Active or reserve federal forces veterans who subsequently serve in the National Guard wear all federal awards first, then state awards. Those National Guard soldiers and airmen who subsequently serve in the active or reserve federal forces of the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or United States Air Force (i.e., as active duty or reserve members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard) may not continue to wear and display such decorations on a military uniform, unless such activation is under Title 32 status. Active duty regulations allow federal soldiers, airmen, sailors and Marines to accept but not to wear state awards.
Most states authorize the wear of other states' awards if a soldier or airman has earned awards from a state or territory to which he or she is not presently assigned. The order of precedence is typically the presently assigned state, followed by awards from the District of Columbia, then other states by their order of admission.
Connecticut Medal of Valor - "The Adjutant General and two officers of field grade or above, detailed by the Adjutant General, shall act as a board to receive recommendations through military channels for the award of the medal of valor to any member of the armed forces of the state who, by reason of conspicuous gallantry, at the risk of his life, above and beyond the call of duty, while on military service, is recommended for the award of such medal of valor, and to make such awards as the board finds suitable."
Connecticut Medal of Merit - "The Adjutant General and two officers of field grade or above, appointed by the Adjutant General, shall constitute a board of officers to receive recommendations, through military channels, for the award of the medal of merit to any member of the armed forces of the state who has distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious conduct in performing outstanding service while a member of the armed forces of the state and to make such awards as the board finds suitable."
Connecticut Medal of Achievement - "The Adjutant General and two officers of field grade or above, appointed by the Adjutant General, shall constitute a board of officers to receive recommendations, through military channels, for the award, within available appropriations, of the medal of achievement to any member of the armed forces of the state, as defined in section 27-2, the armed forces of the United States or the armed forces of any other state, who has distinguished himself or herself through outstanding achievement or meritorious service during the performance of any state military service. A bronze oak leaf cluster shall be issued in lieu of succeeding awards and a silver oak leaf cluster shall be worn in lieu of five bronze oak leaf clusters."
Connecticut Veteran Wartime Service Medal - "The Commissioner of Veterans Affairs in conjunction with the Adjutant General shall award a ribbon and medal to each veteran who served in time of war, as defined in subsection (a) of section 27-103, and who either (1) was a resident of this state at the time he or she was called to active duty for such service, or (2) is domiciled in this state on the date of such award. The commissioner in conjunction with the Adjutant General shall adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, setting forth the process for designing the ribbon and medal, identifying veterans who are eligible for the ribbon and medal under this section and establishing procedures for distributing the ribbon and medal to each eligible veteran. The cost of the ribbons and medals shall be paid from the funds appropriated to the military assistance account within the Military Department. Within existing budgetary resources, awards under this section may be made posthumously for veterans who died on or after November 12, 1918."[4]
Connecticut Long Service Medal - "The Adjutant General, upon receipt of an application, shall present the long service medal adopted by this state to each soldier or sailor who has completed ten years' faithful service in the armed forces of the state and for each additional five years' service therein the adopted clasp in exchange. In the determination of length of service, the term of service of any member of the armed forces of the state with the military or naval forces of the United States in time of war since April 21, 1898, upon proof of honorable discharge from the same, may be added to the number of years served with the armed forces of the state."
Connecticut Mobilization Service Ribbon (Formerly the Connecticut Desert Storm Campaign Ribbon) - "The Adjutant General may issue an appropriate service ribbon to members of the National Guard or organized militia who were called to active service in the armed forces of the state or United States for at least thirty consecutive days in support of any military operation commencing after September 11, 2001, during a time of war, as defined in section 27-103. A bronze service star shall be issued in lieu of succeeding awards and a silver service star shall be worn in lieu of five bronze stars. The ribbon may be awarded posthumously."[5]
Connecticut Emergency Service Ribbon - "The Adjutant General, at his or her discretion, may issue an appropriate service ribbon to all members of the armed forces of the state ordered to active duty in time of emergency for upholding the law and preserving order, protecting lives and property, assisting civil authorities, providing aid and relief to civilians in disaster or similar service ordered by the Governor. A bronze oak leaf cluster shall be issued in lieu of succeeding awards and a silver oak leaf cluster shall be worn in lieu of five bronze oak leaf clusters."
