ARMY COMMENDATION MEDAL

The Army Commendation Medal is awarded by the U.S. Army for acts of valor, heroism, or meritorious service. The medal ranks below the Bronze Star in awards to combatants, and below the Soldier's Medal in awards to non-combatants.

The medal is a bronze hexagon 1 3/8 inches wide bearing an eagle and a laurel sprig and the words "For military merit" and hangs from a striped ribbon of myrtle green and white.

The medal was initiated on December 6, 1941 and may be awarded to American and allied soldiers below the rank of general. The decision to award the medal is made by an officer above the rank of major general.

There is a similar Navy Commendation Medal.