Authorized foreign decorations of the United States military

Authorized foreign decorations of the United States military are those military decorations which have been approved for wear by members of the United States armed forces but whose awarding authority is the government of a country other than the United States.

Policy and determination
The wear of foreign decorations may either be approved on a case-by-case basis or a general order may be declared allowing for blanket approval to all U.S. service members to wear a particular non-U.S. decoration.

The following is a list of foreign decorations which have been approved at one time for wear on United States military uniforms. Such awards are always worn after all United States decorations and before international military awards. The list below is by no means comprehensive, but does display the awards which have been bestowed to U.S. service members by the governments of foreign countries.

Argentina

 * ARG Order of the Liberator San Martin - Knight BAR.png Order of the Liberator General San Martin
 * [[Image:ARG Order of May - Knight BAR.png|80px]] Order of May in Military Merit

Argentinian decorations are only rarely awarded to senior US officers, most of those senior U.S. officers have been in the United States Southern Command & United States Southern Command Air Forces Commander usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.

Australia

 * [[Image:Order of Australia (Military) ribbon.png|80px]] Order of Australia

Australian decorations are only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers, at the Joint Chiefs of Staff level

Bahrain

 * The Khalifiyyeh Order of Bahrain, 1st class.png The Khalifiyyeh Order of Bahrain

Kingdom of Bahrain decorations were only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers. Most of those senior US officers in the United States Central Command as "end-of-tour" decorations.

Belgium

 * [[Image:Grand Crest Ordre de Leopold.png|80px]] Order of Leopold
 * [[Image:BEL Kroonorde Grootkruis BAR.svg|80px]] Order of the Crown
 * [[Image:BEL Militair Kruis 2klasse BAR.svg|80px]] Military Cross
 * [[Image:BEL Croix de Guerre 1944 ribbon.svg|80px]] Croix de Guerre

Belgian Order's were awarded to senior U.S. officers, while the War Cross was presented to any rank for valor during World War I & World War II.

Bolivia

 * Bol Aro Mer med ribb.jpg Aeronautical Merit Medal

Bolivian decorations are only rarely awarded to senior U.S. officers, most of those senior US officers have been in the United States Southern Command & United States Southern Command Air Forces Commander usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.

Brazil

 * Order of the Southern Cross Grand Collar Ribbon.png National Order of the Southern Cross
 * Brazil Order of Naval Merit.jpg Order of Naval Merit
 * Order of Military Merit.png Order of Military Merit
 * Santos-Dumont Medal of Merit Ribbon.png Santos-Dumont Medal of Merit

Brazil's highest orders of merit were rarely awarded to senior U.S. officers, during World War II.

In the 21st century United States military most of those post World War II era presentations are still only awarded to senior US officers, most of those senior U.S. officers have been in the United States Southern Command & United States Southern Command Air Forces Commander usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.

Bulgaria

 * [[Image:Order of the Madara Horseman ribbon.jpg|80px]] Order of the Madara Horseman

Bulgarian decorations are only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers. Most of those were awarded to the United States European Command Commander usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.

Canada

 * [[Image:Victoria Cross (Canada) ribbon bar.png|80px]] Victoria Cross
 * Order of Canada (CC) ribbon bar.png Order of Canada (Companion)
 * [[Image:Order of Military Merit (Canada) ribbon.JPG|80px]] Order of Military Merit
 * SMV ribbon.png Star of Military Valour
 * Medal of Military Valour ribbon bar.png Medal of Military Valour
 * MSC ribbon-military.png Meritorious Service Cross
 * MSM Ribbon-military.png Meritorious Service Medal

Canadian decorations were mainly awarded during World War I and World War II. The Meritorious Service Cross and Meritorious Service Medal are currently the only Canadian awards still being awarded to US personnel today. Most of those are awarded to senior U.S. officers in the United States European Command, United States Northern Command or North American Aerospace Defense Command usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.

Colombia

 * Order of Boyaca.png Order of Boyaca
 * Colombian Air Force Cross.jpg Colombian Air Force Cross

Colombian decorations are only rarely awarded to senior U.S. officers, most of those senior US officers have been in the United States Southern Command & United States Southern Command Air Forces Commander usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.

