Medal of the Month 2qtr 98

Medals of the Month -- 2nd Quarter 1998

Medal of the Month -June 1998

Navy Cross

The Navy Cross was instituted on 4 February 1919. The original wording of the act allowed for the award of the NC for "…acts of heroism or distinguished service…such heroism or distinguished service not being sufficient to justify a Medal of Honor or Distinguished Service Medal."

This wording made the Navy Cross subordinate to the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, which was authorized by the same Act of Congress. This created a awkward situation since the Navy DSM could not be awarded for combat heroism.

This situation was cleared up in 1942, when an Act of Congress restricted the NC to acts of combat bravery and elevated it to a position between the Medal of Honor and the Distinguished Service Cross. Today the Navy Cross still ranks second in the Navy's Pyramid of Honor and remains the highest valor award that can be bestowed upon civilians serving with the Navy.

Medal of the Month - May 1998

Civil War Campaign Medal-Army

ArmyCWmedal.jpg (38508 bytes)

The Civil War Campaign Medal was authorized on January 11, 1905. However, the final design was not approved until 1907. In that same year, G.O. 12 authorized the Civil War Campaign Medal (it was called a Badge in the original G.O.) for service between April 15, 1861 and April 9, 1865. Service in Texas qualified until August 20, 1866.

The original ribbon was a variation of the red, white and blue color scheme. This photograph illustrates the Army Civil War Campaign Medal with the second style ribbon which was authorized in 1913 to match the blue and gray style of the Navy Civil War Campaign Medal.

Initial issue of the Army Civil Wary Campaign medal to retired soldiers were serial numbered on the rim with "No.####." Later, the mint was ordered to produce additional medals for award to other veterans. These were serial numbered "M.No.####." A final mint run was made about 1930 and these medals were un-serial numbered.

Medal of the Month -April 1998

Joint Service Achievement Medal

The Joint Service Achievement Medal was authorized in Department of Defense Directive 1348.28 dated 29 March 1984.

The JSAM was established to recognize the achievements of junior officers and enlisted personnel serving on a specified joint activity.

The Joint Service Achievement Medal cannot be awarded in a combat zone and eligibility excludes general officers.

The initial production of 1,000 of the JSAM was distributed with a special reverse. The reverse included, in raised lettering, the words "For Presentation Only." These were intended to be used in presentation ceremonies and not permanently given to the awardees.