Award
Authorized foreign decorations of the United States military
are those
military decorations
which have been approved for wear by members of the
United States armed forces
but whose awarding authority is the
government
of a country other than the
United States
.
Policy and determination
[
edit
]
The wear of foreign decorations may either be approved on a case-by-case basis or a general order may be declared allowing for blanket approval to all U.S. service members to wear a particular non-U.S. decoration.
The following is a list of foreign decorations which have been approved at one time for wear on United States military uniforms. Such awards are always worn after all
United States decorations
and before
international military awards
. The list below is by no means comprehensive, but does display the awards which have been bestowed to U.S. service members by the governments of foreign countries.
Awards of specific nations
[
edit
]
Argentina
[
edit
]
Argentinian decorations are only rarely awarded to senior US officers, most of those senior U.S. officers have been in the
United States Southern Command
&
United States Southern Command Air Forces Commander
usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.
Australia
[
edit
]
Australian decorations are only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers, at the
Joint Chiefs of Staff
level
Austria
[
edit
]
This award consists of fifteen classes, of which the second class was awarded to
Dwight D. Eisenhower
.
Bahrain
[
edit
]
Kingdom of Bahrain decorations were only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers. Most of those senior US officers in the
United States Central Command
as "end-of-tour" decorations.
Belgium
[
edit
]
Belgian Orders were awarded to senior U.S. officers, while the War Cross was presented to any rank for valor during
World War I
&
World War II
. A
Fourragere
could also be awarded to individuals in units that were cited twice in the Order of the Day.
[1]
Bolivia
[
edit
]
- Order of Naval Merit
- Order of Aeronautical Merit
Bolivian decorations are only rarely awarded to senior U.S. officers, most of those senior US officers have been in the
United States Southern Command
&
United States Southern Command Air Forces Commander
usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.
Brazil
[
edit
]
Brazil's highest orders of merit were rarely awarded to senior U.S. officers, during
World War II
.
In the 21st century United States military most of those post
World War II
era presentations are still only awarded to senior US officers, most of those senior U.S. officers have been in the
United States Southern Command
&
United States Southern Command Air Forces Commander
usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.
Bulgaria
[
edit
]
- Order of the Madara Horseman
Bulgarian decorations are only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers. Most of those were awarded to the
United States European Command Commander
usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.
Canada
[
edit
]
Canadian decorations were mainly awarded during
World War I
and
World War II
. The
Meritorious Service Cross
and
Meritorious Service Medal
are currently the only Canadian awards still being awarded to US personnel today. Most of those are awarded to senior U.S. officers in the
United States European Command
,
United States Northern Command
or
North American Aerospace Defense Command
usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.
Chile
[
edit
]
Chilean decorations were only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers during
World War II
.
Taiwan
[
edit
]
Taiwanese decorations were only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers during
World War II
.
Colombia
[
edit
]
Colombian decorations are only rarely awarded to senior U.S. officers, most of those senior US officers have been in the
United States Southern Command
&
United States Southern Command Air Forces Commander
usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.
Croatia
[
edit
]
Croatian decorations are only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers. Most of those were awarded to senior US officers in the
United States European Command
usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.
Czechoslovakia / Czech Republic
[
edit
]
Czech
Order of the White Lion
was only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers. The
Czechoslovak War Cross
was a little more commonly awarded to officers, than the
Czech Order of the White Lion
was, during
World War I
and
World War II
.
Cross of Merit of the Minister of Defense First Class are only rarely awarded to the
United States European Command Commander
usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.
Denmark
[
edit
]
Danish decorations were only rarely awarded to senior U.S. officers, during
World War II
.
Ecuador
[
edit
]
Ecuadorean decorations were only rarely awarded to senior U.S. officers, during
World War II
.
Egypt
[
edit
]
Egyptian decorations were only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers. Most of those senior U.S. officers in the
United States Central Command
as "end-of-tour" decorations.
El Salvador
[
edit
]
- Gold Medal for Distinguished Service Medal
Salvadoran decorations are only rarely awarded to senior U.S. officers, most of those senior U.S. officers have been in the
United States Southern Command
&
United States Southern Command Air Forces Commander
usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.
Estonia
[
edit
]
Estonian decorations are only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers. Most of those were awarded to senior U.S. officers in the
United States European Command
usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.