China, Republic of (Taiwan)

 * [[Image:Order of Precious Tripod with Special Grand Cordon ribbon.png|80px]] Special Grand Cordon Order of Pao Ting
 * Order of the Cloud and Banner 4th.gif Order of the Cloud and Banner
 * Special Breast Order of Yun Hui.png Special Breast Order of Yun Hui

Chinese decorations were only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers during World War II.

Chile

 * Order of Merit.png Order of Merit

Chilean decorations were only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers during World War II.

Croatia

 * [[Image:Order of Prince Branimir.jpg|80px]] Grade of Prince Branimir

Croatian decorations are only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers. Most of those were awarded to senior US officers in the United States European Command usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.

Czechoslovakia / Czech Republic

 * [[Image:Order of the White Lion.svg|80px]] Order of the White Lion
 * Czechoslovak War Cross
 * Czechoslovak War Cross 1918 Ribbon.png Czechoslovak War Cross 1918
 * Czechoslovak War Cross 1939-1945 Ribbon.png Czechoslovak War Cross 1939-1945


 * CZE Cross of Merit Min-of-Def 1st BAR.svg Cross of Merit of the Minister of Defence of the Czech Republic, First Class

Czech Order of the White Lion was only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers. The Czechoslovak War Cross was a little more commonly awarded to officers, then the Czech Order of the White Lion was, during World War I and World War II.

Cross of Merit of the Minister of Defense First Class are only rarely awarded to the United States European Command Commander usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.

Denmark

 * [[Image:National Order of the Southern Cross K R.jpg|80px]] Order of the Elephant

Danish decorations were only rarely awarded to senior U.S. officers, during World War II.

Ecuador

 * Order of Abdon Calderón.png Order of Abdon Calderón

Ecuadorean decorations were only rarely awarded to senior U.S. officers, during World War II.

Egypt

 * Order of the Sinai Star.png Order of the Sinai Star

Egyptian decorations were only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers. Most of those senior U.S. officers in the United States Central Command as "end-of-tour" decorations.

El Salvador

 * El Salvador Gold Medal for Distinguished Service Ribbon.png Gold Medal for Distinguished Service Medal

El Salvadoran decorations are only rarely awarded to senior U.S. officers, most of those senior U.S. officers have been in the United States Southern Command & United States Southern Command Air Forces Commander usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.

Estonian

 * [[Image:Military Order of the Cross of the Eagle ribbon.jpg|80px]] Military Order of the Cross of the Eagle

Estonian decorations are only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers. Most of those were awarded to senior U.S. officers in the United States European Command usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.

France

 * [[Image:Legion Honneur GC ribbon.svg|80px]] Legion of Honour
 * [[Image:Order of the Liberation ribbon.JPG|80px]] Order of Liberation
 * National Order of Merit Grand Cross Ribbon.png National Order of Merit
 * Palmes academiques Chevalier ribbon.svg Order of Academic Palms
 * [[Image:Mili Medal ribbon.JPG|80px]] Military Medal
 * French Liberation Medal ribbon.png French Liberation Medal
 * [[Image:Medaille commemorative Francaise ribbon.svg|80px]] French Commemorative Medal
 * [[Image:Medaille de la Defense Nationale Bronze ribbon.svg|80px]] Medal of National Defense
 * Croix de Guerre (Cross of War)
 * [[Image:Ribbon of la croix de guerre 1914-1918.JPG|80px]] Croix de guerre 1914-1918
 * [[Image:Ribbon of la croix de guerre 1939-1945.JPG|80px]] Croix de guerre 1939-1945
 * Croix de Guerre des Theatres d'Operations Exterieurs ribbon.svg Croix de guerre des Théatres d'Opérations Exterieures

French decorations were presented to U.S. service members extensively during World War I and World War II. By far, the Croix de guerre was the most commonly bestowed decoration to United States service members of all ranks. Today, members of United States 5th Marine Regiment and 6th Marine Regiment, the Army's 2nd Infantry Division, the Army's 3rd Infantry Division, the Army's 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, the 1st BN U.S. 28th Infantry Regiment, and the National Guard's 45th Infantry Brigade Separate Brigade are authorized to wear a Fourragère aux couleurs de la Croix de guerre, signifying the award of three Croix de guerre to each unit during World War I, but only while that individual is assigned to the unit. The wearing of the decoration is considered ceremonial and the fourragère is not entered as an official military award in permanent service records.

