List of decorations awarded by the United States National Guard

Awards and decorations of the National Guard are presented to members of the National Guard (United States) and sometimes to members of the state defense forces in addition to regular United States military decorations. Each of the state governments of the United States maintains a series of military decorations for issuance to members of the National Guard, with such awards presented under the authority of the various state adjutants general.

Active or reserve federal forces veterans who subsequently serve in the National Guard wear all federal awards first, then state awards. Those National Guard soldiers and airmen who subsequently serve in the active or reserve federal forces of the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or United States Air Force (i.e., as active duty or reserve members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard) may not continue to wear and display such decorations on a military uniform, unless such activation is under Title 32 status. Active duty regulations allow federal soldiers, airmen, sailors and Marines to accept but not to wear state awards.

Most states authorize the wear of other states' awards if a soldier or airman has earned awards from a state or territory to which he or she is not presently assigned. The order of precedence is typically the presently assigned state, followed by awards from the District of Columbia, then other states by their order of admission.

The following is a list of National Guard decorations, as issued by each of the fifty United States; Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia.

Alabama

Alabama National Guard State Awards:^[1]

Alabama Distinguished Service Medal
Alabama Commendation Medal
Alabama Phenix City Civil Disturbance Medal
Alabama Operation Desert Storm Ribbon
Alabama Veterans Service Medal
Alabama National Emergency Service Medal
Alabama Special Service Medal
Alabama Faithful Service Medal
Alabama Recruiting Ribbon
Alabama Active Duty Basic Training Medal

Alaska

Alaska National Guard State Awards:^[2]

Alaska Decoration of Honor
Alaska Heroism Medal
Alaska Distinguished Service Medal
Alaska Legion of Merit
Alaska Meritorious Service Medal
Alaska Air Medal
Alaska Commendation Medal
Alaska Achievement Medal
Alaska Humanitarian Service Medal
Alaska State Service Medal
Alaska Community Service Medal
Alaska Domestic Emergency Ribbon
Alaska Marksmanship Medal
Alaska Homeland Security Medal
Alaska Recruiting Ribbon
Alaska State Partnership Program Ribbon
Alaska Cold War Victory Ribbon
Alaska Territorial Guard Medal
Alaska Governor's Distinguished Unit Citation
Adjutant General's Marksmanship Proficiency Award (Badge)
Governor's Twenty Award (Tab)

Arizona

Arizona National Guard State Awards:

Arizona Medal of Valor
Arizona Adjutant General's Medal
Arizona Distinguished Service Medal
Arizona Meritorious Service Medal
Arizona Exceptionally Long Service Medal
Arizona Long Service Medal
Arizona Service Ribbon
Arizona Military Academy Ribbon (OCS)
Arizona Military Academy Ribbon (NCO) (No longer awarded)
Arizona Southwest Asia Service Support Ribbon
Arizona State Active Duty Service Ribbon
Arizona Re-enlistment Ribbon
Arizona Community Service Ribbon
Arizona Initial Active Duty for Training Ribbon (No longer awarded)
Arizona Recruiting Ribbon
Arizona Honor Attendance Ribbon (No Longer Awarded)

Arkansas

Arkansas National Guard State Awards:

Arkansas Medal of Honor
Arkansas Military Medal
Arkansas Distinguished Service Medal
Arkansas Exceptional Service Medal
Arkansas Commendation Medal
Arkansas Federal Service Ribbon
Arkansas Service Ribbon
Arkansas Emergency Service Ribbon
Arkansas Homeland Defense Ribbon
Arkansas Recruiting Ribbon
Arkansas Military Funeral Honors Service Ribbon (Picture Unavailable)

California

:

California Medal of Valor
California Military Cross
Order of California
CA Legion of Merit.
California Medal of Merit
California Commendation Medal
CA Achievement Medal
California Good Conduct Medal
California Service Medal
California Enlisted Trainers Excellence Ribbon
California Enlisted Excellence Ribbon
California Recruiting Achievement Ribbon
California National Guard Federal Service Ribbon
California State Service Ribbon
California Senior Enlisted Leadership Ribbon
California Counterdrug Service Ribbon
California Drill Attendance Ribbon
California Memorial Medal
California Governor's Outstanding Unit Citation
California Commanding General's Meritorious Unit Citation