Connecticut Selected Reserve Force Medal - "The Adjutant General may issue the selected reserve force ribbon to members of the armed forces of the state who have served honorably in a selected reserve force unit designated by the United States Army for a period of at least one year from October 1, 1965, to September 3, 1969, inclusive. The award may be issued to current, retired or separated members of the armed forces of the state, and may be awarded posthumously."
Connecticut Outstanding Unit Award - "The Adjutant General shall issue an appropriate service ribbon to all members of the unit declared to be the outstanding company-size unit in the Connecticut National Guard in accordance with National Guard regulations, provided such members participated in at least fifty per cent of the unit's training activities during the period covered by the award. A bronze oak leaf cluster shall be issued in lieu of succeeding awards and a silver oak leaf cluster shall be worn in lieu of five bronze oak leaf clusters."
Connecticut Soldier/Airman/NCO of the Year Ribbon - "The Adjutant General shall issue an achievement ribbon to the soldier, airman and noncommissioned officer of the year in the Connecticut National Guard."
Connecticut Joint Recruiting Ribbon - "Except as provided in this section, the Adjutant General shall issue a military recruitment ribbon to each member of the armed forces of the state, as defined in section 27-2 of the general statutes, who has assisted in the recruitment of three persons, which persons enlist as new members of the armed forces of the state on or after July 1, 2017, complete basic training and qualify for a military occupational specialty. A bronze oak leaf cluster shall be issued in lieu of succeeding awards and a silver oak leaf cluster shall be worn in lieu of five bronze oak leaf clusters. Any member of the armed forces of the state who is assigned as a military recruiter shall not be eligible for such ribbon during such assignment."
Connecticut Military Funeral Honors Ribbon - "The Adjutant General may issue a military funeral honors ribbon to any member of the National Guard or organized militia or other military personnel who satisfactorily performs as a member of an honor guard detail pursuant to section 27-76."
Delaware Conspicuous Service Cross - Awarded for heroism, praiseworthy execution of duties over a period of time, or outstanding achievement which impacts the greater good of the State and its inhabitants.[6]
Delaware Distinguished Service Medal - Awarded for praiseworthy execution of duties not to the extent of the DECSC or outstanding achievement of a single or specific act or accomplishment separate and distinct from regularly assigned duties for the greater good of the Delaware National Guard.[6]
Delaware Medal for Military Merit - Awarded for meritorious service or outstanding achievement over a period of time not to the extent of the DECSC or DEDSM. Usually based on permanent change of assignment, completed period of service, or retirement. Awarded for every 10 years of honorable service. Recognizes a single, specific act or accomplishment separate from regularly assigned duties. To recognize proficiency in military studies, it is awarded to members who complete a military course of 80 hours or more and who are designated as "honor" or "distinguished honor" graduates.[6]
Delaware National Guard Medal - Awarded to any member of the DENG who has been called to federal mobilization by the President of the United States.[6]
Delaware National Defense Service Ribbon - Awarded to all members serving honorably in the DENG during the period 1 AUG 1990 to 31 AUG 1991, dates inclusive and 11 SEP 2001 to a date to be determined.[6]
Delaware Medal for Service in Aid to Civil Authority - Awarded to any person serving in the DENG who has been called upon by the Governor to assist the civil authorities in the preservation of law and order.[6]
Delaware Recruiting Ribbon - Awarded to individuals who have excelled in the field of recruiting in the DENG, and for those who are responsible for enlisting or appointing five individuals in the DENG.[6]
Delaware Physical Fitness Ribbon - Awarded to all DENG members who distinguish themselves by scoring 250-300 points on the Army Physical Fitness Test.[6]
Delaware National Guard Governor's Meritorious Unit Award - Awarded to those units which distinguish themselves by outstanding achievement above that of other similar units in the DENG. Unit must report an average assigned strength of over 90% per year, maintain not less than 90% paid drill attendance during the qualifying year, achieve a satisfactory rating on the General Inspection with no unsatisfactory ratings in any sub-areas, and attain the training level objective prescribed for the qualifying year.[6]
Delaware National Guard Unit Strength Award - Awarded to those units which achieve and maintain 95% strength during the designated year, maintain not less than 80% paid drill attendance, and a re-enlistment rate of 75% for the period.[6]
Subsequent Awards:
Gold Star - The gold star represents subsequent entitlements for the Delaware Conspicuous Service Cross and the Delaware National Guard Medal. The gold star is 3/16" in diameter and will be affixed to the ribbon of the medal.[6]
Bronze Numerals - The bronze numeral represents subsequent entitlements of the Delaware Distinguished Service Medal, Delaware Medal for Military Merit, Delaware National Defense Service Ribbon, Delaware Medal for Service in Aid to Civil Authority, Delaware Recruiting Ribbon, and the Delaware Physical Fitness Ribbon. The bronze numeral is 3/16" in diameter and will be affixed to the ribbon of the medal.[6]
District of Columbia National Guard District Awards:
District of Columbia Distinguished Service Medal
District of Columbia Meritorious Service Medal
District of Columbia Commendation Medal
District of Columbia Achievement Medal
District of Columbia Homeland Defense Medal (ribbon has three red stars in the center.
