:15 -0500

CIB

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2018 12:23 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Feb 2018 00:23:03 -0500

I think you now have a GREAT one, the bars you're wearing. Salute!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2018 2:35 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Feb 2018 14:35:49 -0500

Not a medal but unique in the Army - The Army Sea Duty Ribbon. Received mine by serving as an 88K during my enlisted days.

Response by SFC Jonathan Riley made Feb 15 at 2018 3:52 AM

SFC Jonathan Riley — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 03:52:21 -0500

As a infantry soldier I would say my Blue Cord and my Drill Sergeant badge

Response by SP5 Michael Motl made Feb 16 at 2018 1:28 PM

SP5 Michael Motl — Fri, 16 Feb 2018 13:28:36 -0500

My RVN Bronze Star.

Response by SFC Greg Bruorton made Feb 16 at 2018 2:42 PM

SFC Greg Bruorton — Fri, 16 Feb 2018 14:42:58 -0500

A good question, George, but of those few I own the Good Conduct Medal with its sixth award stands even above the VSM, BSM, MSMs, ARCOMs, AND AFEM. It wasn't always easy to behave appropriately for more than 20 years, but I did it with credit to the Lord and what good sensibilities He gave me.

And there is a strong reason I place my jump wings above them.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2018 3:04 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Feb 2018 15:04:53 -0500

My favorite medal will be the one I get upon retirement.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2018 6:13 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 18:13:33 -0500

Not a crew cheif yet but the wings of gold AIRCREW WINGS

Response by SGT James Lee Wisniewski made May 26 at 2018 3:17 PM

SGT James Lee Wisniewski — Sat, 26 May 2018 15:17:04 -0400

National Defense as that lead to all the others. I was so proud to go home after basic training wearing it on my dress greens. All the ones from Viet Nam and later just completed the uniform.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made May 26 at 2018 3:46 PM

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Sat, 26 May 2018 15:46:41 -0400

The first one.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2018 3:34 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Aug 2018 15:34:02 -0400

ARCOM I got for serving as the Platoon Sergeants MRAP driver for the entire deployment in Basra, Iraq 2011. Nothing crazy but I’m super proud of it, plus I was a E-3 getting a commendation medal so that kinda made a few of my Navy and Marine friends from highschool upset, why they got mad I have no clue though :\