awardsmedals

Awards medals are insignia awarded to individuals to recognize achievement, bravery, merit, or long service. The phrase often encompasses both decorative medals and broader award programs that include certificates or diplomas.

Medals are usually issued by sovereign, state, military, or civil authorities and worn on clothing or displayed. They typically consist of a metal disk or emblem attached to a ribbon, with imagery, inscriptions, and sometimes the date or recipient’s name.

Categories include military decorations (valor, merit, and service), campaign or expedition medals, and civilian honors (arts, sciences, public service). Some awards form part of an order or include membership in a chivalric or merit-based order.

Nomination and review: The award process involves eligibility criteria, nominations, and a formal review by a committee or authority. Grants may be approved by the head of state or a minister. Posthumous awards are common in military contexts.

Wear and precedence: Countries publish rules for the order of wear. Medals are worn on uniforms as ribbons or medals; on civilian dress, only ribbons or miniature versions are typically worn.

Notable examples include the Medal of Honor (United States), Victoria Cross (United Kingdom and Commonwealth), Purple Heart, Legion of Merit, Order of Australia, and the French Légion d'honneur.

Historically, medals evolved from gifts or symbols of favor in monarchies to standardized decorations within national honors systems in the 19th and 20th centuries, reflecting military achievement, civilian merit, and national values.