The United States Armed Forces authorize certain medal and ribbon devices that may be worn if authorized on a defined set of United States military decorations and awards. The devices vary between inch to inch in size and are usually attached to suspension and service ribbons of medals and to unit award ribbons. The devices are usually made of brass or metal alloys that appear gold, silver, or bronze in color with either a dull or polished look. The devices may denote additional awards of the same decoration or award, an award for valor or meritorious combat service, participation in a particular campaign, periods of honorable service, specific events, and other special meanings. These are sometimes referred to as award devices, but are most commonly referred to in service regulations and Department of Defense instructions simply as "devices" for awards and decorations.
On January 7, 2016, the Secretary of Defense approved two new devices for medals and ribbons: a "C" Device which will be affixed to multi-purpose performance awards in recognition of meritorious service under combat conditions and, an "R" Device which will be affixed to non-combat performance awards to specifically recognize remote but direct impact on combat operations.DoD Military Decorations and Awards Review Results (1-36) Retrieved January 10, 2016) The "R" device is to be a bronze letter "R", inch in size. Both of the devices will be worn if authorized for wear, on specific decorations. The services have a year to implement these changes.
The following is a list of U.S. military service devices for medals and ribbons:
Examples of service ribbons with devices The following are examples of various devices affixed to different service ribbons: Legion of Merit with "C" deviceDistinguished Flying Cross with one silver and two bronze Oak Leaf Clusters indicating a total of eight awardsBronze Star Medal with bronze "V" DeviceMeritorious Service Medal with "R" deviceAir Medal, five awards, of which four were for valor, and bronze Strike/Flight numeral 3 (Navy and Marine Corps)Air Medal, five awards, of which one was for valor, one for combat, and one for remoteCoast Guard Achievement Medal with one silver and two gold 5/16 inch stars indicating a total of eight awardsArmy Good Conduct Medal (10 awards)Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with Fleet Marine Force Combat Operation Insignia and one silver 3/16 inch Service Star indicating a total of six awardsVietnam Service Medal with Arrowhead Device indicating at least one combat jump/amphibious assault and two bronze 3/16 inch Campaign StarsNuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal with "N" DeviceAir Force Overseas Short Tour Service Ribbon with Arctic DeviceArmed Forces Reserve Medal with bronze Hourglass Device for ten years of service, "M" Device for mobilization, and "3" Numeral Device indicating three mobilizationsAir Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with gold frameWorld War I Victory Medal with bronze Maltese cross (for Marines fighting in France and not eligible for a battle clasp, also for parts of Navy Medical Corps)American Defense Service Medal with Atlantic deviceArmy of Occupation Medal with Berlin Airlift DeviceCoast Guard Distinguished Marksman Award for RifleCoast Guard Silver Pistol Shot Excellence-In-Competition AwardCoast Guard Bronze Rifle Excellence-In-Competition AwardCoast Guard Pistol Marksmanship Medal (a Coast Guard Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon with silver Expert Device)Navy Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon with bronze Sharpshooter DeviceMissouri National Guard Governors Twelve Ribbon with three hawthorn clusters Unit awards Navy E Ribbon with silver wreathed E device (four or more awards)Navy Presidential Unit Citation with Nautilus deviceNavy Presidential Unit Citation with Globe deviceCoast Guard Presidential Unit Citation with Hurricane DeviceCoast Guard Unit Commendation with Operational Distinguishing Device
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