Colorado

:

Colorado Meritorious Conduct Medal
Colorado Meritorious Service Medal
Colorado Soldier/Airman of the Year Award
Colorado Commendation Ribbon
Colorado Achievement Ribbon
Colorado NCO Command Tour Ribbon
Colorado Active Service Medal
Colorado Long Service Medal
Colorado TAG Outstanding Unit Citation
Colorado State Emergency Service Ribbon
Colorado State Foreign Deployment Service Ribbon
Colorado State Mobilization Support Ribbon
Colorado Recruiting Ribbon

Connecticut

Connecticut National Guard State Awards:

Connecticut Medal of Valor - "The Adjutant General and two officers of field grade or above, detailed by the Adjutant General, shall act as a board to receive recommendations through military channels for the award of the medal of valor to any member of the armed forces of the state who, by reason of conspicuous gallantry, at the risk of his life, above and beyond the call of duty, while on military service, is recommended for the award of such medal of valor, and to make such awards as the board finds suitable."
Connecticut Medal of Merit - "The Adjutant General and two officers of field grade or above, appointed by the Adjutant General, shall constitute a board of officers to receive recommendations, through military channels, for the award of the medal of merit to any member of the armed forces of the state who has distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious conduct in performing outstanding service while a member of the armed forces of the state and to make such awards as the board finds suitable."
Connecticut Medal of Achievement - "The Adjutant General and two officers of field grade or above, appointed by the Adjutant General, shall constitute a board of officers to receive recommendations, through military channels, for the award, within available appropriations, of the medal of achievement to any member of the armed forces of the state, as defined in section 27-2, the armed forces of the United States or the armed forces of any other state, who has distinguished himself or herself through outstanding achievement or meritorious service during the performance of any state military service. A bronze oak leaf cluster shall be issued in lieu of succeeding awards and a silver oak leaf cluster shall be worn in lieu of five bronze oak leaf clusters."
Connecticut Veteran Wartime Service Medal - "The Commissioner of Veterans Affairs in conjunction with the Adjutant General shall award a ribbon and medal to each veteran who served in time of war, as defined in subsection (a) of section 27-103, and who either (1) was a resident of this state at the time he or she was called to active duty for such service, or (2) is domiciled in this state on the date of such award. The commissioner in conjunction with the Adjutant General shall adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, setting forth the process for designing the ribbon and medal, identifying veterans who are eligible for the ribbon and medal under this section and establishing procedures for distributing the ribbon and medal to each eligible veteran. The cost of the ribbons and medals shall be paid from the funds appropriated to the military assistance account within the Military Department. Within existing budgetary resources, awards under this section may be made posthumously for veterans who died on or after November 12, 1918."^[3]
Connecticut Long Service Medal - "The Adjutant General, upon receipt of an application, shall present the long service medal adopted by this state to each soldier or sailor who has completed ten years' faithful service in the armed forces of the state and for each additional five years' service therein the adopted clasp in exchange. In the determination of length of service, the term of service of any member of the armed forces of the state with the military or naval forces of the United States in time of war since April 21, 1898, upon proof of honorable discharge from the same, may be added to the number of years served with the armed forces of the state."
Connecticut Mobilization Service Ribbon (Formerly the Connecticut Desert Storm Campaign Ribbon) - "The Adjutant General may issue an appropriate service ribbon to members of the National Guard or organized militia who were called to active service in the armed forces of the state or United States for at least thirty consecutive days in support of any military operation commencing after September 11, 2001, during a time of war, as defined in section 27-103. A bronze service star shall be issued in lieu of succeeding awards and a silver service star shall be worn in lieu of five bronze stars. The ribbon may be awarded posthumously."^[4]
Connecticut Emergency Service Ribbon - "The Adjutant General, at his or her discretion, may issue an appropriate service ribbon to all members of the armed forces of the state ordered to active duty in time of emergency for upholding the law and preserving order, protecting lives and property, assisting civil authorities, providing aid and relief to civilians in disaster or similar service ordered by the Governor. A bronze oak leaf cluster shall be issued in lieu of succeeding awards and a silver oak leaf cluster shall be worn in lieu of five bronze oak leaf clusters."
Connecticut Selected Reserve Force Medal - "The Adjutant General may issue the selected reserve force ribbon to members of the armed forces of the state who have served honorably in a selected reserve force unit designated by the United States Army for a period of at least one year from October 1, 1965, to September 3, 1969, inclusive. The award may be issued to current, retired or separated members of the armed forces of the state, and may be awarded posthumously."
Connecticut Outstanding Unit Award - "The Adjutant General shall issue an appropriate service ribbon to all members of the unit declared to be the outstanding company-size unit in the Connecticut National Guard in accordance with National Guard regulations, provided such members participated in at least fifty per cent of the unit's training activities during the period covered by the award. A bronze oak leaf cluster shall be issued in lieu of succeeding awards and a silver oak leaf cluster shall be worn in lieu of five bronze oak leaf clusters."
Connecticut Soldier/Airman/NCO of the Year Ribbon - "The Adjutant General shall issue an achievement ribbon to the soldier, airman and noncommissioned officer of the year in the Connecticut National Guard."
Connecticut Joint Recruiting Ribbon - "Except as provided in this section, the Adjutant General shall issue a military recruitment ribbon to each member of the armed forces of the state, as defined in section 27-2 of the general statutes, who has assisted in the recruitment of three persons, which persons enlist as new members of the armed forces of the state on or after July 1, 2017, complete basic training and qualify for a military occupational specialty. A bronze oak leaf cluster shall be issued in lieu of succeeding awards and a silver oak leaf cluster shall be worn in lieu of five bronze oak leaf clusters. Any member of the armed forces of the state who is assigned as a military recruiter shall not be eligible for such ribbon during such assignment."

