Awards and decorations of the National Guard

Awards and decorations of the National Guard are presented to members of the National Guard (United States) and sometimes to members of the state defense forces in addition to regular United States military decorations. Each of the state governments of the United States maintains a series of military decorations for issuance to members of the National Guard, with such awards presented under the authority of the various state adjutants general.

Active or reserve federal forces veterans who subsequently serve in the National Guard wear all federal awards first, then state awards. Those National Guard soldiers and airmen who subsequently serve in the active or reserve federal forces of the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or United States Air Force (i.e., as active duty or reserve members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard) may not continue to wear and display such decorations on a military uniform, unless such activation is under Title 32 status. Active duty regulations allow federal soldiers, airmen, sailors and Marines to accept but not to wear state awards.

Most states authorize the wear of other states' awards if a soldier or airman has earned awards from a state or territory to which he or she is not presently assigned. The order of precedence is typically the presently assigned state, followed by awards from the District of Columbia, then other states by their order of admission.

The following is a list of National Guard decorations, as issued by each of the fifty United States; Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia.

Alabama

Alabama National Guard State Awards:^[1]^[2]

Alabama Distinguished Service Medal
Alabama Commendation Medal
Alabama Phenix City Civil Disturbance Medal
Alabama Operation Desert Storm Ribbon
Alabama Veterans Service Medal
Alabama National Emergency Service Medal
Alabama Special Service Medal
Alabama Faithful Service Medal
Alabama Recruiting Ribbon
Alabama Active Duty Basic Training Medal

Alaska

Alaska National Guard State Awards:^[3]

Alaska Decoration of Honor
Alaska Heroism Medal
Alaska Distinguished Service Medal
Alaska Legion of Merit
Alaska Meritorious Service Medal
Alaska Air Medal
Alaska Commendation Medal
Alaska Achievement Medal
Alaska Humanitarian Service Medal
Alaska State Service Medal
Alaska Community Service Medal
Alaska Domestic Emergency Ribbon
Alaska Marksmanship Medal
Alaska Homeland Security Medal
Alaska Recruiting Ribbon
Alaska State Partnership Program Ribbon
Alaska Cold War Victory Ribbon
Alaska Territorial Guard Medal
Alaska Governor's Distinguished Unit Citation
Adjutant General's Marksmanship Proficiency Award (Badge)
Governor's Twenty Award (Tab)

Arizona

Arizona National Guard State Awards:

Arizona Medal of Valor
Arizona Adjutant General's Medal
Arizona Distinguished Service Medal
Arizona Meritorious Service Medal
Arizona Airman of the Year Ribbon
Arizona Southwest Asia Service Support Ribbon
Arizona Community Service Ribbon
Arizona Exceptionally Long Service Medal
Arizona Long Service Medal
Arizona Service Ribbon
Arizona State Active Duty Service Ribbon
Arizona First Sergeant Ribbon
Arizona Recruiting Ribbon
Arizona Overseas Ribbon
Arizona Military Academy Ribbon (OCS)
Arizona Military Academy Ribbon (NCO) (No longer awarded)
Arizona Re-enlistment Ribbon (No longer awarded)
Arizona Initial Active Duty for Training Ribbon (No longer awarded)
Arizona Honor Attendance Ribbon (No Longer Awarded)

Arkansas

Arkansas National Guard State Awards:

Arkansas Medal of Honor
Arkansas Military Medal
Arkansas Distinguished Service Medal
Arkansas Exceptional Service Medal
Arkansas Commendation Medal
Arkansas Federal Service Ribbon
Arkansas Service Ribbon
Arkansas Emergency Service Ribbon
Arkansas Homeland Defense Ribbon
Arkansas Recruiting Ribbon
Arkansas Military Funeral Honors Service Ribbon (Picture Unavailable)

California

California National Guard State Awards:

California Medal of Valor
California Military Cross
Order of California
CA Legion of Merit.
California Medal of Merit
California Commendation Medal
CA Achievement Medal
California Good Conduct Medal
California Service Medal
California Enlisted Trainers Excellence Ribbon
California Enlisted Excellence Ribbon
California Recruiting Achievement Ribbon
California National Guard Federal Service Ribbon
California State Service Ribbon
California Senior Enlisted Leadership Ribbon
California Counterdrug Service Ribbon
California Drill Attendance Ribbon
California Memorial Medal
California Governor's Outstanding Unit Citation
California Commanding General's Meritorious Unit Citation