District of Columbia NCO Commendation Ribbon
District of Columbia Enlisted Excellence Ribbon
District of Columbia Long and Faithful Service Medal (one medal for three years, recognition for five years and additional five-year increments noted with Roman Numerals up to 45 years)
District of Columbia Emergency Service Ribbon [Note National Guardsmen who responded to protecting the DC Capital Jan-Mar 2021 are eligible to receive one or both of these two ribbons Stars and Stripes March 5,2021]
District of Columbia Recognition Ribbon
District of Columbia Special Award Ribbon
District of Columbia Recruiting and Retention Ribbon (deactivated)
District of Columbia Community Service Ribbon
District of Columbia Ceremonial/Drill Team/Color Guard Ribbon
District of Columbia Active Duty Ribbon (Deactivated)
District of Columbia Attendance Ribbon
District of Columbia Commanding General's Outstanding Unit Award
District of Columbia Presidential Inauguration Support Ribbon [Note: National Guardsmen who responded to protecting the DC Capital Jan-Mar 2021 are eligible to receive one or both of these two ribbons Stars and Stripes March 5,2021]
Minnesota Distinguished Service Medal - To be awarded to any citizen, or former citizen, of Minnesota who, while serving as a member of the military forces of the State of Minnesota or as member of the Armed Forces of the United States, shall have distinguished himself or herself by exceptionally meritorious service to the State or Nation in a duty of great responsibility.
Minnesota Medal for Valor - The Medal of Valor will be awarded to any person who, while a member of the Minnesota National Guard, distinguishes himself or herself by courageous conduct and gallantry, beyond the call of duty and at risk of his or her life, while in the service of the State of Minnesota or the United States.
Minnesota Medal for Merit - The Minnesota Medal for Merit may be awarded to any member of the Minnesota National Guard who, while serving as a member of the military forces of the State of Minnesota or as a member of the Armed Forces of the United States shall have distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious service/achievement.
Minnesota Commendation Medal - To be awarded to any member of the Minnesota National Guard who distinguishes himself or herself by unusually meritorious achievement or service accomplished while in the service of the State or Nation. Approved at the O-6 command level and above. Similar to an Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM).
Minnesota Achievement Ribbon - The Minnesota Achievement Ribbon is awarded to any member of the Minnesota National Guard who distinguishes himself or herself by unusually meritorious achievement or service accomplished while in the service of the State or Nation. Approved at the O-5 command level and above. Similar to an Army Achievement Medal (AAM).
Minnesota Good Conduct Ribbon - The Minnesota Good Conduct Ribbon will be awarded to enlisted members of the Minnesota National Guard and enlisted AGR (Title 32) members who have completed three years of enlisted service, attend 95 percent of the drills and days of annual training held by the unit of which assigned and whose record and behavior sets such a good example that the morale of the entire organization of which they are members was enhanced. Awarded by unit commanders.