France
[
edit
]
- Croix de Guerre (Cross of War)
- Croix de guerre 1914?1918
- Croix de guerre 1939?1945
- Croix de guerre des Theatres d'Operations Exterieures
-
Fourragere
aux couleurs de la Croix de guerre 1914?1918
French decorations were presented to U.S. service members extensively during
World War I
and
World War II
. By far, the Croix de guerre was the most commonly bestowed decoration to United States service members of all ranks. Today, members of United States
5th Marine Regiment
and
6th Marine Regiment
, the Army's
2nd Infantry Division
, the Army's
3rd Infantry Division
, the Army's 3rd Squadron,
4th Cavalry Regiment
, the 1st BN
U.S. 28th Infantry Regiment
, and the National Guard's
45th Infantry Brigade
Separate Brigade are authorized to wear a
Fourragere
aux couleurs de la Croix de guerre
, signifying the award of three Croix de guerre to each unit during
World War I
, but only while that individual is assigned to the unit. The wearing of the decoration is considered ceremonial and the
fourragere
is not entered as an official military award in permanent service records.
The Legion of Honour was awarded on June 15, 2015, SSgt Greggory Swarz. Staff Sgt. Greggory Swarz, with the 492nd Aircraft Maintenance Unit, received the Legion of Honor during the International Paris Air Show, according to U.S. Air Forces in Europe. Swarz pulled three French airmen out of a fire that erupted after a Greek F-16 crashed on Los Llanos Air Base, Spain, in January during a multinational exercise. The two Greek pilots and nine French airmen died.
[2]
The Legion of Honour was awarded on August 24, 2015, to two US Servicemen. Specialist
Alek Skarlatos
, a National Guardsman based in Oregon, and Airman First Class Spencer Stone, were awarded the Legion of Honour by French President
Francois Hollande
saying they "gave a lesson in courage" by
subduing a heavily armed attacker on a high-speed train carrying 500 passengers to Paris
on August 21, 2015.
[3]
The
National Order of the Legion of Honor
is mostly awarded to senior U.S. officers and Senior Enlisted Advisors in the
United States European Command
usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.
The
National Order of Merit
is awarded to lower ranking U.S. officers (
Brigadier General
-
Major
) and
Senior Non-commissioned officers
assigned to the
United States European Command
usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.
The
French Commemorative Medal
and the
French Medal of National Defense
can be awarded to any foreign military member who has served under French command.
[4]
These are the only French medals still being awarded to U.S. personnel today.
There is an additional badge which can be earned by U.S. Service members upon successful participation and completion of the French Desert Commando Course in
Djibouti
, Africa. The course location is called
Centre d'entrainement au combat d'Arta Plage
, but more currently called CECAD (Centre d'entrainement au combat et d’aguerrissement de Djibouti). The badge is individually serialized to the service member who earned it.
Germany
[
edit
]
- Bundeswehr Cross of Honour for Valour
- Bundeswehr Gold Cross of Honor for Outstanding Deeds
- Bundeswehr Cross of Honor
German decorations have been awarded to United States soldiers beginning as far back as the
American Revolution
. By the time of the
First World War
, German decorations had faded from the military memory of the United States and, during the actual conflict where Germany and America were on opposing sides, the wear of any German decoration by an American soldier would have been unthinkable.
The sole authorization of a
Nazi
decoration to U.S. personnel was in 1938 when the
Order of the German Eagle
was awarded to a small number of U.S. military personnel who had either served in Germany in a diplomatic posting or who had performed an act of service to the German state. The Order was entered in
service records
, but was never authorized for display on a United States uniform.
In the 21st century United States military, the German Proficiency and Marksmanship Badges are far more commonly awarded, mainly to U.S. Army and Air Force personnel. The
Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany
was last awarded to a US officer in 2015 and is today rarely awarded to only very senior U.S. officers. Most of those senior U.S. officers were in the
United States European Command
usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.
Greece
[
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]
Greek decorations were only very rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers, during
World War II
.
Guatemala
[
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]
- Order of the Quetzal
- Guatemalan Armed Forces Cross
- Cross of Military Merit (1st, 2nd and 3rd classes)
Guatemalan decorations are only rarely awarded to senior U.S. officers, most of those senior U.S. officers have been in the
United States Southern Command
&
United States Southern Command Air Forces Commander
usually as "end-of-tour" decorations. Generals MacArthur and Eisenhower were awarded the Cross of Military Merit, 1st Class after World War II.
Haiti
[
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]
Haitian decorations were only rarely awarded to senior U.S. officers, during
World War II
.
Honduras
[
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]
- Honduran Armed Forces Cross
Honduran decorations are only rarely awarded to senior U.S. officers, most of those senior U.S. officers have been in the
United States Southern Command
&
United States Southern Command Air Forces Commander
usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.
Hungary
[
edit
]
Hungarian decorations are only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers. Most of those were awarded to the
United States European Command Commander
usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.
