The United States Armed Forces authorizes certain medal and ribbon devices that may be worn if authorized on a defined set of United States military decorations and awards.[1] The devices vary between 3⁄16 inch to 11⁄32 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.
List of medal and ribbon devices
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.[2][3] The "R" device is to be a bronze letter "R", 1⁄4 inch in size.[4] Both of the devices will be worn if authorized for wear, on specific decorations below the Bronze Star Medal in precedence.[5] The services have a year to implement these changes.[6][7]
The following is a list of U.S. military service devices for medals and ribbons:
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Examples of service ribbons with devices
The following are examples of various devices affixed to different service ribbons:
Silver Star with one bronze oak leaf cluster indicating a total of two awards.
Legion of Merit with one gold 5/16 inch star indicating a total of two awards.
Distinguished Flying Cross with one silver and two bronze oak leaf clusters indicating a total of eight awards.
Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V" (Navy and Marine Corps, gold anodized).
Purple Heart Medal with two gold 5/16 inch stars indicating a total of three awards.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with one silver 3/16 inch service star and Fleet Marine Force(FMF) Combat Operations Insignia indicating a total of six awards.
Vietnam Service Medal with two 3/16 inch campaign stars and Arrowhead device indicating a total of two awards and at least one combat jump
Armed Forces Reserve Medal with bronze Hourglass Device for ten years of service, the "M" Device for mobilization, and the "3" Numeral Device indicating three mobilizations.
