To the United States Army, medals are more than glamorous trimmings. U.S. Army Medals represent real stories — stories of risk, determination, and situations where slowing down just wasn’t an option. Etched on a general’s chest or in the drawer of a retired soldier, each medal is evidence of service.
In this article, we’re not just listing medals. We are exploring what they stand for, why they matter, and how they reflect real life sacrifices behind every battlefield decision. From rare honors to more familiar awards. Here is a genuine look at the top 10 military medals in the US Army.
Comparison Table: U.S. Army Military Medals Overview
| Medal | Reason for Award | Type of Recognition |
|---|---|---|
| Medal of Honor | Bravery far beyond the call of duty, usually involving extreme risk to life | Highest Valor |
| Distinguished Service Cross | Extraordinary heroism in combat, just below Medal of Honor standards | Second-Highest Valor |
| Silver Star | Gallantry and leadership under fire in direct combat | Combat Heroism |
| Bronze Star Medal | Heroism or meritorious service in a combat zone | Valiant Service |
| Army Distinguished Service Medal | Exceptional service in positions of great responsibility | Strategic Leadership |
| Soldier’s Medal | Heroism away from combat, such as life-saving actions | Non-Combat Heroism |
| Purple Heart | Wounded or killed in action during combat | Personal Sacrifice |
| Meritorious Service Medal | Exceptional non-combat service, including leadership and logistics | Operational Excellence |
| Army Commendation Medal | Meritorious service or sustained acts of heroism | Consistent Dedication |
| Army Achievement Medal | Short-term achievements or specific contributions | Early Career Recognition |
Top 10 US Army Medals
1. Medal of Honor
It’s impossible to start this list with anything else. The Medal of Honor stands as the ultimate recognition a soldier can receive. Not given lightly, it’s reserved for those whose bravery went far beyond expectations — usually at the cost of serious risk to life. Since its inception during the Civil War, less than 4,000 soldiers have received it. When you see this medal, you’re not just seeing metal; you’re seeing survival against the odds.
2. Distinguished Service Cross
Next in line is the Distinguished Service Cross — awarded for extraordinary heroism. Often referred to as the Army’s second highest honor, it recognizes soldiers who performed bravely in combat but in situations just short of Medal of Honor standards. For many military historians, the stories behind these medals are just as intense.
3. Silver Star
The Silver Star speaks of gallantry in action. Whether facing gunfire directly or leading under pressure, recipients of this medal stood their ground in some of the world’s most dangerous places. It’s an award both respected and remembered.
4. Bronze Star Medal
Unlike medals exclusively for heroism, the Bronze Star Medal also acknowledges meritorious service in a combat zone. It’s a common sight on veterans’ uniforms — a quiet recognition of reliable, consistent courage in the face of conflict.
5. Army Distinguished Service Medal
This medal isn’t about heroism in the conventional sense. Instead, it honors exceptional service in positions of great responsibility. Senior officers often receive it after overseeing large operations or contributing to military strategy on a grand scale.
6. Soldier’s Medal
This is where battlefield combat isn’t required. The Soldier’s Medal rewards heroism away from combat, whether pulling comrades from burning vehicles or rescuing civilians during disasters. It shows that service isn’t always about who you fight, but who you save.
7. Purple Heart
Perhaps the most recognized U.S. military medal worldwide. The Purple Heart carries a personal meaning — it’s awarded to those wounded or killed in action. Unlike other medals, it isn’t given for what you did, but for what happened to you while serving.
8. Meritorious Service Medal
Behind every major battle, there are countless acts of quiet efficiency — planning, logistics, leadership. The Meritorious Service Medal recognizes that kind of contribution, rewarding those who held the Army together during both war and peace.
9. Army Commendation Medal
Awarded for meritorious service or sustained acts of heroism, the medal may not have the immediate cachet of the foregoing awards, but it is among soldiers a genuine acknowledgement of consistent dedication.
10. Army Achievement Medal
Rounding out the list is the Army Achievement Medal. Given for shorter-term or specific achievements, it’s often a soldier’s first formal award. But like all medals, it means something — marking milestones along the way to bigger things.
Why Military Medals Still Mean Something?
In the era of drone strikes and cyber warfare, you may ask whether medals have the same significance. The answer is straightforward: they do. Each medal honors a real individual who made real decisions under impossible circumstances. Collectors know this, which is the reason why military medals — original and replica — continue to be sought after.
It’s not just about collecting objects. It’s about collecting stories.
For those interested in military collectibles, platforms like Miltrade offer a way to own part of this legacy. From medals to military vehicles — jeeps, tanks, trailers — the marketplace connects buyers and sellers across the world who share a respect for military history.
Where Collectors and Buyers Look?
Military medals carry value beyond sentiment. Collectors actively search for original medals, presentation boxes, award certificates, and even vintage photographs of recipients. Websites like Miltrade help enthusiasts and sellers find rare items linked to American military history.
Final Thought
Every medal tells a story. Some medals come after heroic last stands. Others after years of quiet service. Whether you are a soldier or a collector, or someone who respects the sacrifices of the armed forces, understanding these medals offers a new perspective on the meaning of military service.
FAQs
1. Why is the Medal of Honor the only one of all US Army medals?
The Medal of Honor is not only the most honored military decoration — it’s the least awarded. The Silver Star or Bronze Star may honor heroism or meritorious service, but solely the Medal of Honor is given to a soldier whose courage is considered of the exceptional type. This typically involves risking life in excess and beyond duties demand, and usually at the risk of personal sacrifice.
2. Are U.S. Army medals relevant to wars today being fought by technology and drones?
Yes. Technology and drones are engaged in war today, but human leadership and bravery are still at its core. Medals are the manner by which the Army officially honors those moments when a soldier — in combat or in front of a computer console — exceeds orders and shows extraordinary ability, bravery, or dedication.
3. Can the Purple Heart or Bronze Star category of military medals legally be stockpiled?
Yes, for the most part. While it is illegal to sell current issue medals to living personnel, most of the older or excess medals issued in past conflicts (i.e., WWII, Korea, Vietnam) are legally available from militaria sellers and sites like Miltrade. Not only are the medals themselves valuable to collectors, but their history and paperwork are also valuable to collectors.
4. Why are certain medals less flashy in appearance, like the Army Achievement Medal, than higher awards like the Distinguished Service Cross?
Because medals such as the Army Achievement Medal exist to reward consistent performance or solo achievement, they’re handed out more freely across the ranks. Higher awards like the Distinguished Service Cross are reserved for heroic combat acts and therefore by their nature are less numerous.
5. Where do collectors or enthusiast buy authentic U.S. Army medals and other war memorabilia?
Professional collectors probably use well-reputed websites such as Miltrade, which specialize in military trucks, medals, and historical artifacts. From buying a WWII vintage jeep, an ex-armored vehicle, to authentic USA Army medals, Miltrade brings the buyers and sellers of the military history fraternity together.
