Medal of the Month 3/98

Medals of the Month -- 4th Quarter 1998

Medal of the Month -December 1998

Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal

The shipping Act of 1916 created the United States Merchant Marine Board, which built and purchased ships, and regulated shipping. In 1936, the Merchant Marine Act replaced the Shipping Board with the U.S. Maritime Commission. However, because members of the Merchant Marine were considered civilians, not members of the Armed Forces, they were not eligable for military decorations.

The outbreak of World War II brought the American Merchant Marine into direct combat with German submarine Wolf Packs, surface raiders and the Luftwaffe. The Merchant Marine lost over 800 ships to enemy action during World War II and over 6,800 Merchant Mariners were killed.

As a result of its combat experiences and increased role in supplying the war effort, numerous awards and service ribbons were developed specifically for members of the Merchant Marine.

The Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal (MMDSM) was established as the highest award for members of the Merchant Marine by Joint Resolution of Congress on 11 April 1943. During The Second World War the MMDSM was awarded 145 times, 30 awards were posthumous.

The MMDSM is awarded by the U. S. Maritime Administration.

Medal of the Month -November 1998
Army Achievement Medal
	Recommendations for the establishment of the Army Achievement Medal date back to 1975. However, it was not until 2 March 1981 that the Secretary of the Army approved the AAM. The spirit behind the establishment of the Army Achievement Medal was the general feeling among commanders that award criteria for the Army Commendation Medal and the Meritorious service medal placed them beyond the reach of most junior enlisted members (Staff Sergeants and below) and company grade officers. This was due, in large part, because these awards were aimed at a level of responsibility which they could not, by definition, achieve. The AAM follows the Army Commendation Medal in order of precedence. However, unlike the ARCOM, the AAM cannot be awarded in a combat zone. With an estimated 20 percent of all soldiers receiving the Army Achievement Medal every year, it has become the most visible symbol of the Army's Pyramid of Honor.

Medal of the Month -October 1998

Philippine Campaign Medal - Navy and Marine Corps

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The Philippine Campaign Medal for Navy and Marine Corps personnel was authorized on 27 June 1908. Award of the Philippine Campaign Medal was limited to Navy and Marine Corps personnel serving on 64 ships stationed in Philippine waters and four shore stations during specific periods between 4 February 1899 and 10 March 1906.

The original ribbon was red with a single wide center stripe of yellow. In 1913 this ribbon was changed to the same blue and red ribbon used on the Army medal.

Examples of the Navy issue medal exist with both unprefixed and "MNo." prefixed serial numbers. Marine Corps issue medals exist with only unprefixed numbers.

In all, approximately 4,300 Navy and 1,200 Marine Corps medals were issued.