Army Commendation Medal

BACK DEVICE(s)

These devices were added in March 2017

1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th

These devices are included in DoD Inst 1348.33 series. Check your specific service regulations.

Example of ribbon placement (IF only "R", "C", or "V" is authorized - it is centered)

Description:

1. Authorized by the Secretary of War, December 18, 1945, as the Commendation Ribbon with Metal Pendant.
2. Redesignated the Army Commendation Medal by DA General Order 10, March 31, 1960. Awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the U.S. Army after December 6, 1941, distinguish themselves by heroism, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service.
3. The award may also be made to members of the armed forces of a friendly foreign nation who, after June 1, 1962, distinguish themselves under similar circumstances of mutual benefit to the friendly nation and the United States. The Army authorizes wear of the Letter “V” device.
4. As of March 2017
   May be awarded with the “V” device to signify the award was made for combat heroism (valor):
   1. While engaged in military operations against an enemy of the United States;
   2. While engaged in military operations involving conflict against an opposing foreign force; or
   3. While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in military operations with an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.
   
5. As of March 2017
   May be awarded with the “C” device to recognize exceptionally meritorious service or achievement performed under combat conditions on or after January 7, 2016. The award narrative must clearly show that the nominee was personally exposed to hostile action, or was at significant risk of exposure to hostile action:
   (a) While engaged in action against an enemy of the United States;
   (b) While engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or
   (c) While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.
   
6. As of March 2017
   May be awarded with the “R” device to distinguish that the award was earned for the direct hands-on employment of a weapon system or other warfighting activities that had a direct and immediate impact on a combat operation or other military operation (i.e., outcome of an engagement or specific effects on a target), including Title 10, U.S.C., support of non-Title 10 operations, and operations authorized by an approved execute order. To be designated as such, the action must have been performed through any domain, in circumstances that did not expose the individual to hostile action;, or place him or her at significant risk of exposure to hostile action on or after January 7, 2016, under one of the following conditions:
   (a) While engaged in military operations against an enemy of the United States,
   (b) While engaged in military operations involving conflict against an opposing foreign force; or
   (c) While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in military operations with an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.
   

Background:

1. In a summary sheet, 5 November 1945, WDGAP, Personnel Division recommended that an Army Commendation Ribbon of distinctive design be established to recognize meritorious service in an area at a time for which the Bronze Star Medal may not be awarded. The recommendation was approved by the Secretary of War and the ribbon was established by War Department Circular 377, dated 18 December 1945. This circular authorized award to "members of the Armed Forces of the United States serving in any capacity with the Army for meritorious service rendered since 7 December 1941, not in sustained operational activities against an enemy nor in direct support of such operation, i.e., in areas and at times when the Bronze Star Medal may not be awarded because of its operational character". Authority to award the Commendation Ribbon was delegated to Major Generals or commanders of any command, force or installation normally commanded by Major Generals.
2. In a DF, 29 April 1948, from the D/PA to the Quartermaster General, the Personnel & Admin. Division indicated that the Secretary of the Army and the Secretary of the Air Force had authorized a medal pendant to be established for the Commendation Ribbon and requested that a proposed design be prepared. The design was approved by both Secretaries on 8 July 1948. The Medal Pendant for Commendation Ribbon was announced in Department of the Army (DA) Circular 91 (AF Letter 35-25) dated 20 July 1949. On 20 March 1950, the Secretary of the Navy approved the Navy Commendation Ribbon, and authorized use of the same pendant with a different ribbon on 6 April 1950.
3. DA General Order No. 10, dated 31 March 1960, renamed the Commendation Ribbon with Medal Pendant to the Army Commendation Medal. President Kennedy, in a memorandum to the Secretary of Defense, dated 1 June 1962, authorized the award of the Army Commendation Medal to members of the Armed Forces of friendly foreign nations who, after 1 June 1962, distinguished themselves by an act of heroic, extraordinary achievement, or meritorious service.