Our highest honor: Top medals from countries around the world
From simple stars to elaborate medallions, here are 12 of the world’s ultimate civilian awards in all of their splendor.
This article originally appeared on Radio Free Europe/Radio L…
These four men were authorized to wear medals with their own faces on them
Everyone knows the “I’m important!” feeling of getting their first medal and the “Oh, this dog and pony show again?” of getting pretty much every award after that.
It was probably a little different for these guys when they got a me…
This is why there is no Cold War medal
The Cold War was a prolonged state of tension between the U.S. and the USSR, lasting from the end of World War II until December 26, 1991, the day the Soviet Union fell. The two superpowers were rivals on all fronts: political, economic, military…
This is the only Victoria Cross recipient to survive earning the second medal
The United Kingdom’s highest award for valor in combat, the Victoria Cross, is notoriously difficult to earn. It is awarded for “conspicuous bravery… pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice, or extreme devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy.” Like the United States’ Medal of Honor, not many survive earning their nation’s highest honor. … Continued
Today’s Purple Heart medals were first made for the invasion of Japan
In May 1945, the Axis powers were all but beaten, but the war was far from over for the United States. Germany surrendered to the Allies on May 8 but a lot of work was left to be done – namely, the invasion of mainland Japan.
The ongoin…
Everything you need to know about the Silver Star but didn’t want to ask
As the third-highest award for bravery in combat awarded to service members in the military, the Silver Star honors those who display exceptional courage while engaged in military combat operations against enemy forces.
When you see a Silver S…
How Prince Charles got all his medals without fighting in a war
When decked out in his full royal regalia, the Prince of Wales looks much like what you think a 69-year-old aristocrat might — much like what you think a stereotypical soon-to-be king might. His military uniform is emblazoned with medals, ropes, p…
Soldier running her 100th marathon in Boston
It all started when she was stationed in Virginia 12 years ago. That’s when Chief Warrant Officer 4 Beofra Butler saw everyone training for the Marine Corps Marathon and decided to give the 26.2 mile race a try.
As a soldier, running was…
The Space Medal of Honor is the highest award for astronauts
On Oct. 1, 1978, President Jimmy Carter wrapped the Space Medal of Honor around the neck of Neil Armstrong, the first human to set foot on the moon. It was the first-ever of such medals awarded, even though the medal was authorized by Congress in 19…