United States Military medals have been a lifelong obsession for me, and how and why these honors have been given out is something I’ve done some serious research about. The United States Army is my particular field of interest, and more specifically, what medals and ribbons one can achieve in his or her military career there. The Army Commendation Medal is one in particular I’ve taken a very close look at recently and the details of what this medal is all about something I’d like to share today in the following article titled Army Commendation Medal: How is it earned?
The Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM) is a mid-level award that is granted for consistent acts of heroism or meritorious service. The award is given by local commanders, allowing for generous interpretation of the criteria for which the medal is given. For actions where such performance was in immediate contact with an enemy force, the Valor device is approved as an attachment to the decoration. The ARCOM is frequently given to enlisted members and junior officers as an end-of-tour award. Additional awards are denoted by oak leaf clusters.
The Army Commendation Medal is a bronze hexagon, measuring 1 3/8 inches wide.
On the face of the medal, an American bald eagle — with wings outstretched horizontally — clutches three crossed arrows in its talons. The eagle has a shield play of thirteen sections and a chief. On the reverse side, there is space for a name between the words “For Military” and “Merit,” all situated above a sprig of laurel. The Army Commendation Medal’s ribbon is 1 3/8 inches wide. It has a total of 12 stripes. The edges of the ribbon are both white and the ribbon is primarily myrtle green. In the center are five thin white stripes spaced equally apart.
The Army Commendation Medal wasn’t always the iconic medal it is today. Originally, the ARCOM was a ribbon-only award to those whose actions did not warrant being awarded the Bronze Star or Air Medal, like acting outside of operational areas, and subsequently became a peacetime version of the Bronze Star or Air Medal. Retroactive awards of the Commendation Ribbon were authorized for any individuals who had received a Letter of Commendation from a Major General or higher before January 1, 1947
In 1949 the notion to change the Commendation Ribbon to a medal was approved to become a ribbon with a pendant. It wasn’t until 1960 the Army Commendation award was completely redesigned to the medal we know today! But the changes didn’t stop there; in 1962 the authorization for the medal changed to allow members of the Armed Forces of a friendly nation for the same level of achievement or service which was mutually beneficial to that nation and the United States. Now it is a highly regarded U.S. Army award.
Receiving a medal for your service while serving the nation is one of the greatest achievements an American can attain. The fact that one criteria for getting the Army Commendation medal is a performance which was in immediate contact with an enemy force makes this award extremely special. And having the valor device attached to the medal you receive makes it one you will want to wear proudly even after you are discharged from the Army. My grandfather wore his Army Officer uniform along with his rank insignia and medals to my wedding and it was one of the most proud moments of my life. I still have all of the medals my family has earned from the armed services displayed prominently in my home, and I never miss a chance to tell anyone who asks about them the long and storied tale of my family’s great service to the nation. Having these medals as a reminder of my family’s achievements is something I am very proud of and I recommend anyone who has family members who have earned such awards to do the same and display them with reverence.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
