he Badge of Military Merit, established by General George Washington on August 7, 1782, was the first authorized U.S. military decoration. A piece of cloth in the form of a heart, this decoration was intended to recognize servicemen who displayed unusual gallantry or extraordinary fidelity. Only three are known to have been awarded, and the award fell into disuse after the Revolutionary War. General Douglas MacArthur revived it as the Purple Heart in 1932.

The Medal of Honor was the next decoration to be specifically designed and authorized for U.S. service members. It was established on December 21, 1861, by President Abraham Lincoln for enlisted men of the Navy and Marine Corps. Its use was later expanded to include enlisted men and officers of all services.

Since that time, many decorations have evolved. Changes in eligibility criteria have been made over the years, and, in some cases, decorations have fallen into disuse. However, the basic hierarchy remains unchanged. The Medal of Honor remains the highest military decoration that this nation can bestow upon a service member, and lesser degrees of recognition are acknowledged by other decorations in descending order.

This Web site provides graphics of the decorations and awards that may be earned by service members of the armed forces, as well as the order of precedence for wearing individual decorations and awards.

Bush Establishes Medals for Global War on Terror

WASHINGTON — President Bush has issued an executive order establishing two military awards for actions in the global war on terrorism.

The president signed the order March 12 establishing the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

A White House spokesman said the medals recognize the "sacrifices and contributions" military members make in the global war on terror.

The Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal will be awarded to service members who serve in military expeditions to combat terrorism on or after Sept. 11, 2001. Operation Enduring Freedom is the prime operation the medal may be awarded for. Personnel assigned to operations in Afghanistan and the Philippines are examples of service members who will receive the award.

The Global War on Terrorism Service Medal will be awarded to service members who serve in military operations to combat terrorism on or after Sept. 11, 2001. Operation Noble Eagle is an example of the type of operation the medal may be awarded for. more