Iceland
[
edit
]
Icelandic decorations are only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers. Most of those were awarded to the
United States European Command Commander
usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.
Iraq
[
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]
- Gold Award of the Iraqi Order of the Date Palm
Iraqi decorations are only awarded to very senior U.S. officers, most of those were awarded to the
Multi-National Force - Iraq Commander
as "end-of-tour" decorations.
To date the
only
person that has been allowed to wear any Iraqi award has been
General Petraeus
,
Multi-National Force - Iraq Commander
.
Israel
[
edit
]
The Service in Israel Medal is awarded to military attaches who serve at least two years in Israel upon the end of their assignment with the
IDF
. First instituted in 2007, it is still a somewhat rare decoration and there are certain restrictions regarding its display (or in some case, even its mention) for U.S. personnel stationed in other Middle Eastern Arab countries who are on unfriendly terms with Israel
[
citation needed
]
.
Italy
[
edit
]
Italian decorations are only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers. The first presentations of Italian decorations to U.S. personnel were made in the months following
World War II
. This was mainly done to foster a new era of friendly relations between the US and Italy.
There are post-World War II presentations, but most of those medals are awarded to officers assigned in
Italy
. The Italian Orders are mainly awarded to senior U.S. officers in the
United States European Command
usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.
Japan
[
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]
The first presentations of Japanese decorations to U.S. personnel were made in the months following
World War II
when the new Japanese government presented several decorations to senior U.S. military officers then in charge of the occupation force garrisoning Japan. This was mainly done to foster a new era of friendly relations between the US and Japan and to recognize the joint and allied nature which the new
Japanese Self Defense Force
would have with the United States armed forces. Some awards were discontinued after the Second World War, such as the Order of the Golden Kite.
Today Japanese decorations are only awarded to senior U.S. officers in the
United States Pacific Command
usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.
Kuwait
[
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]
The Kuwait Liberation Medal was awarded to all U.S. service members who served in the theater of operations during the "Operation Desert Shield" and "Operation Desert Storm" phase of the
Gulf War
, between 2 August 1990 and 31 August 1993.
[5]
Lithuania
[
edit
]
Lithuanian decorations are only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers. But most of those were awarded to the
United States European Command Commander
usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.
Luxembourg
[
edit
]
Luxembourg decorations were presented mainly during
World War II
. There have been some rare post-World War II presentations, but most of those were awarded to the
United States European Command Commander
usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.
The Order of the Gold Lion of the House of Nassau
was founded by Grand Ducal decree on 31 March 1858 by
King-Grand Duke
William III
. The honour was to be shared between both branches of the House of Nassau, under agreement between William,
King of the Netherlands
and
Grand Duke of Luxembourg
, and Adolphe, Duke of Nassau and future Grand Duke of Luxembourg.
International March of Diekirch Medal
, At the completion of 1 20 km march, 1 40 km march, or 2 40 km marches within 48 hours, personnel are entitled to wear the International March of Diekirch Medal.
Mexico
[
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]
Mexican decorations were mainly presented to very senior U.S. officers during
World War II
. There have been some rare post-World War II presentations, but these are mainly confined to the senior ranks of the U.S. military.
Montenegro
[
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]
Montenegrin decorations were only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers during
World War I
.
Morocco
[
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]
- 1913?1956 Order of Ouissan Alaouite
- Order of Ouissam Alaouite
The Order of Ouissam Alaouite was awarded mainly to United States military officers who had served on the
Operation Torch
planning staff during
World War II
. In the film
Patton
,
George C. Scott
plays then
Major General
George S. Patton
who is awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Ouissam Alaouite at the start of the film. There have been some rare post-World War II presentations, but these are mainly confined to the senior ranks of the U.S. military.
The Netherlands
[
edit
]
The Dutch presented awards to U.S. service members mainly during World War II; the
Honorary Sabre
was very rarely awarded to very senior US officers. There have been some rare post-World War II presentations, but most of those were awarded to the
United States European Command Commander
usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.
The Order of the Gold Lion of the House of Nassau
was founded by Grand Ducal decree on 31 March 1858 by
King-Grand Duke
William III
. The honour was to be shared between both branches of the House of Nassau, under agreement between William,
King of the Netherlands
and
Grand Duke of Luxembourg
, and Adolphe, Duke of Nassau and future Grand Duke of Luxembourg.
The
Cross for the Four Day Marches
, also known as the
Holland Four Day Event Cross
, is currently earned by U.S. military personnel who complete the annual event.