The National Order of the Legion of Honor is mostly awarded to senior U.S. officers and Senior Enlisted Advisors in the United States European Command usually as "end-of-tour" decorations. The National Order of Merit is awarded to lower ranking U.S. officers (Brigadier General - Major) and Senior Non-commissioned officers assigned to the United States European Command usually as "end-of-tour" decorations. The French Commemorative Medal and the French Medal of National Defense can be awarded to any foreign military member who has served under French command. These are the only French medals still being awarded to U.S. personnel today.

Germany

 * GER Bundesverdienstkreuz 9 Sond des Grosskreuzes.svg Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany
 * Bundeswehr Crosses & Medal of Honor
 * GER Bundeswehr Honour Cross Bravery ribbon.svg Bundeswehr Cross of Honour for Valour
 * GER Bundeswehr Honour Cross Red Gold ribbon.svg Bundeswehr Gold Cross of Honor for Outstanding Deeds
 * GER Bundeswehr Honour Cross Gold ribbon.svg Bundeswehr Cross of Honor


 * German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency.jpg German Armed Forces Military Proficiency Badge
 * Schützenschnur montage-2.jpgn Armed Forces Marksmanship Badge

German decorations have been awarded to United States soldiers beginning as far back as the American Revolution. By the time of the First World War, German decorations had faded from the military memory of the United States and, during the actual conflict where Germany and America were on opposing sides, the wear of any German decoration by an American soldier would have been unthinkable.

The sole authorization of a Nazi decoration to U.S. personnel was in 1938 when the Order of the German Eagle was awarded to a small number of U.S. military personnel who had either served in Germany in a diplomatic posting or who had performed an act of service to the German state. The Order was entered in service records, but was never authorized for display on a United States uniform.

In the 21st century United States military, the German Proficiency and Marksmanship Badges are far more commonly awarded, mainly to U.S. Army and Air Force personnel. The Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany was last awarded to a US officer in 2007 and is today rarely awarded to only very senior U.S. officers. Most of those senior U.S. officers were in the United States European Command usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.

Greece

 * GRE Order Redeemer 1Class.png Order of the Redeemer
 * GRE Order of George I - Grand Cross BAR.png Order of George I
 * GRE Order of the Phoenix - Grand Cross BAR.png Order of the Phoenix

Greek decorations were only very rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers, during World War II.

Guatemala

 * [[Image:Guatemalan Armed Forces Cross.jpg|80px]] Guatemalan Armed Forces Cross

Guatemalan decorations are only rarely awarded to senior U.S. officers, most of those senior U.S. officers have been in the United States Southern Command & United States Southern Command Air Forces Commander usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.

Haiti

 * Haiti National Order of Honour and Merit.png National Order of Honour and Merit

Haitian decorations were only rarely awarded to senior U.S. officers, during World War II.

Honduras

 * Honduras Armed Forces Cross Ribbon.png Honduran Armed Forces Cross

Honduran decorations are only rarely awarded to senior U.S. officers, most of those senior U.S. officers have been in the United States Southern Command & United States Southern Command Air Forces Commander usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.

Hungary

 * [[Image:Order of Merit of the Hungarian Republic ribbon.JPG|80px]] Order of Merit of the Hungarian Republic

Hungarian decorations are only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers. Most of those were awarded to the United States European Command Commander usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.

Iceland

 * [[Image:Order of the Falcon ribbon.jpg|80px]] Order of the Falcon

Icelandic decorations are only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers. Most of those were awarded to the United States European Command Commander usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.

Iraq

 * Gold Award of the Iraqi Order of the Date Palm Ribbon.png Gold Award of the Iraqi Order of the Date Palm

Iraqi decorations are only awarded to very senior U.S. officers, most of those were awarded to the Multi-National Force - Iraq Commander as "end-of-tour" decorations.

To date the only person that has been allowed to wear any Iraqi award has been General Petraeus, Multi-National Force - Iraq Commander.

Israel

 * Service in Israel Medal.png Service in Israel Medal

The Service in Israel Medal is awarded to military attachés who service at least two years in Israel upon the end of their assignment with the IDF. First instituted in 2007, it is still a somewhat rare decoration and there are certain restrictions regarding its display (or in some case, even its mention) for U.S. personnel stationed in other Middle Eastern Arab countries who are on unfriendly terms with Israel. These include the UAE, Yemen, and Saudi Arabia.

