How Do I Find Out What Military Ribbons I Have?
Serving in the military is a remarkable achievement, and the recognition that comes with it is a testament to one’s dedication and service. Among the many ways the military honors its members is through the awarding of military ribbons. These symbolic tokens of appreciation are awarded to personnel who have earned them through their service and accomplishments. But, sometimes, it can be confusing to keep track of all the ribbons you have earned. In this article, we will guide you on how to find out what military ribbons you have.
Direct Answer: How Do I Find Out What Military Ribbons I Have?
Check Your Military Records: The most straightforward way to find out what military ribbons you have is to check your military records. You can obtain a copy of your DD Form 214 (Discharge paperwork) or your military records from the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) or the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC). This document will list all the military awards and decorations you received during your service, including ribbons.
Conduct a Self-Check: Another way to check your ribbons is by conducting a self-check of your uniform. Gently remove any ribbons or devices from your uniform and lay them out. This will give you an opportunity to examine each ribbon and identify it. Take note of the following details:
• Color: Ribbons come in various colors, each with its own meaning.
• Device: Some ribbons have devices, such as stars, stars with diamonds, or service stars.
• Ribbon bar: Compare the ribbon to the Army’s ribbon bar chart, which can be found in the Army’s Regulation AR 670-1.
• Dates of service: Check the dates of your service to determine which ribbon(s) you may be eligible for.
Explore Online Resources: There are several online resources that can help you identify your military ribbons. These resources include:
• The Army’s official website: The Army’s official website has a section dedicated to military awards and decorations, including ribbons. You can use their interactive ribbon chart to identify the ribbons you have earned.
• Military.com: Military.com is a great resource for military personnel. They have a section on military awards and decorations that includes a ribbon chart. You can use this resource to identify your ribbons.
• RibbonsAndMedals.com: This website is dedicated to helping military personnel identify their military ribbons and medals.
Consult with a VSO or Veteran Service Officer: If you are unsure about what ribbons you have or need help with identifying them, consider consulting with a VSO (Veteran Service Officer) or Veteran Service Organization. VSOs are trained to assist veterans with their benefits and paperwork, including military awards and decorations. They can also provide guidance on how to order replacement ribbons or patches.
Common Military Ribbons: Here is a list of some common military ribbons:
| Ribbon | Awarded for | Color |
|---|---|---|
| Army Commendation Medal | Meritorious service | Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stars |
| Army Achievement Medal | Outstanding achievement | Green and Gold |
| Air Force Commendation Medal | Meritorious service | Silver Star and Purple Ribbon |
| Purple Heart | Wounded in action or killed in action | Deep Purple |
| Bronze Star Medal | Heroic achievement | Gold Star |
| Good Conduct Medal | Length of service | Silver Star |
| National Defense Service Medal | Service during a wartime period | Green and Yellow |
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding out what military ribbons you have is a straightforward process that involves checking your military records, conducting a self-check of your uniform, and exploring online resources. By following these steps, you can identify your military ribbons and proudly display them on your uniform. If you are unsure about what ribbons you have or need help with identifying them, consider consulting with a VSO or Veteran Service Officer.