Minnesota State Active Duty Ribbon - A State Active Duty Ribbon will be administratively awarded to any member of the Minnesota National Guard who is ordered to State Active Duty (SAD) with the State of Minnesota during a natural disaster or civil disorder. Awarded by Joint Force Headquarters - Minnesota.
Minnesota Distinguished Recruiting Ribbon - The Distinguished Recruiting Ribbon will be awarded to members of the Minnesota National Guard who distinguishes themselves in the area of recruiting. The Adjutant General of Minnesota has delegated the approval and award authority of the Distinguished Recruiting Ribbon to commanders in the grade of O6 (COL/Col) and above.
Minnesota Service Ribbon - The Minnesota Service Ribbon will be administratively awarded to officers and enlisted members of the Minnesota National Guard upon the initial completion of three years commissioned or enlisted service, or a combination thereof. Subsequent awards will be issued with gold roman numeral devices in five-year increments (V, X, XV, XX) to depict the number of years of service to the Minnesota National Guard. Unit commanders are authorized to award the Minnesota Service Ribbon to personnel serving under their command jurisdiction who meet established criteria.
Mississippi Magnolia Cross - Awarded to any member or former member of the Mississippi National Guard who has distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious service in a duty of great responsibility, or by unselfish and untiring activities while in state service or in support of the Mississippi National Guard, has rendered a distinct service in furthering the security and welfare of the state.
Mississippi Magnolia Medal - Awarded to any member or former member of the Mississippi National Guard, or any of the armed services of the United States, who distinguishes themselves through outstanding service or extraordinary achievement in behalf of the Mississippi National Guard.
Mississippi Commendation Medal - May be awarded to any member or former member of the Mississippi National Guard for meritorious service or meritorious achievement on behalf of the state of Mississippi.
Mississippi Medal of Efficiency - Awarded to enlisted members of the active Mississippi National Guard who have over five (5) years honorable service in the active Mississippi National Guard and have exhibited exemplary behavior, efficiency and loyalty to their unit and the Mississippi National Guard.
Mississippi War Medal -Awarded to any member of the Mississippi National Guard for honorable service in the Armed Forces of the U.S. during National Emergency declared by the Congress.
Mississippi Emergency Service Medal - Awarded to any member of the Mississippi National Guard for honoraqble service to the State of Mississippi for duty performed during a major tour of state emergency duty declared by the Adjutant General.
Mississippi Service School Medal - Awarded to any member of the Mississippi National Guard upon successful completion of any Service School conducted by the active military services while a member of the active Mississippi National Guard not serving in active federal service.
Mississippi Longevity Medal - Awarded to any member of the Mississippi National Guard for each of a combination of four (4) years of honorable service in the active National Guard of Mississippi.
Mississippi Recruiting Medal - Awarded to any member of the Mississippi National Guard who obtains three new members for any unit of the organized militia.
Mississippi Soldier of the Year Ribbon - First issued in 2012, unknown in order of precedence.
Washington Cross of Valor - This decoration may be awarded to a member who distinguished himself/herself by extraordinary heroism or extraordinary lifesaving action involving voluntary risk of life in connection with military duties. The act must clearly demonstrate actions so extraordinary as to set the individual apart from his/her peers. This award was originally discontinued on 30 September 1998 but later reinstituted on 02 January 2018.
Washington Distinguished Service Medal (WSDSM) - This decoration shall be awarded to any person who distinguishes himself/herself by exceptionally meritorious service as a member or in affiliation to the State of Washington in duty of great responsibility. The performance must be such as to merit recognition for service that is clearly exceptional and of a conspicuously higher degree than appropriate for award of the WSLM.
Washington Legion of Merit Medal (WSLM) - This decoration shall be awarded to any person who has distinguished himself/herself in the performance of exceptionally meritorious service and/or outstanding achievements as member or in affiliation to the State of Washington. The performance must be such as to merit recognition for service that is clearly exceptional over an extended period of time or achievements conspicuously greater than those appropriate for lesser decorations.