Delaware

:

Delaware Conspicuous Service Cross - Awarded for heroism, praiseworthy execution of duties over a period of time, or outstanding achievement which impacts the greater good of the State and its inhabitants.^[5]
Delaware Distinguished Service Medal - Awarded for praiseworthy execution of duties not to the extent of the DECSC or outstanding achievement of a single or specific act or accomplishment separate and distinct from regularly assigned duties for the greater good of the Delaware National Guard.^[6]
Delaware Medal for Military Merit - Awarded for meritorious service or outstanding achievement over a period of time not to the extent of the DECSC or DEDSM. Usually based on permanent change of assignment, completed period of service, or retirement. Awarded for every 10 years of honorable service. Recognizes a single, specific act or accomplishment separate from regularly assigned duties. To recognize proficiency in military studies, it is awarded to members who complete a military course of 80 hours or more and who are designated as "honor" or "distinguished honor" graduates.^[7]
Delaware National Guard Medal - Awarded to any member of the DENG who has been called to federal mobilization by the President of the United States.^[8]
Delaware National Defense Service Ribbon - Awarded to all members serving honorably in the DENG during the period 1 AUG 1990 to 31 AUG 1991, dates inclusive and 11 SEP 2001 to a date to be determined.^[9]
Delaware Medal for Service in Aid to Civil Authority - Awarded to any person serving in the DENG who has been called upon by the Governor to assist the civil authorities in the preservation of law and order.^[10]
Delaware Recruiting Ribbon - Awarded to individuals who have excelled in the field of recruiting in the DENG, and for those who are responsible for enlisting or appointing five individuals in the DENG.^[11]
Delaware Physical Fitness Ribbon - Awarded to all DENG members who distinguish themselves by scoring 250-300 points on the Army Physical Fitness Test.^[12]
Delaware National Guard Governor's Meritorious Unit Award - Awarded to those units which distinguish themselves by outstanding achievement above that of other similar units in the DENG. Unit must report an average assigned strength of over 90% per year, maintain not less than 90% paid drill attendance during the qualifying year, achieve a satisfactory rating on the General Inspection with no unsatisfactory ratings in any sub-areas, and attain the training level objective prescribed for the qualifying year.^[13]
Delaware National Guard Unit Strength Award - Awarded to those units which achieve and maintain 95% strength during the designated year, maintain not less than 80% paid drill attendance, and a re-enlistment rate of 75% for the period.^[14]