Italy

 * ITA OMRI 2001 GC BAR.svg Order of Merit of the Italian Republic
 * [[Image:Cavaliere di gran Croce BAR.svg|80px]] Military Order of Italy
 * [[Image:Grande ufficiale OSSI medal BAR.svg|80px]] Order of the Star of Italian Solidarity
 * Cavaliere di Gran Croce OCI Kingdom BAR.svg Order of the Crown of Italy
 * Cavaliere di gran Croce Regno SSML BAR.svg Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus
 * [[Image:Croce di guerra al valor militare BAR.svg|80px]] War Cross
 * Commemorative Medal for the Operations in the Italian East Africa ribbon.png Commemorative Italian East Africa Operations Medal

Italian decorations are only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers. The first presentations of Italian decorations to U.S. personnel were made in the months following World War II. This was mainly done to foster a new era of friendly relations between the US and Italy.

There are post-World War II presentations, but most of those medals are awarded to officers assigned in Italy. The Italian Orders are mainly awarded to senior U.S. officers in the United States European Command usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.

Japan

 * Order of the Chrysanthemum Ribbon.png Order of the Chrysanthemum
 * JPN Kyokujitsu-sho 1Class BAR.svg Order of the Rising Sun
 * Order of the Golden Kite Ribbon.jpg Order of the Golden Kite
 * Order of the Sacred Treasure Ribbon.png Order of the Sacred Treasure

The first presentations of Japanese decorations to U.S. personnel were made in the months following World War II when the new Japanese government presented several decorations to senior U.S. military officers then in charge of the occupation force garrisoning Japan. This was mainly done to foster a new era of friendly relations between the US and Japan and to recognize the joint and allied nature which the new Japanese Self Defense Force would have with the United States armed forces. Some awards were discontinued after the Second World War, such as the Order of the Golden Kite.

Today Japanese decorations are only awarded to senior U.S. officers in the United States Pacific Command usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.

Kuwait

 * [[Image:Us kw-kwlib rib.png|80px]] Kuwait Liberation Medal

The Kuwait Liberation Medal was awarded to all U.S. service members who served in the theater of operations during the "Operation Desert Shield" and "Operation Desert Storm" phase of the Gulf War, between 2 August 1990 and 31 August 1993.

Lithuania

 * [[Image:Gedimino didysis kryzius juostele.gif|80px]] Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas

Lithuanian decorations are only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers. But most of those were awarded to the United States European Command Commander usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.

Luxembourg

 * Ord.Lion.Nassau.jpg Order of the Gold Lion of the House of Nassau
 * Ord.Adolf.Nassau.jpg Order of Adolphe of Nassau
 * [[Image:Ribbon bar Order of the Oak Crown.jpg|80px]] Order of the Oak Crown
 * Ord.Merit.Luxembourg.JPG Order of Merit of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
 * [[Image:LUX Croix de Guerre ribbon.svg|80px]] Luxembourg War Cross
 * [[Image:Luxembourg Croix de guerre unit.jpg|80px]] Luxembourg War Cross Unit Citation

Luxembourg decorations were presented mainly during World War II. There have been some rare post-World War II presentations, but most of those were awarded to the United States European Command Commander usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.

The Order of the Gold Lion of the House of Nassau was founded by Grand Ducal decree on 31 March 1858 by King-Grand Duke William III. The honour was to be shared between both branches of the House of Nassau, under agreement between William, King of the Netherlands and Grand Duke of Luxembourg, and Adolphe, Duke of Nassau and future Grand Duke of Luxembourg.

Mexico

 * [[Image:MEX Order of the Aztec Eagle 5Class BAR.png|80px]] Order of the Aztec Eagle
 * [[Image:Mexican Medal of Military Merit.png|80px]] Mexican Medal of Military Merit

Mexican decorations were mainly presented to very senior U.S. officers during World War II. There have been some rare post-World War II presentations, but these are mainly confined to the senior ranks of the U.S. military.

Montenegro

 * [[Image:ME Order of Danilo I Member BAR.svg|80px]] Order of Prince Danilo I of Montenegro

Montenegrin decorations were only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers during World War I.

Morocco

 * Order of Ouissam Alaouite
 * Grand Cross of the Order of Ouissam Alaouite ribbon.png 1913 - 1956 Order of Ouissan Alaouite
 * [[Image:Order of Ouissam Alaouite.svg|80px]] 1957 - Present Order of Ouissam Alaouite

The Order of Ouissam Alaouite was awarded mainly to United States military officers who had served on the Operation Torch planning staff during World War II. In the film Patton, George C. Scott plays then Major General George S. Patton who is awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Ouissam Alaouite at the start of the film. There have been some rare post-World War II presentations, but these are mainly confined to the senior ranks of the U.S. military.