Washington Aviation Cross Medal (Discontinued as of 30 September 1998)
Washington Guardsman Medal (WSGM) - This decoration shall be awarded to any person who demonstrates extreme courage in the performance of a heroic act involving personal hazard or danger. This decoration may not be awarded solely on the basis of having saved a life.
Washington Meritorious Service Medal (WSMSM) - This decoration shall be awarded to any person who has distinguished himself/herself by performing meritorious service and/or achievements, as a member or in affiliation with the Military Department, State of Washington. This decoration is awarded for service over an extended period of time or achievements conspicuously greater than those appropriate for award of the WSCM. This decoration is not appropriate for presentation as an impact award.
Washington Commendation Medal (WSCM) - This decoration shall be awarded to any person who distinguishes himself/herself by heroism, and/or extraordinary duty performance, as a member or in affiliation with the Military Department, State of Washington. This decoration is awarded for accomplishments of a lesser degree and shorter service duration than required for award of the WSMSM. This decoration is appropriate for presentation as an impact award.
Washington Achievement Medal (WSAM) - This decoration shall be awarded to any person who distinguishes himself/herself by specific acts and/or achievements resulting in enhanced or increased unit readiness, operations, morale, or mission accomplishment, as a member or in affiliation with the Military Department, State of Washington. This decoration is awarded for accomplishments of a lesser degree and shorter service duration than required for the WSCM. The WSAM is appropriate for presentation as an impact award.
Washington Strength Management Ribbon (WSSMR) - Previously known as the Washington State Distinguished Recruiting Ribbon it was renamed 31 January 1999. This ribbon shall be awarded to anyone who recruits an individual or causes a Soldier to reenlist/extend (retention attributed to a specific Soldier) during a one-year period. Only one award will be given in any one-year period. Full-time recruiting force personnel and Soldiers on orders as recruiter aides are ineligible for this award.
Washington State Defense Service Ribbon (WSDSR) (Discontinued - 31 December 1994; Reestablished 18 June 2002) - This ribbon shall be awarded to any Soldier of the Washington Army National Guard inducted into Active Federal Service (Title 32 or 10) upon declaration of an emergency by the President of the United States or for special operations at any time between 7 December 1943 to 31 December 1994 and after 11 September 2001.
Washington Emergency Service Ribbon (WSESR) - Previously known as the Washington State Disaster Relief Ribbon from 3 May 1963 to 31 December 1994. This ribbon shall be awarded to any person ordered by the governor into state active duty or to any individual(s) providing support services during a declared state of emergency. An individual must work one day (minimum of eight hours) in order to be eligible to receive this award.
Washington Counterdrug Service Robbon (WSCSR) - This ribbon is awarded to any Soldier or Airman for service while assigned to the Counterdrug Task Force, or while on orders to perform counterdrug duty for more than 90 days. Service Members who are suspended from favorable personnel actions, or are undergoing disciplinary action are not eligible to receive this award. Service Members may only earn one WSCSR.
Washington National Guard Service Ribbon (WANGSR) - This ribbon is awarded to any Soldier of the Washington Army National Guard upon completion of five years of satisfactory service in any of the Armed Forces of the United States, or components thereof. The Soldier must be a member of the WAARNG when the ribbon is presented. Regardless of the number of years of service beyond five, the recipient will receive only one initial ribbon upon assignment to the WAARNG or WSG. Thereafter, the Soldier will receive subsequent awards at five year increments so long as they are otherwise entitled. The individual's pay entry base date (PEBD) will be used to determine year of service for this award.
Washington Good Conduct Medal (Discontinued as of 31 December 1994)
Washington Unit Citation Ribbon (WSUCR) (Right Side) - This ribbon shall be awarded to each member of a Washington Army National Guard unit or Washington State Guard which is cited by TAG or a higher military headquarters for notable achievement, such as winning the Eisenhower Trophy, the Draper Armor Award, or the Superior Unit Award. Only one unit citation will be awarded to a unit during a single calendar year regardless of the number of notable achievements. Only those who were members of the unit during the period for which the citation was earned will wear the award. Soldiers who received the ribbon may continue to wear it when transferred. Individuals transferring into a cited unit who are not otherwise entitled, will not be authorized the ribbon. The Washington State Unit Citation will not be awarded in conjunction with the Army Superior Unit Award.