[6]
Nicaragua
[
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]
- Nicaraguan Cross of Valor
- Nicaraguan Medal of Military Merit
Nicaraguan medals were somewhat commonly awarded to U.S. Marine and Navy personnel, during the Nicaraguan Campaigns of 1912 & 1933.
Norway
[
edit
]
Norwegian decorations were only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers, during
World War I
&
World War II
.
The
War Cross
is Norway's highest ranking decoration for
gallantry
. It was so rarely awarded to US military personnel, that only two
U.S. officers
have ever received it to date,
CAPT
Alfred Carini and
LTC
Keith N. Allen.
The Royal Order of St. Olav is no longer awarded to foreign citizens, except for state leaders and royals. Foreign citizens may now be awarded the
Royal Norwegian Order of Merit
.
Pakistan
[
edit
]
Pakistani decorations were only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers during World War II. There have been some rare post-World War II presentations, but these are mainly confined to the senior ranks of the U.S. military.
Panama
[
edit
]
Paraguay
[
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]
Paraguayan decorations were only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers during World War II.
Peru
[
edit
]
Peruvian decorations were only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers during World War II. There have been some rare post-World War II presentations, but these are mainly confined to the senior ranks of the U.S. military.
In the 21st century United States military, the awarding of Peruvian decorations are still only rarely awarded to senior US officers, most of those senior US officers have been in the
United States Southern Command
&
United States Southern Command Air Forces Commander
usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.
Philippines
[
edit
]
The
Philippine Medal of Valor
,
Distinguished Conduct Star
and
Philippine Legion of Honor
were only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers, during
World War II
. The
Philippine Defense Medal
,
Philippine Liberation Medal
and
Philippine Independence Medal
were commonly awarded to soldiers and sailors of all ranks during World War II.
Poland
[
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]
Polish decorations were first presented to U.S. senior military leaders in the aftermath of World War II as a measure of thanking the Allies for liberating Poland from
Nazi Germany
.
When Poland fell behind the
Iron Curtain
, awards to U.S. service members all but ceased. In the 21st century, with Poland now a member in
NATO
, awards have resumed to U.S. personnel, but most of those were awarded to the
United States European Command Commander
usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.
The Iraq Star has been awarded to U.S. officers who served with Polish forces in Iraq (
MND-CS
).
The Afghanistan Star has been awarded to U.S. officers who served with Polish forces in Afghanistan (as part of the
ISAF
).
The Polish Army Medal has been awarded by Minister of National Defense
to foreign nationals, military or civilian, who rendered merit in cooperation between the Polish Armed forces and the armed forces of other countries, in particular by supporting peacekeeping operations of the Polish Armed forces, rendered merit in the area of cooperation of international military units including Polish units, contributed to the growth of military potential of the Polish Armed Forces or to dissemination of Polish military history or traditions abroad.
Portugal
[
edit
]
Portuguese Order of Aviz was awarded to very senior U.S. officers, during
World War II
. Most of the medals awarded now in the 21st century United States military, are to the
United States European Command Commander
usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.
Republic of Korea (South Korea)
[
edit
]
- Tong-il Medal
- Gugseon Medal
- Cheon-Su Medal
- Sam-il Medal
- Gwangbog Medal
- Taeguk Cordon Medal
- Eulji Cordon Medal
- Chungmu Cordon Medal
- Hwarang Cordon Medal
- Inheon Cordon Medal
South Korean decorations were first awarded to U.S. service members during the
Korean War
.
The award of Korean medals in the 21st century is mainly confined to senior U.S. military leaders attached to either
USFK
or
CNFK
.
Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam)
[
edit
]
Senior Leadership awards
- Vietnam Army Distinguished Service Order, 1st Class
- Vietnam Army Distinguished Service Order, 2nd Class
- Vietnam Navy Distinguished Service Order, 1st Class
- Vietnam Navy Distinguished Service Order, 2nd Class
- Vietnam Air Force Distinguished Service Order, 1st Class
- Vietnam Air Force Distinguished Service Order, 2nd Class
Individual awards
Unit awards
Other awards
- Vietnam Air Gallantry Cross with Gold Wing Ribbon
- Vietnam Air Gallantry Cross with Silver Wing Ribbon
- Vietnam Air Gallantry Cross with Bronze Wing Ribbon
- Vietnam Navy Gallantry Cross with Gold Anchor Ribbon
- Vietnam Navy Gallantry Cross with Silver Anchor Ribbon
- Vietnam Navy Gallantry Cross with Bronze Anchor Ribbon
Republic of Vietnam military awards (
South Vietnam decorations
) were first awarded to United States service members beginning around 1964. The
Vietnamese Gallantry Cross
and the
Vietnamese Civil Actions Medal
were awarded to some U.S. servicemen for heroism and meritorious service. The
National Order
was awarded to some U.S. military officers who were killed in action and the
Military Merit Medal
was awarded to some U.S. non-officers who were killed in action. The
National Order
and
Distinguished Service Order
was awarded to some senior U.S. military personnel. The
Campaign Medal
were commonly awarded to all U.S. military personnel and the remainder of the decorations were awarded with different frequency between the U.S. service branches and amongst officer/non-officer personnel.