The Netherlands

 * [[Image:Ned WillOrd rib.png|80px]] Military Order of William
 * Honorary Sabre ribbon.jpg Honorary Sabre
 * Ord.Neth.Lion.jpg Order of the Netherlands Lion
 * [[Image:Neth odrorangenassau rib.png|80px]] Order of Orange Nassau
 * Ord.Lion.Nassau.jpg Order of the Gold Lion of the House of Nassau
 * Vierdaagsekruis baton.png Holland Four Day Event Cross

The Dutch presented awards to U.S. service members mainly during World War II; the Honorary Sabre was very rarely awarded to very senior US officers. There have been some rare post-World War II presentations, but most of those were awarded to the United States European Command Commander usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.

The Order of the Gold Lion of the House of Nassau was founded by Grand Ducal decree on 31 March 1858 by King-Grand Duke William III. The honour was to be shared between both branches of the House of Nassau, under agreement between William, King of the Netherlands and Grand Duke of Luxembourg, and Adolphe, Duke of Nassau and future Grand Duke of Luxembourg.

Nicaragua

 * Nicaraguan Cross of Valor.png Nicaraguan Cross of Valor
 * Nicaraguan Medal of Military Merit.png Nicaraguan Medal of Military Merit

Nicaraguan medals were somewhat commonly awarded to U.S. Marine and Navy personnel, during the Nicaraguan Campaigns of 1912 & 1933.

Norway

 * Krigskorset med sverd stripe.svg War Cross with sword
 * [[Image:St. Olavs Orden stripe.svg|80px]] Order of St. Olav
 * Norway War Medal.png War Medal

Norwegian Order's were only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers, during World War I & World War II.

The War Cross is Norway's highest ranking decoration for gallantry. It was so rarely awarded to US military personnel, that only two U.S. officers have ever received it to date, CAPT Alfred Carini and LTC Keith N. Allen.

Pakistan

 * Order of Pakistan.png Nishan-e-Pakistan

Pakistani decorations were only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers during World War II. There have been some rare post-World War II presentations, but these are mainly confined to the senior ranks of the U.S. military.

Paraguay

 * Paraguay National Order of Merit.png Paraguay National Order of Merit

Paraguayan decorations were only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers during World War II.

Peru

 * Order of the Sun Ribbon.jpg Order of the Sun
 * [[Image:Peruvian Cross of Aeronautical Merit.jpg|80px]] Aeronautical Merit Cross

Peruvian decorations were only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers during World War II. There have been some rare post-World War II presentations, but these are mainly confined to the senior ranks of the U.S. military.

In the 21st century United States military, the awarding of Peruvian decorations are still only rarely awarded to senior US officers, most of those senior US officers have been in the United States Southern Command & United States Southern Command Air Forces Commander usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.

Philippines

 * [[Image:Philippine Medal of Valor ribbon.jpg|80px]] Philippine Medal of Valor
 * Distinguished Conduct Star Ribbon Bar.png Distinguished Conduct Star
 * Philippine Legion of Honor ribbon.jpg Philippine Legion of Honor
 * [[Image:Presidential Unit Citation (Philippines).svg|80px]] Philippines Presidential Unit Citation
 * Philippine Defense ribbon.png Philippine Defense Medal
 * [[Image:Phliber rib.png|80px]] Philippine Liberation Medal
 * Philippine Independence Medal Ribbon.jpg Philippine Independence Medal

The Philippine Medal of Valor, Distinguished Conduct Star and Philippine Legion of Honor were only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers, during World War II. The Philippine Defense Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal and Philippine Independence Medal were commonly awarded to soldiers and sailors of all ranks during World War II.

