Medals for Soldiers and Airmen : Awards and Decorations of the United States Army and Air Force

"This is the first and only comprehensive history of all military decorations and medals that may be awarded to men and women serving in the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force. The background and design of each medal is examined, as well as award criteria governing each decoration."--Provided by publisher.;Decorations for valor in combat -- Decorations and medals for noncombat valor -- Dual purpose decorations for performance or valor -- Awards and decorations for outstanding achievement or meritorious service -- Appendices -- Order of precedence -- Certifcate of merit -- Oak leaf cluster -- "V" device. This is the first and only comprehensive history of all decorations and medals that may be awarded to men and women serving in the United States Army and Air Force. The background and design of each medal are examined, as well as award criteria governing each decoration. The book first looks at the Army and Air Force Medals of Honor before continuing with other awards, including the Distinguished Service Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, Air Force Cross, Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart. The histories of more common medals like the Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army and Air Force Commendation Medals and Army and Air Force Achievement Medals are also included. Photographs of each medal (obverse and reverse) accompany the text, along with selected photographs of recipients and the citations for their awards.