Subsequent Awards: Gold Star - The gold star represents subsequent entitlements for the Delaware Conspicuous Service Cross and the Delaware National Guard Medal. The gold star is 3/16" in diameter and will be affixed to the ribbon of the medal.^[15] Bronze Numerals - The bronze numeral represents subsequent entitlements of the Delaware Distinguished Service Medal, Delaware Medal for Military Merit, Delaware National Defense Service Ribbon, Delaware Medal for Service in Aid to Civil Authority, Delaware Recruiting Ribbon, and the Delaware Physical Fitness Ribbon. The bronze numeral is 3/16" in diameter and will be affixed to the ribbon of the medal.^[16]

District of Columbia

District of Columbia National Guard District Awards:

District of Columbia Distinguished Service Medal
District of Columbia Meritorious Service Medal
District of Columbia Commendation Medal
District of Columbia Achievement Medal
District of Columbia Homeland Defense Medal (ribbon has three red stars in the center.
District of Columbia NCO Commendation Ribbon
District of Columbia Enlisted Excellence Ribbon
District of Columbia Long and Faithful Service Medal (one medal for three years, recognition for five years and additional five-year increments noted with Roman Numerals up to 45 years)
District of Columbia Emergency Service Ribbon [Note National Guardsmen who responded to protecting the DC Capital Jan-Mar 2021 are eligible to receive one or both of these two ribbons Stars and Stripes March 5,2021]
District of Columbia Recognition Ribbon
District of Columbia Special Award Ribbon
District of Columbia Recruiting and Retention Ribbon (deactivated)
District of Columbia Community Service Ribbon
District of Columbia Ceremonial/Drill Team/Color Guard Ribbon
District of Columbia Active Duty Ribbon (Deactivated)
District of Columbia Attendance Ribbon
District of Columbia Commanding General's Outstanding Unit Award
District of Columbia Presidential Inauguration Support Ribbon [Note: National Guardsmen who responded to protecting the DC Capital Jan-Mar 2021 are eligible to receive one or both of these two ribbons Stars and Stripes March 5,2021]

Florida

Florida National Guard State Awards:

Florida Cross
Florida Distinguished Service Medal
Florida Service Medal
Florida Commendation Medal
Florida Meritorious Service Ribbon
Florida Service Ribbon
Florida State Active Duty Ribbon
Florida Recruiting Ribbon
Florida Retention Ribbon
Florida Governor's Meritorious Unit Citation
Florida Counterdrug Ribbon

Georgia

Georgia National Guard State Awards:

Georgia Distinctive Service Medal
Georgia Oglethorpe Distinguished Service Medal
Georgia Medal for Valor^[17]
Georgia Injury Medal (approved but not issued)
Georgia Superior Service Medal (approved but not issued)
Georgia Meritorious Service Medal^[18]
Georgia DoD Commendation Medal (approved but not issued)
Georgia Commendation Medal ^[19]
Georgia Distinguished Foreign Service Medal ^[20]
Georgia Selected Reserve Force Ribbon
Georgia Special Operations Ribbon
Georgia Olympic Ribbon
Georgia Humanitarian Service Ribbon
Georgia Service Medal ^[21]
Georgia Active Duty Ribbon
Georgia Counter Narcotics/Drug Support Service Ribbon
Georgia Recruiting
Georgia Distinguished Unit Ribbon ^[22]

Guam

Guam Cross of Valor
Distinguished Service Medal of Guam
Guam Commendation Medal
Organizational Medal
Faithful Service Medal of Guam
Recruiting bar
Counter Drug Service
Operation Desert Storm Meritorious Service Medal

Hawaii

Hawaii National Guard State Awards:

Hawaii Medal of Honor
Hawaii Medal for Valor
Hawaii Distinguished Service Order
Hawaii Medal for Merit
Hawaii Commendation Medal
Hawaii Service Medal (type 2)
Hawaii State Active Duty Ribbon
Hawaii 1968 Federal Service Ribbon
Hawaii Active Duty Basic Training Ribbon
Hawaii Hurricane Iniki Ribbon
Hawaii Operation Kokua Ribbon
Hawaii Recruiting Ribbon

Idaho

Idaho National Guard State Awards:

