Medals
The gold Navy Wings are the insignia of a Naval Aviator.
The star hanging from the red, white and blue ribbon is The Silver Star Medal, which was awarded twice as shown by the gold star on the ribbon. It can only be earned in combat.
Citations
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The medal with stars in the middle of a shield is The Legion of Merit Medal, awarded twice. The “V” shows they were earned in combat.
The flying eagle hanging from a blue ribbon with gold stripes is The Air Medal, awarded twice.
The eagle on a hexagonal medal hanging from a green ribbon with white stripes is The Combat Action Medal.
The eagle on a circular medal hanging from the red, yellow, red ribbon is The National Defense Service Medal.
The circular medal hanging from a yellow ribbon with red stripes is The Republic of Vietnam Service Medal with 16 stars that denote time in service there
Service medals are placed left to right, and descending, in order of importance and merit.
Navy Wings are earned after completing 18 months of flight training, including landings and takeoffs from an aircraft carrier.
The gold star hanging from the red ribbon with the blue stripe in the middle is The Bronze Star Medal, awarded twice, and in combat as shown by the “V.”
The purple medal with the gold silhouette on the purple ribbon is The Purple Heart Medal, awarded twice. It can only be earned in combat.
The anchor hanging from a green ribbon with orange stripes is The Navy Achievement Medal.
The eagle on a circular medal hanging from a black ribbon with red, white & blue stripes is The Prisoner Of War Medal.
The sunburst star hanging from a green ribbon with white stripes is The Vietnam Cross of Gallantry Medal.
The circular medal hanging from a blue ribbon is The Expert Pistol Medal.
A warrior’s medals are tribute to his or her service for our country, irrespective of the war itself.