A Brief Overview of Roman Military Decorations and Punishments

Introduction As with most other military forces the Roman military adopted an extensive list of decorations for military gallantry and likewise a range of punishments for military transgressions. Decorations, Awards, and Victory Titles Crowns Imperial Titles Synonyms for “Emperor” Victory Titles Victory titles were treated as Latin cognomina and were usually the name of the… Read More

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What is Medal Inflation?

Introduction Medal inflation is a term used by the media particularly in the United States to describe the increase in the number of medals awarded to the armed forces in recent times and a perceived devaluing of medals because of this. It has been discussed since at least 1979 when a book was published relating… Read More

What are Military Awards and Decorations?

Introduction Military awards and decorations are distinctions given as a mark of honour for military heroism, meritorious or outstanding service or achievement. A decoration is often a medal consisting of a ribbon and a medallion. While the United States Government does not consider all its military awards and medals as being “decorations”, other countries tend… Read More

What is Medal of Honour Day (US)?

Introduction Medal of Honor Day is a United States federal observance that is celebrated every year on 25 March. Background It was created to honour the “heroism and sacrifice of Medal of Honor recipients for the United States.” The holiday has been celebrated since 1991, when George H.W. Bush signed Public Law 101-564 on 15… Read More

Who is Monica Beltran?

Introduction Monica Beltran (born 1985) is a soldier in the Virginia Army National Guard who was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with “V” device for actions during a 2005 battle in the Iraq War. Career As a teenager in February 2003, Beltran enlisted in the Virginia Army National Guard, primarily for the supplementary tuition assistance.… Read More

Who is Leigh Ann Hester?

Introduction Leigh Ann Hester (born 12 January 1982) is a United States Army National Guard soldier. While assigned to the 617th Military Police Company, a Kentucky Army National Guard unit out of Richmond, Kentucky, Hester received the Silver Star for her heroic actions on 20 March 2005 during an enemy ambush on a supply convoy… Read More

Who is Monica Lin Brown?

Introduction Monica Lin Brown (born 24 May 1988) is a United States Army sergeant and medic who became the first woman during the War in Afghanistan and only the second woman since World War II to receive the Silver Star, the United States military’s third-highest medal for valour in combat. Career In April 2007, after… Read More