Colorado

Colorado National Guard State Awards:

Colorado Meritorious Conduct Medal
Colorado Meritorious Service Medal
Colorado Soldier/Airman of the Year Award
Colorado Commendation Ribbon
Colorado Achievement Ribbon
Colorado NCO Command Tour Ribbon
Colorado Active Service Medal
Colorado Long Service Medal
Colorado TAG Outstanding Unit Citation
Colorado State Emergency Service Ribbon
Colorado State Foreign Deployment Service Ribbon
Colorado State Mobilization Support Ribbon
Colorado Recruiting Ribbon

Connecticut

Connecticut National Guard State Awards:

Connecticut Medal of Valor - "The Adjutant General and two officers of field grade or above, detailed by the Adjutant General, shall act as a board to receive recommendations through military channels for the award of the medal of valor to any member of the armed forces of the state who, by reason of conspicuous gallantry, at the risk of his life, above and beyond the call of duty, while on military service, is recommended for the award of such medal of valor, and to make such awards as the board finds suitable."
Connecticut Medal of Merit - "The Adjutant General and two officers of field grade or above, appointed by the Adjutant General, shall constitute a board of officers to receive recommendations, through military channels, for the award of the medal of merit to any member of the armed forces of the state who has distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious conduct in performing outstanding service while a member of the armed forces of the state and to make such awards as the board finds suitable."
Connecticut Medal of Achievement - "The Adjutant General and two officers of field grade or above, appointed by the Adjutant General, shall constitute a board of officers to receive recommendations, through military channels, for the award, within available appropriations, of the medal of achievement to any member of the armed forces of the state, as defined in section 27-2, the armed forces of the United States or the armed forces of any other state, who has distinguished himself or herself through outstanding achievement or meritorious service during the performance of any state military service. A bronze oak leaf cluster shall be issued in lieu of succeeding awards and a silver oak leaf cluster shall be worn in lieu of five bronze oak leaf clusters."
Connecticut Veteran Wartime Service Medal - "The Commissioner of Veterans Affairs in conjunction with the Adjutant General shall award a ribbon and medal to each veteran who served in time of war, as defined in subsection (a) of section 27-103, and who either (1) was a resident of this state at the time he or she was called to active duty for such service, or (2) is domiciled in this state on the date of such award. The commissioner in conjunction with the Adjutant General shall adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, setting forth the process for designing the ribbon and medal, identifying veterans who are eligible for the ribbon and medal under this section and establishing procedures for distributing the ribbon and medal to each eligible veteran. The cost of the ribbons and medals shall be paid from the funds appropriated to the military assistance account within the Military Department. Within existing budgetary resources, awards under this section may be made posthumously for veterans who died on or after November 12, 1918."^[4]
Connecticut Long Service Medal - "The Adjutant General, upon receipt of an application, shall present the long service medal adopted by this state to each soldier or sailor who has completed ten years' faithful service in the armed forces of the state and for each additional five years' service therein the adopted clasp in exchange. In the determination of length of service, the term of service of any member of the armed forces of the state with the military or naval forces of the United States in time of war since April 21, 1898, upon proof of honorable discharge from the same, may be added to the number of years served with the armed forces of the state."
Connecticut Mobilization Service Ribbon (Formerly the Connecticut Desert Storm Campaign Ribbon) - "The Adjutant General may issue an appropriate service ribbon to members of the National Guard or organized militia who were called to active service in the armed forces of the state or United States for at least thirty consecutive days in support of any military operation commencing after September 11, 2001, during a time of war, as defined in section 27-103. A bronze service star shall be issued in lieu of succeeding awards and a silver service star shall be worn in lieu of five bronze stars. The ribbon may be awarded posthumously."^[5]
Connecticut Emergency Service Ribbon - "The Adjutant General, at his or her discretion, may issue an appropriate service ribbon to all members of the armed forces of the state ordered to active duty in time of emergency for upholding the law and preserving order, protecting lives and property, assisting civil authorities, providing aid and relief to civilians in disaster or similar service ordered by the Governor. A bronze oak leaf cluster shall be issued in lieu of succeeding awards and a silver oak leaf cluster shall be worn in lieu of five bronze oak leaf clusters."
Connecticut Selected Reserve Force Medal - "The Adjutant General may issue the selected reserve force ribbon to members of the armed forces of the state who have served honorably in a selected reserve force unit designated by the United States Army for a period of at least one year from October 1, 1965, to September 3, 1969, inclusive. The award may be issued to current, retired or separated members of the armed forces of the state, and may be awarded posthumously."
Connecticut Outstanding Unit Award - "The Adjutant General shall issue an appropriate service ribbon to all members of the unit declared to be the outstanding company-size unit in the Connecticut National Guard in accordance with National Guard regulations, provided such members participated in at least fifty per cent of the unit's training activities during the period covered by the award. A bronze oak leaf cluster shall be issued in lieu of succeeding awards and a silver oak leaf cluster shall be worn in lieu of five bronze oak leaf clusters."
Connecticut Soldier/Airman/NCO of the Year Ribbon - "The Adjutant General shall issue an achievement ribbon to the soldier, airman and noncommissioned officer of the year in the Connecticut National Guard."
Connecticut Joint Recruiting Ribbon - "Except as provided in this section, the Adjutant General shall issue a military recruitment ribbon to each member of the armed forces of the state, as defined in section 27-2 of the general statutes, who has assisted in the recruitment of three persons, which persons enlist as new members of the armed forces of the state on or after July 1, 2017, complete basic training and qualify for a military occupational specialty. A bronze oak leaf cluster shall be issued in lieu of succeeding awards and a silver oak leaf cluster shall be worn in lieu of five bronze oak leaf clusters. Any member of the armed forces of the state who is assigned as a military recruiter shall not be eligible for such ribbon during such assignment."
Connecticut Military Funeral Honors Ribbon - "The Adjutant General may issue a military funeral honors ribbon to any member of the National Guard or organized militia or other military personnel who satisfactorily performs as a member of an honor guard detail pursuant to section 27-76."