Poland

 * POL Order Orła Białego BAR.svg Order of the White Eagle
 * POL Virtuti Militari Wielki BAR.svg Order Wojenny Virtuti Militari
 * POL Polonia Restituta Wielki BAR.svg Order of Polonia Restituta
 * POL Order Zaslugi RP kl1 BAR.png Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland
 * POL Order Krzyża Grunwaldu 1 Klasy BAR.svg Order of the Cross of Grunwald
 * POL Krzyż Walecznych (1940) BAR.PNG Cross of Valour
 * POL Złoty Krzyż Zasługi z Mieczami BAR.svg Cross of Merit with Swords
 * POL Gwiazda Iraku BAR.svg Iraq Star
 * POL Gwiazda Afganistanu BAR.svg Afghanistan Star
 * POL Brązowy Medal Wojska Polskiego BAR.svg Polish Army Medal

Polish decorations were first presented to U.S. senior military leaders in the aftermath of World War II as a measure of thanking the Allies for liberating Poland from Nazi Germany.

When Poland fell behind the Iron Curtain, awards to U.S. service members all but ceased. In the 21st century, with Poland now a member in NATO, awards have resumed to U.S. personnel, but most of those were awarded to the United States European Command Commander usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.

The Iraq Star has been awarded to U.S. officers who served with Polish forces in Iraq (MND-CS). The Afghanistan Star has been awarded to U.S. officers who served with Polish forces in Afghanistan (as part of the ISAF).

The Polish Army Medal has been awarded by Minister of National Defense to foreign nationals, military or civilian, who rendered merit in cooperation between the Polish Armed forces and the armed forces of other countries, in particular by supporting peacekeeping operations of the Polish Armed forces, rendered merit in the area of cooperation of international military units including Polish units, contributed to the growth of military potential of the Polish Armed Forces or to dissemination of Polish military history or traditions abroad.

Portugal

 * [[Image:Cavaliere SSML BAR.svg|80px]] Order of Aviz
 * [[Image:Grand Cross of the Medal of Military Merit ribbon.jpg|80px]] Grand Cross of the Military Merit Medal

Portuguese Order of Aviz was awarded to very senior U.S. officers, during World War II. Most of the medals awarded now in the 21st century United States military, are to the United States European Command Commander usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.

Republic of Korea (South Korea)

 * Order of National Security Merit
 * Tong-il Security Medel Ribbon.png Tong-il Medal
 * Gugseon Security Medal Ribbon.png Gugseon Medal
 * Cheon-Su Security Medal Ribbon.png Cheon-Su Medal
 * Sam IL Security Medal Ribbon.png Sam-il Medal
 * Gwangbog Security Medal Ribbon.png Gwangbog Medal


 * Order of Military Merit
 * Taeguk Cordon Medal.png Taeguk Cordon Medal
 * Eulji Cordon Medal.png Eulji Cordon Medal
 * Chungmu Cordon Medal.png Chungmu Cordon Medal
 * Hwarang Cordon Medal.png Hwarang Cordon Medal
 * Inheon Cordon Medal.png Inheon Cordon Medal


 * [[Image:Presidential Unit Citation (Korea).svg|80px]] South Korean Presidential Unit Citation
 * [[Image:Korean War Service Medal ribbon.png|80px]] Korean War Service Medal

South Korean decorations were first awarded to U.S. service members during the Korean War.

The award of Korean medals in the 21st century is mainly confined to senior U.S. military leaders attached to either USFK or CNFK.

Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam)
Senior Leadership awards
 * Commander of the National Order of Vietnam ribbon.gif National Order of Vietnam
 * Vietnam Distinguished Service Order
 * [[Image:ArmyDSMribbon.png|80px]] Vietnam Army Distinguished Service Order, 1st Class
 * Vietnam Army Distinguished Service Order Ribbon 2nd Class.png Vietnam Army Distinguished Service Order, 2nd Class
 * Vietnam Navy Distinguished Service Order, First Class ribbon.png Vietnam Navy Distinguished Service Order, 1st Class
 * Vietnam Navy Distinguished Service Order Ribbon 2nd class.png Vietnam Navy Distinguished Service Order, 2nd Class
 * Vietnam Air Force Distinguished Service Order, First Class ribbon.png Vietnam Air Force Distinguished Service Order, 1st Class
 * Vietnam Air Force Distinguished Service Order Ribbon 2nd Class.png Vietnam Air Force Distinguished Service Order, 2nd Class

Individual awards
 * Vietnam Military Merit Ribbon.png Vietnam Military Merit Medal
 * [[Image:Vietnam gallantry cross-w-palm-3d.svg|80px]] Vietnam Gallantry Cross
 * Vietnam Civil Actions Medal Second Class.jpg Vietnam Civil Actions Medal
 * [[Image:Vietnam Campaign Medal Ribbon.png|80px]] Vietnam Campaign Medal