Idaho Cross
Idaho Distinguished Service Medal
Idaho Meritorious Service Medal
Idaho Emergency Service Ribbon
Idaho Army National Guard Recruiting Ribbon
Idaho Air National Guard Recruiting Ribbon
Idaho Reenlistment Ribbon
Idaho State Service Ribbon
Idaho Basic Training Ribbon
Idaho Governor's Outstanding Unit Citation
Idaho Adjutant General's Excellence Award

Illinois

Awards and decorations of the Illinois National Guard:

Illinois Military Medal of Valor
Illinois Military Distinguished Service Medal
Illinois Military Medal of Merit
Illinois Military Long and Honorable Service Medal
Illinois Recruiting Ribbon
Illinois Military Attendance Ribbon
Illinois State Active Duty Service Ribbon
Lincoln Medal Of Freedom
Illinois First Sergeant Ribbon

Indiana

Indiana National Guard State Awards:

Indiana Distinguished Service Cross
Indiana Distinguished Service Medal
Indiana Commendation Medal
Indiana Operation Desert Shield/Storm Service Medal
Indiana Korean Service Medal
Indiana Homeland Defense Ribbon
Indiana Emergency Service Ribbon
Indiana Overseas Service Ribbon
Indiana OCONUS Service Ribbon
Indiana Long Service Medal
Indiana Recruiting Ribbon
Indiana Retention Ribbon
Indiana Funeral Honors Ribbon

Iowa

Iowa National Guard State Awards:

Iowa Medal of Valor
Iowa Distinguished Service Medal
Iowa Medal of Merit
Iowa Meritorious Service Medal
Iowa Commendation Medal
Iowa State Service Ribbon
Iowa Humanitarian Service Ribbon
Iowa Leadership Ribbon
Iowa Active Duty Training Ribbon
Iowa Recruiting Ribbon
Iowa Selected Reserve Force Ribbon
Iowa CFP/FSB Ribbon
Iowa Outstanding Unit Award

Kansas

Kansas National Guard State Awards:^[23]

Kansas Medal of Excellence
Kansas Distinguished Service Medal
Kansas Governor's Medal
Kansas Patriot Medal
Kansas Meritorious Service Medal
Kansas Commendation Ribbon
Kansas National Guard Achievement Ribbon
Kansas Outstanding Guardsman Ribbon (ARNG)
Kansas Outstanding Guardsman Ribbon (ANG)
Kansas State Emergency Service Ribbon (ARNG)
Kansas State Emergency Service Ribbon (ANG)
Kansas Homeland Defense Ribbon (ARNG) (correct order of precedence)
Kansas Counter-drug Service Ribbon
Kansas First Sergeant Ribbon
Kansas Recruiting Ribbon
Kansas Service Medal

Kentucky

Kentucky National Guard Commonwealth Awards:^[24]

Kentucky Medal for Valor
Kentucky Distinguished Service Medal
Kentucky Merit Ribbon
Kentucky Army National Guard Warrant Officer of the Year
Kentucky Outstanding Airman/Soldier Ribbon
Kentucky Commendation Ribbon
Kentucky Berlin Crisis Service Ribbon
Kentucky National Guard Recruiting Award
Kentucky Faithful Service Ribbon (20 years)
Kentucky State Active Duty Ribbon
Kentucky National Guard ROTC Achievement Medal
Kentucky National Guard Thirty Year Ribbon
Kentucky Counterdrug Ribbon

Louisiana

Louisiana National Guard State Awards:

Louisiana Medal of Honor
Louisiana Distinguished Service Cross
Louisiana Distinguished Service Medal
Louisiana Legion of Merit
Louisiana Cross of Merit
Louisiana Commendation Medal
Louisiana Achievement Ribbon
Louisiana Recruiting Ribbon
Louisiana Retention Ribbon
Louisiana Distinguished Civilian Service Medal
Louisiana War Cross
Louisiana Cold War Victory Medal
Louisiana Emergency Service Medal
Louisiana Counterdrug Service Ribbon
Louisiana General Excellence Medal
Louisiana Longevity Award
Louisiana F.E. Herbert Meritorious Unit Commendation (Right Side)

Maine

Maine National Guard State Awards:^[25]

