Military decoration

A military decoration is a decoration given to a military personnel or units for heroism in battle or distinguished service, and are designed to be worn on military uniform.

Civil decorations awarded to military personnel should not be considered military decorations, although some orders of chivalry have civil and military divisions. Decorations received by police and fire brigade personnel may sometimes be considered alongside military decorations, on which they may be modelled, although they are strictly not military awards.

Decorations are known since ancient times. Celts and Romans worn a torc, Dayaks (head-hunters]] worn and still wear tattoos, etc. Necklaces and bracelets were given during the early Middle Age, evolving in richly jewelled big necklaces, often with a pendant (commonly a medal) attached.

Today military decorations include:

• neck decorations (suspended from a narrow riband at or around the uniform's collar),
• medals and stars pinned to the breast,
• ribbons on the breast where medals would be worn in dress uniform,
• other insignia awarded to an entire unit, which is worn on the unit uniform.

In addition, military orders or divisions of orders of chivalry may include a broad riband, and a breast star.

See also: List of military decorations

Some Famous Decorations

• Medal of Honor (USA)
• Victoria Cross (UK)
• Iron Cross (Germany)
• Purple Heart (USA)
• Nishan-E-Haider (Pakistan)
• Bir Sreshtho (Bangladesh)