There is a long list of military medals and decorations that can be earned by service members of every branch of service. To be recognized with any one of these medals is a significant personal achievement and something to be proud of. There are some military medals, however, that stand above the rest; military medals that honor the highest acts of dedication and heroism. The following is a list of the top 5 military medals ranked by prestige, with 1 being the most prestigious.



Honorable Mention - The Legion of Merit & The Distinguished Flying Cross

5. Defense Superior Service Medal: The Defense Superior Service Medal is awarded by the United States Department of Defense and is given in the name of the Secretary of Defense. It is a decoration bestowed upon members of the military who "perform meritorious service in a position of significant responsibility" and is usually given to senior military officers. The recipients are awarded this medal only after their accomplishments have been weighed over a significant period of time.

4. The Silver Star: The Silver Star is the highest medal for "Valor" while in the face of an enemy, and can be earned by a service member of any military branch. The Silver Star is awarded for "gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States." It is considered lower than the Distinguished Service Medal due to the fact that it is awarded for actions considered to be of less gallantry, and because holding a duty of great responsibility is not required to receive one. Some notable recipients of this award include; Wesley Clark, John Kerry, Lyndon B. Johnson, John McCain, Oliver North, George Patton, and Pat Tillman.

3. Distinguished Service Medals (Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard): A Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to service members who distinguish themselves by their exceptional service to the United States government in a duty of great responsibility, or through exceptional contribution to national security and the defense of the United States. The "Defense Distinguished Service Medal" is the highest award that can be earned during peacetime.

2. Cross (Army, Navy, Air Force): There are three Military Cross's that share equal precedence; the Navy Cross, the Army Distinguished Service Cross and the Air Force Cross. The Cross's are awarded when an individual displays extraordinary heroism (no quite justify a Medal of Honor ) while engaged with an opposing foreign force, or an enemy of the United States. This act of extraordinary heroism has to be undertaken in the midst of great danger and at great risk to oneself.

1. The Medal of Honor: Bestowed upon service members who have acted with gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of their own life. The Medal of Honor is given to those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty, and have done so while engaged in a combat against an enemy of the United States of America. As of April 2, 2008 it has been awarded only 3,465 times, including nineteen recipients who have received the distinguished medal twice such as Marine Corps Major Smedley Butler.