Complete Guide to All United States Military Medals: 1939 to Present

This book is about as complete and up to date as you can find, however it does not include some cold war metals that have been issued in recent years. It would be nice if the publishers came up with an update.

My father and grandfather were both career army officers, so I grew up surrounded by men in uniform and I became reasonably adept at reading an array of decorations and campaign ribbons (and shoulder patches, which this book doesn't address), and thereby the wearer's military career. This large-format color volume has become the recognized authoritative source, yet the information it presents is concise and accurate. After a brief introduction to the early history of American military decorations (pre-World War I, that is), it begins at the top of the honors pyramid with the Medal of Honor in its three forms, the Distinguished Service Cross, the Purple Heart, and on down to the lower-lever personal decorations. Then it considers the special service, good conduct, and other "merit" awards. Finally comes the much larger collection of service and campaign medals, from China and the Philippines through Afghanistan and Iraq. For each item, you'll find the date the award was instituted, the personal or unit criteria, and which branches it applies to. Additional devices (usually for additional awards) are described at some length, which most reference sources like this don't bother with. The limited number of foreign decorations authorized to be worn with the U.S. uniform are also pictured. You'll also a detailed manner-of-wear guide. Finally, the growing number of "ribbon only" awards are briefly discussed; these are a result of the Pentagon's highly questionable policy of "medal inflation," on the grounds that wearing gongs increases morale. (But a ribbon for basing basic training? Gimme a break.) All in all, this is a useful and inexpensive source for the collector, the student and the active duty awards officer (and perhaps the army brat).