WMilitary awards and decorations are distinctions given as a mark of honor for military heroism, meritorious or outstanding service or achievement. A decoration is often a medal consisting of a ribbon and a medallion.
WThis list of highest military decorations is an index to articles that describe the highest military decoration awarded by each country in the world.
WA Brevet d'état-major, commonly abbreviated to BEM, is a military distinction in France and Belgium which denotes that an officer has passed the École de guerre, the French Staff College. Though it is usually only seen in French, it can be abbreviated to SBH in Dutch. Between 1870 and 1940, an officier breveté was a graduate of the École supérieure de guerre.[3] Nowadays, while many officers still attend the école de guerre, they do not use the term officier breveté.
WMedal 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 to the Vietnam War. The War on Terror and particularly the 2003 Invasion of Iraq saw a resurgence in coverage, as there was a rapid increase in the number of medals awarded by the American forces. There was, however, a significant reduction in the volume of medals as the war entered the counter-insurgency phase.
WThe Order of Freedom and Independence is one of the highest North Korean orders. It is divided into two classes: the first class is awarded to commanders and partisan units of brigades, divisions, and higher military groups for bravery, courage, and auspicious command of military operations. The second class is awarded to the commanders of partisan regiments, battalions, companies, and detachments, as well as to civil professionals employed in the industry for the military. The order is awarded with the Order of the National Flag of the same rank.
WA parachutist badge is a military badge awarded by the armed forces of many states to soldiers who receive the proper parachute training and accomplish the required number of jumps. It is difficult to assess which country was the first to introduce such an award.
WThis list of military awards and decorations of World War II is an index to articles on notable military awards presented by the combatants during World War II.