Descriptions of Combat and Non-Combat Medals of the 101st Airborne Division

COMBAT MEDALS:

Medal of Honor: Awarded for acts of bravery far beyond normal combat expectations, and involving total personal risk to well-being. The deed performed must have been one of personal bravery or self-sacrifice so conspicuous as to clearly distinguish the individual above his comrades and must have involved total risk of personal military forces, wealth, resources, et. al. Medals of Honor are awarded only by the Founders of the 101st Airborne.

Silver Star: Awarded for high acts of bravery in active combat, often those of great personal sacrifice in men and materiel not meriting another. Awarded by Senior Leadership of the 101st Airborne.

Bronze Star: Awarded for exemplary bravery in active combat, often in acts of great personal sacrifice in men and materiel not meriting another. Awarded by Senior Leadership and Aides of the 101st.

Infantry Cross: Awarded in recognition of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy on land not meriting the Bronze Star. Awarded by the Generals of the 101st Airborne.

Naval Cross: Awarded in recognition of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy at sea not meriting the Bronze Star. Awarded by the Generals of the 101st Airborne.

General Service Medal: Awarded as a specific campaign medal for any limited combat engagement against terrorists or small enemy incursions. Awarded by the General (Military) Staff of the 101st Airborne.

Purple Heart: Awarded to any member who loses 10% or more of his forces in any defensive or offensive action. Given by any Senior Leader or Aide of the 101st Airborne.


NON-COMBAT MEDALS:

Distinguished Service Medal: Awarded for outstanding and meritorious service, e.g., the donation of materiel at any time. Given by Home Secretaries of the 101st Airborne.

ESPIONAGE MEDALS:

Black-Operations Cross: Awarded for dangerous espionage missions involving infiltration and the fomenting of dissension among enemies. Given by the Diplomats of the 101st Airborne Division.

Bronze Star-E: May also be awarded for espionage missions requiring sustained and dangerous service with designated "E" attached. Given by the Diplomatic Core (includes Aides) of the 101st Airborne Division.