Washington Air National Guard Awards:
Washington Air National Guard Aviation Cross - (Discontinued as of 1 April 2018)
Washington Air National Guard Aerial Achievement Medal - (Discontinued as of 1 April 2018)
Washington Air National Guard Distinguished Recruiting Award - (Discontinued as of 1 April 2018)
West Virginia Distinguished Service Medal (WVDSM)- Honors West Virginia National Guard members who carry out feats of heroism or provide sustained exceptional service.
West Virginia Legion of Merit (WVLOM)- Honors West Virginia National Guard members who carry out exceptional service or execute a noteworthy feat of valor.
West Virginia Meritorious Service Medal (WVMSM)- Honors West Virginia National Guard members who carry out outstanding service or feats of heroism of a lesser degree than would warrant the West Virginia National Guard Legion of Merit.
West Virginia Commendation Medal (WVCM)- Honors West Virginia National Guard members who carry out meritorious service of a degree greater than that required for the West Virginia National Guard Achievement Medal but of a lesser degree than would warrant the West Virginia National Guard Distinguished Service Medal.
West Virginia Achievement Medal (WVAM)- Honors West Virginia National Guard members who carry out meritorious service of a lesser degree than would warrant the West Virginia National Guard Commendation Medal.
West Virginia Emergency Service Ribbon (WVESR)- Honors West Virginia National Guard members who carry out service honorably in the event of an emergency or other crisis as determined by the Governor.
West Virginia State Service Ribbon (WVSSR)- Honors West Virginia National Guard members who satisfactorily carry out active duty service.
West Virginia Service Ribbon (WVSR)- Honors West Virginia National Guard members who carry out five years of service honorably. Additional awards are authorized for every additional five years.
West Virginia Minuteman Ribbon (WVMR)- Honors West Virginia National Guard members who is solely responsible for the enlistment of at least five individuals over a 180-day period. At least three of these individuals must be non-prior service.
West Virginia Distinguished Unit Award- The West Virginia Distinguished Unit Award is awarded to units or organizations, not larger than squadron or battalion, which have distinguished themselves by outstanding achievement or meritorious service in support of military operations, or in support of the state or nation, not involving combat operations against an enemy.
^"Medal of Valor - The OMSA Medal Database". Omsa.org. Archived from the original on July 19, 2011. Retrieved September 7, 2010.
^"Meritorious Service Medal - Georgia National Guard - The OMSA Medal Database". Omsa.org. Archived from the original on July 19, 2011. Retrieved September 7, 2010.
^"Archived copy". www.geocities.com. Archived from the original on October 30, 2007. Retrieved January 17, 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
^"Archived copy". www.geocities.com. Archived from the original on October 30, 2007. Retrieved January 17, 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
^"Archived copy". www.geocities.com. Archived from the original on October 30, 2007. Retrieved January 17, 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
^"Archived copy". www.geocities.com. Archived from the original on October 30, 2007. Retrieved January 17, 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
^"Kansas Standard Operating Procedure 600-8-22" (PDF). Kansas Adjutant General’s Department. March 1, 2005. Retrieved April 13, 2018.
^"ODM of Nevada: Ribbon Chart". Medals.org.uk. August 4, 2006. Retrieved September 7, 2010.
^"Ch. 20, art. 10, NMSA 1978 (as amended 2020)". Archived from the original on November 12, 2021. Retrieved November 29, 2021.
^North Dakota National Guard Joint Policy 1-01 "State Awards Program" 1 December 2014
^"TARNRG 600-8-22" (PDF). Tennessee Military Department. January 1, 2000. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 3, 2016. Retrieved April 9, 2018.
^The Washington National Guard State Awards and Decorations Program. Camp Murray, WA: Washington National Guard. April 1, 2018.
Further readingedit
Lewis, Kenneth C. (1976). Military medals, awards, and service badges of Iowa. Kenneth C. Lewis. OCLC 2372611.
Borgmann, Fred J. (2013) Wisconsin Military And Civil Medals publisher Fred J. Borgmann, Iola, Wisconsin