Civilian decorations of the United States
Civilian decorations of the United States are civil decorations of the United States of America which are bestowed by various agencies of the United States government for acts of accomplishment benefiting the nation as a whole. Contrary to the awards and decorations of the United States military, U.S. civilian decorations are typically issued for sustained meritorious service over a period of time rather than for a specific heroic or meritorious act.
United States civilian awards are issued by federal, state, and local authorities with the most recognizable decorations issued on the federal level. Certain other civilian decorations may be authorized for wear on U.S. military uniforms, upon approval of the military service departments. Each of the military branches also maintains their own series of civilian decorations separate from military awards.
The following is a listing of articles pertaining to United States civilian decorations.
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[edit] Federal government
- Awards and decorations of the United States government
- Awards and decorations of the United States Merchant Marine