Unit awards
 * [[Image:Presidential Unit Citation (Vietnam).svg|80px]] Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation
 * [[Image:Vietnam gallantry cross unit award-3d.svg|80px]] Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation
 * [[Image:VNCivilActionsRibbon-2.svg|80px]] Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation

Other awards
 * Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal Ribbon.png Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal
 * Vietnam Staff Service Medal Ribbon.png Vietnam Staff Service Medal
 * Vietnam Air Gallantry Cross.jpg Vietnam Air Gallantry Cross
 * Vietnam Navy Gallantry Cross.jpg Vietnam Navy Gallantry Cross
 * Vietnam Special Service Medal ribbon.png Vietnam Special Service Medal

Republic of Vietnam military awards (South Vietnam decorations) were first awarded to United States service members beginning around 1964. The Vietnamese Gallantry Cross and the Vietnamese Civil Actions Medal were awarded to some U.S. servicemen for heroism and meritorious service. The National Order was awarded to some U.S. military officers who were killed in action and the Military Merit Medal was awarded to some U.S. non-officers who were killed in action. The National Order and Distinguished Service Order was awarded to some senior U.S. military personnel. The Campaign Medal were commonly awarded to all U.S. military personnel and the remainder of the decorations were awarded with different frequency between the U.S. service branches and amongst officer/non-officer personnel.

Romania

 * Ord.MichaeltheBrave-ribbon.jpg Order of Michael the Brave
 * [[Image:Star of Romania Ribbon.PNG|80px]] Order of the Star of Romania
 * Romanian Order of Merit Medal Ribbon.png Romanian Order of Merit Ribbon

Romanian decorations were only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers, during World War I and World War II. There have been some rare post-World War II presentations, but these are mainly confined to the senior ranks of the U.S. military.

Saudi Arabia

 * [[Image:Us sa-kwlib rib.png|80px]] Kuwait Liberation Medal
 * Ordine del Re Abd al-Aziz.png Order of Abdulaziz al Saud

The Saudi Arabian Kuwait Liberation Medal was a little less commonly awarded to all U.S. service members, it was awarded only during the dates of 17 January 1991 and 28 February 1991 with in-theater service of the Gulf War.

Singapore

 * [[Image:Darjah Utama Bakti Cemerlang (Tentera) ribbon.png|80px]] Darjah Utama Bakti Cemerlang
 * Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera) ribbon.png Pingat Jasa Gemilang

Singaporean decorations are very rarely awarded to only senior U.S. officers, at the Joint Chiefs of Staff level.

Slovakia

 * [[Image:Commemorative Medal of the Minister of Defense of the Slovak Republic First Class ribbon.jpg|80px]] Commemorative Medal of the Minister of Defense of the Slovak Republic First Class

Slovakian decorations are only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers. Most of those were awarded to the United States European Command Commander usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.

Soviet Union / Russia

 * [[Image:Ordervictory rib.png|80px]] Order of Victory
 * [[Image:Order suvorov1 ribbon.JPG|80px]] Order of Suvorov
 * [[Image:Order kutuzov1 ribbon.jpg|80px]] Order of Kutuzov
 * [[Image:Order gpw1 rib.png|80px]] Order of the Patriotic War

Soviet decorations were only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers during World War II. Due to the different ribbon bar sizing between US and USSR decorations, Soviet ribbons were also impractical for daily wear on United States uniforms. In addition, by the 1950s at the start of the Cold War, most U.S. officers who had been awarded such medals during World War II simply chose to stop wearing them.

Spain

 * Spanish Grand Cross of Naval Merit Ribbon.png Grand Cross of Naval Merit

Spanish decorations were only rarely awarded to senior U.S. officers during World War II.

Sweden

 * [[Image:Order of the Sword - Ribbon bar.svg|80px]] Order of the Sword
 * Order of the Polar Star
 * SWE Royal Order of the Polar Star (1748-1975) - Knight BAR.png 1748 - 1975 Order of the Polar Star
 * SWE Order of the Polar Star (after 1975) - Knight 2nd Class BAR.png 1975 - Present Order of the Polar Star

Swedish decorations were only rarely awarded to senior U.S. officers during World War II.