Maine Distinguished Service Award (Discontinued)
Maine Meritorious Service Award (Discontinued)
Maine Commendation Award (Discontinued)
Maine Adjutant General Award
Maine Achievement Award
Maine Commander's Award
Maine Army National Guard Sergeant Major/NCO/Soldier of the Year Award
Maine Outstanding Airman of the Year Award
Maine Recruiting Award
Maine Physical Fitness Award
Maine Good Conduct Award (Discontinued)
Maine Basic Training Award (Discontinued)
Maine National Emergency Service Award
Maine State Emergency Service Award (Discontinued)
Maine Honorable Service Award
Maine Ice Guard 98 (no longer awarded)

Maryland

Maryland National Guard State Awards:

Obsolete

Maryland Medal for Valor
Maryland Air National Guard First Sergeant Ribbon
Maryland National Guard Counterdrug Ribbon
Maryland World War I Service Medal
Maryland Selected Reserve Force Medal

Massachusetts

Massachusetts National Guard Commonwealth Awards:

Massachusetts Medal of Liberty
Massachusetts Medal of Valor
Massachusetts Military Medal
Massachusetts Medal of Merit
Massachusetts Achievement Medal
Massachusetts Humanitarian Service Medal
Massachusetts ARNG Service Medal
Massachusetts ANG Service Medal
Massachusetts Desert Storm Service Ribbon
Massachusetts Defense Expeditionary Ribbon
Massachusetts Defense Service Ribbon
Massachusetts Emergency Service Ribbon
Massachusetts Meritorious Unit Citation

Michigan

Michigan National Guard State Awards:^[26]^[27]

Michigan Medal for Valor
Michigan Distinguished Service Medal
Michigan Lifesaving Medal
Michigan Legion of Merit
Michigan Recruiting Ribbon
Michigan Honor Guard Ribbon
Michigan Broadsword Service Medal
Michigan Active State Service Ribbon
Michigan State War on Terrorism Ribbon
Michigan Outside U.S. Service Ribbon
- Michigan Outside U.S. Training Ribbon
Michigan State Partnership Ribbon

Minnesota

Minnesota National Guard State Awards:

Minnesota Distinguished Service Medal
Minnesota Medal for Valor
Minnesota Medal for Merit
Minnesota Commendation Medal
Minnesota Achievement Ribbon
Minnesota Good Conduct Ribbon
Minnesota State Active Duty Ribbon
Minnesota Distinguished Recruiting Ribbon
Minnesota Service Ribbon

Mississippi

Mississippi National Guard State Awards^[28]

Mississippi Medal of Honor
Mississippi Magnolia Cross - Awarded to any member or former member of the Mississippi National Guard who has distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious service in a duty of great responsibility, or by unselfish and untiring activities while in state service or in support of the Mississippi National Guard, has rendered a distinct service in furthering the security and welfare of the state.
Mississippi Magnolia Medal - Awarded to any member or former member of the Mississippi National Guard, or any of the armed services of the United States, who distinguishes themselves through outstanding service or extraordinary achievement in behalf of the Mississippi National Guard.
Mississippi Commendation Medal - May be awarded to any member or former member of the Mississippi National Guard for meritorious service or meritorious achievement on behalf of the state of Mississippi.
Mississippi Medal of Efficiency - Awarded to enlisted members of the active Mississippi National Guard who have over five (5) years honorable service in the active Mississippi National Guard and have exhibited exemplary behavior, efficiency and loyalty to their unit and the Mississippi National Guard.
Mississippi War Medal -Awarded to any member of the Mississippi National Guard for honorable service in the Armed Forces of the U.S. during National Emergency declared by the Congress.
Mississippi Emergency Service Medal - Awarded to any member of the Mississippi National Guard for honoraqble service to the State of Mississippi for duty performed during a major tour of state emergency duty declared by the Adjutant General.
Mississippi Service School Medal - Awarded to any member of the Mississippi National Guard upon successful completion of any Service School conducted by the active military services while a member of the active Mississippi National Guard not serving in active federal service.
Mississippi Longevity Medal - Awarded to any member of the Mississippi National Guard for each of a combination of four (4) years of honorable service in the active National Guard of Mississippi.
Mississippi Recruiting Medal - Awarded to any member of the Mississippi National Guard who obtains three new members for any unit of the organized militia.
Mississippi Soldier of the Year Ribbon - First issued in 2012, unknown in order of precedence.