International military decoration authorized by the US military
Encyclopedia
An international decoration is a military award which is not bestowed by a particular country, but rather by an international organization such as the United Nations
or NATO. Such awards are normally issued as service medals, for participation in various international military operations, and not for specific acts of heroism or bravery.
The following is a list of the most commonly recognized international military decorations that has been or is currently awarded to members of the United States military. Such awards are always worn after all United States decorations
before all Foreign decorations
.
The list below is by no means comprehensive, but does display the awards which have been bestowed to U.S. service members by international organizations.
The Assistant Secretary of Defense approved a change to the policy of the wear of United Nations Medal's
.
Effective on 13 October 1995, any US military personnel who is awarded a United Nations Medal may wear the ribbon of the first UN medal for which they qualify. Subsequent awards of the United Nations Medal for service in a different mission is noted by adding a bronze service star to the current ribbon. No more than one UN medal or ribbon may be worn at a time.
To date the following medals are the only NATO Medal's authorized for wear by the US military personnel.
Members may accept, but may not wear the NATO Macedonia Medal and the NATO Non-Article 5 Medal for service in Iraq, under the NTM-I.
United Nations
The United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
or NATO. Such awards are normally issued as service medals, for participation in various international military operations, and not for specific acts of heroism or bravery.
The following is a list of the most commonly recognized international military decorations that has been or is currently awarded to members of the United States military. Such awards are always worn after all United States decorations
Awards and decorations of the United States military
Awards and decorations of the United States Military are military decorations which recognize service and personal accomplishments while a member of the United States armed forces...
before all Foreign decorations
Authorized foreign decorations of the United States military
Authorized foreign decorations of the United States military are those military decorations which have been approved for wear by members of the United States armed forces but whose awarding authority is the government of a country other than the United States....
.
The list below is by no means comprehensive, but does display the awards which have been bestowed to U.S. service members by international organizations.
United Nations
- United Nations Korea Medal
- United Nations MedalUnited Nations MedalThe term United Nations Medal refers to one of several international decorations which are issued by the United Nations to the various militaries of the world for participation in joint international military and police operations such as peacekeeping, humanitarian efforts, and disaster relief...
- United Nations Haiti MedalUnited Nations Mission in HaitiFor the current UN mission to Haiti, see the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti.The United Nations Mission in Haiti — a peacekeeping operation carried out by the United Nations between September 1993 and June 1996. The Mission was reestablished in April 2004, after a rebellion took...
- United Nations Yugoslavia MedalUnited Nations Transitional Administration for Eastern Slavonia, Baranja and Western SirmiumThe United Nations Transitional Authority in Eastern Slavonia, Baranja and Western Sirmium was a UN peacekeeping mission in eastern parts of Croatia between 1996 and 1998...
United Nations Somalia Medal
The Assistant Secretary of Defense approved a change to the policy of the wear of United Nations Medal's
United Nations Medal
The term United Nations Medal refers to one of several international decorations which are issued by the United Nations to the various militaries of the world for participation in joint international military and police operations such as peacekeeping, humanitarian efforts, and disaster relief...
.
Effective on 13 October 1995, any US military personnel who is awarded a United Nations Medal may wear the ribbon of the first UN medal for which they qualify. Subsequent awards of the United Nations Medal for service in a different mission is noted by adding a bronze service star to the current ribbon. No more than one UN medal or ribbon may be worn at a time.
NATO
North Atlantic Treaty Organization- NATO Meritorious Service Medal
Yugoslavia service medalNATO MedalThe NATO Medal is an international military decoration which is awarded to various militaries of the world under the authority of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization . It is manufactured by Eekelers - Centini, International, of Hemiksem, Belgium...- Kosovo service
Macedonia MedalNATO MedalThe NATO Medal is an international military decoration which is awarded to various militaries of the world under the authority of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization . It is manufactured by Eekelers - Centini, International, of Hemiksem, Belgium...
Operations Eagle Assist and Active Endeavor service (Article 5)NATO MedalThe NATO Medal is an international military decoration which is awarded to various militaries of the world under the authority of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization . It is manufactured by Eekelers - Centini, International, of Hemiksem, Belgium...- Operations in the BalkansNATO MedalThe NATO Medal is an international military decoration which is awarded to various militaries of the world under the authority of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization . It is manufactured by Eekelers - Centini, International, of Hemiksem, Belgium...
- Afghanistan service (Non-Article 5)International Security Assistance ForceThe International Security Assistance Force is a NATO-led security mission in Afghanistan established by the United Nations Security Council on 20 December 2001 by Resolution 1386 as envisaged by the Bonn Agreement...
To date the following medals are the only NATO Medal's authorized for wear by the US military personnel.
Members may accept, but may not wear the NATO Macedonia Medal and the NATO Non-Article 5 Medal for service in Iraq, under the NTM-I.
Multinational Force and Observers
Multinational Force and Observers MedalMultinational Force and Observers MedalThe Multinational Force and Observers Medal is an international military decoration which was first created on March 24, 1982. The medal was established under the authority of the Director-General of the Multinational Force and Observers which were established to monitor a neutral ceasefire zone,...
Inter-American Defense Board
- Inter-American Defense Board MedalInter-American Defense Board MedalThe Inter-American Defense Board Medal is an international military award which was created on December 11, 1945, by the 91st session of the Inter-American Defense Board, a Pan-American defense group devoted to the security of the member countries of the Organization of American States.The...
SICOFAA
System of Cooperation Among the American Air Forces- SICOFAA Legion of Merit Gentleman
SICOFAA Legion of Merit Officer- SICOFAA Legion of Merit Grand Cross
See also
Awards and decorations of the United States militaryAwards and decorations of the United States military
Awards and decorations of the United States Military are military decorations which recognize service and personal accomplishments while a member of the United States armed forces...