Thailand

 * [[Image:Order of the Royal House of Chakri (Thailand) ribbon.png|80px]] Order of the Royal House of Chakri
 * [[Image:Order of the White Elephant - Special Class (Thailand) ribbon.png|80px]] Order of the White Elephant
 * [[Image:Order of the Crown of Thailand - Special Class (Thailand) ribbon.png|80px]] Order of the Crown of Thailand
 * [[Image:Order of the Direkgunabhorn 1st class (Thailand) ribbon.png|80px]] Order of the Direkgunabhorn

Thai decorations are very rarely awarded to only senior U.S. officers, at the Joint Chiefs of Staff level.

Tunisia

 * Order of Nichan Iftikhar Ribbon.png Order of Nichan Iftikhar

Tunisian decorations were only rarely awarded to senior U.S. officers during World War II.

United Arab Emirates

 * Military Merit Order First Class Ribbon.png Military Merit Order First Class
 * King Faisal Award, 2d Class Ribbon.png King Faisal Award, 2d Class

UAE decorations were only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers during the Gulf War. Most of those senior U.S. officers in the United States Central Command as "end-of-tour" decorations.

United Kingdom

 * [[Image:Victoria Cross (Canada) ribbon bar.png|80px]] Victoria Cross
 * UK George Cross ribbon.svg George Cross

Orders of Chivalry
 * Order of the Bath UK ribbon.png Order of the Bath
 * Galó de l'Orde del Mèrit (UK).png Order of Merit
 * Ord.St.Michele-Giorgio.png Order of St Michael and St George
 * [[Image:Ord.Victoriano.jpg|80px]] Royal Victorian Order
 * [[Image:Order BritEmp rib.png|80px]] Order of the British Empire
 * [[Image:Order of St John (UK) ribbon.png|80px]] Order of St John

Military Decorations
 * [[Image:Dso-ribbon.png|80px]] Distinguished Service Order
 * Conspicuous Gallantry Cross ribbon.jpg Conspicuous Gallantry Cross
 * [[Image:Distinguished Service Cross (UK) ribbon.png|80px]] Distinguished Service Cross
 * [[Image:Military Cross ribbon.png|80px]] Military Cross
 * United Kingdom Distinguished Flying Cross ribbon.svg Distinguished Flying Cross
 * [[Image:UK AFC ribbon.svg|80px]] Air Force Cross

Campaign Medals
 * [[Image:Uk africastar rib.png|80px]] Africa Star
 * [[Image:Uk pacificstar rib.png|80px]] Pacific Star
 * [[Image:Afghanistan Medal BAR.svg|80px]] Afghanistan Medal
 * [[Image:Iraq Medal BAR.svg|80px]] Iraq Medal

Britain's highest award for gallantry the Victoria Cross has only been awarded to one U.S. military member, the U.S. Unknown Soldier was awarded the Victoria Cross, on November 11, 1921.

United Kingdom decorations were awarded extensively to U.S. service members during both the First World War and World War II. The orders of chivalry were reserved mainly for senior U.S. military leaders. The remaining decorations were awarded frequently amongst the entire enlisted and officer corps of the U.S. military. The Distinguished Flying Cross was a common decoration for those Americans attached to the Eagle Squadrons; when some of those personnel transferred back to the United States Army Air Forces after America entered the war, the British DFC became a fairly common sight on U.S. uniforms during that time period.

In the 21st century United States military, the awarding of British decorations to U.S. service members is still somewhat common, most often to officers assigned in England or other various capacities with NATO European based defense groups.

Uruguay

 * [[Image:Urug Aeronautical Merit ribbon.jpg|80px]] Aeronautical Merit Medal

Uruguayean decorations are only rarely awarded to senior U.S. officers, most of those senior U.S. officers have been in the United States Southern Command & United States Southern Command Air Forces Commander usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.

Vatican City
Vatican awards of Pontifical Equestrian Orders of Chivalry are made by the Vatican Secretary of State in the name of the Sovereign Pontiff and may be accepted and retained by U.S. Military personnel as honorary merit awards and not for wear of the U.S. Military Uniform.
 * [[Image:VA Ordine Piano BAR.svg|80px]] Pian Order
 * Order of St. Gregory the Great.png Order of St Gregory the Great
 * [[Image:Order of Pope Sylvester BAR.svg|80px]] Order of St. Sylvester

Yugoslavia

 * [[Image:Order of the White Eagle War Merit ribbon.jpg|80px]] Order of the White Eagle

The Order of the White Eagle was only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers, during World War II.