Medal of the Month 1/98

Medals of the Month -- 1st Quarter 1998

Medal of the Month -March 1998

China Service Medal - Navy & USMC

The China Service Medal was initially authorized by Navy Dept. Gen. Orders No. 135 on 23 August 1940. The period of eligibility covered under this first authorization was from 7 July 1937 to 7 September 1939. Personnel who served ashore in China or who were attached to any of the vessels which operated in support of operations in China during that time frame were eligible

A second period of eligibility was later authorized covering the period from 2 September 1945 until 1 April 1957. However, the area of eligibility for this second period covered duty in China, Taiwan and the Matsu Straits.

The China Service Medal was the last United States Service medal to be struck with a branch-specific reverse design. Members of the Navy, Coast Guard and Army who were awarded the medal received it with the Navy reverse. Members of the Marine Corps received the medal with the Marine Corps reverse.

Initial strikes of the medal featured a ring suspension. However, those produced after 1945 were struck with a knob suspension (as illustrated). In addition, a very limited number of medals were serial numbered. The serial numbers found on early ring suspension China Service Medals are smaller than those used on earlier Navy and Marine Corps Campaign medals.

Medal of the Month - February 1998

Air Force Achievement Medal

The Air Force Achievement Medal (AFAM) is the only United States military award which has a silver planchet. The AFAM was established by the Secretary of the Air Force on 12 October 1980 to recognize the achievements of junior officers and enlisted personnel. Award of the AFAM is restricted to personnel in the rank of Major and below.

Designed by Captain Robert Bonn, the Air Force Achievement medal was the first Air Force award that was not based on the design of an already existing Army decoration.

Additional awards of the AFAM are denoted by the addition of a bronze oak leaf to the suspension ribbon and the ribbon bar.

Medal of the Month -- January 1998

Army Commendation Medal

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The Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM) is perhaps one of the most frequently seen decorations in the military today.

The ARCOM was established on 18 December 1945 as the Army Commendation Ribbon. The award was intended to recognize junior officers and enlisted personnel for acts of achievement or meritorious service.

The metal planchet was added to the ribbon in 1948 and the name was officially changed to the Army Commendation Medal in 1960.

Award of the ARCOM is restricted to the rank of Colonel and below because, by definition, the duties and responsibilities of general officers would place their achievements beyond the scope of the award criteria for the Army Commendation medal.