Romania
[
edit
]
Romanian decorations were only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers, during
World War I
and
World War II
. There have been some rare post-World War II presentations, but these are mainly confined to the senior ranks of the U.S. military.
Saudi Arabia
[
edit
]
The Saudi Arabian Kuwait Liberation Medal was a little less commonly awarded to all U.S. service members, it was awarded only during the dates of 17 January 1991 and 28 February 1991 with in-theater service of the
Gulf War
.
Singapore
[
edit
]
Singaporean decorations are very rarely awarded to only senior U.S. officers, at the
Joint Chiefs of Staff
level.
Slovakia
[
edit
]
- Commemorative Medal of the Minister of Defense of the Slovak Republic First Class
Slovakian decorations are only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers. Most of those were awarded to the
United States European Command Commander
usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.
Soviet Union / Russia
[
edit
]
Soviet decorations were only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers during
World War II
. Due to the different
ribbon bar
sizing between US and USSR decorations, Soviet ribbons were also impractical for daily wear on United States uniforms. In addition, by the 1950s at the start of the
Cold War
, most U.S. officers who had been awarded such medals during World War II simply chose to stop wearing them.
Spain
[
edit
]
Spanish decorations were only rarely awarded to senior U.S. officers during
World War II
.
Sweden
[
edit
]
- 1748?1975 Order of the Polar Star
- 1975 ? Present Order of the Polar Star
Swedish decorations were only rarely awarded to senior U.S. officers during
World War II
.
Thailand
[
edit
]
Thai decorations are very rarely awarded to only senior U.S. officers, at the
Joint Chiefs of Staff
level.
Tunisia
[
edit
]
Tunisian decorations were only rarely awarded to senior U.S. officers during
World War II
.
United Arab Emirates
[
edit
]
- Military Merit Order Commander
UAE decorations were only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers during the
Gulf War
. Most of those senior U.S. officers in the
United States Central Command
as "end-of-tour" decorations.
United Kingdom
[
edit
]
Orders of Chivalry
Military Decorations
Campaign Medals
Britain's highest award for gallantry the
Victoria Cross
has only been awarded to one U.S. military member, the
U.S. Unknown Soldier
was awarded the Victoria Cross, on November 11, 1921.
United Kingdom decorations were awarded extensively to U.S. service members during both the
First World War
and
World War II
. The orders of chivalry were reserved mainly for senior U.S. military leaders. The remaining decorations were awarded frequently amongst the entire enlisted and officer corps of the U.S. military. The
Distinguished Flying Cross
was a common decoration for those Americans attached to the
Eagle Squadrons
; when some of those personnel transferred back to the
United States Army Air Forces
after America entered the war, the
British DFC
became a fairly common sight on U.S. uniforms during that time period.
In the 21st century United States military, the awarding of British decorations to U.S. service members is still somewhat common, most often to officers assigned in
England
or other various capacities with
NATO
European based defense groups.
Uruguay
[
edit
]
Uruguayean decorations are only rarely awarded to senior U.S. officers, most of those senior U.S. officers have been in the
United States Southern Command
&
United States Southern Command Air Forces Commander
usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.
Vatican City
[
edit
]
Vatican awards of Pontifical Equestrian Orders of Chivalry are made by the Vatican Secretary of State in the name of the Sovereign Pontiff and may be accepted and retained by U.S. Military personnel as honorary merit awards and not for wear of the U.S. Military Uniform.
[7]
Yugoslavia
[
edit
]
The Order of the White Eagle was only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers, during
World War II
.
See also
[
edit
]
Awards and decorations of the United States Armed Forces
Awards and decorations of the United States government
References
[
edit
]
- "Case Reference Guide for the authorization of military awards and decorations",
Military Personnel Records Center
;
St. Louis
,
Missouri
- SECNAVINST 1650.1H (Navy Awards Manual)
- AFI 36-2803 (Air Force Awards and Decorations Program)
- AR 670-1 Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia
[1]
- AR 600-8-22 Military Awards Appendix D, Foreign Badges, and E, Foreign Awards
[2]