Delaware

Delaware National Guard State Awards:

Delaware Conspicuous Service Cross - Awarded for heroism, praiseworthy execution of duties over a period of time, or outstanding achievement which impacts the greater good of the State and its inhabitants.^[6]
Delaware Distinguished Service Medal - Awarded for praiseworthy execution of duties not to the extent of the DECSC or outstanding achievement of a single or specific act or accomplishment separate and distinct from regularly assigned duties for the greater good of the Delaware National Guard.^[6]
Delaware Medal for Military Merit - Awarded for meritorious service or outstanding achievement over a period of time not to the extent of the DECSC or DEDSM. Usually based on permanent change of assignment, completed period of service, or retirement. Awarded for every 10 years of honorable service. Recognizes a single, specific act or accomplishment separate from regularly assigned duties. To recognize proficiency in military studies, it is awarded to members who complete a military course of 80 hours or more and who are designated as "honor" or "distinguished honor" graduates.^[6]
Delaware National Guard Medal - Awarded to any member of the DENG who has been called to federal mobilization by the President of the United States.^[6]
Delaware National Defense Service Ribbon - Awarded to all members serving honorably in the DENG during the period 1 AUG 1990 to 31 AUG 1991, dates inclusive and 11 SEP 2001 to a date to be determined.^[6]
Delaware Medal for Service in Aid to Civil Authority - Awarded to any person serving in the DENG who has been called upon by the Governor to assist the civil authorities in the preservation of law and order.^[6]
Delaware Recruiting Ribbon - Awarded to individuals who have excelled in the field of recruiting in the DENG, and for those who are responsible for enlisting or appointing five individuals in the DENG.^[6]
Delaware Physical Fitness Ribbon - Awarded to all DENG members who distinguish themselves by scoring 250-300 points on the Army Physical Fitness Test.^[6]
Delaware National Guard Governor's Meritorious Unit Award - Awarded to those units which distinguish themselves by outstanding achievement above that of other similar units in the DENG. Unit must report an average assigned strength of over 90% per year, maintain not less than 90% paid drill attendance during the qualifying year, achieve a satisfactory rating on the General Inspection with no unsatisfactory ratings in any sub-areas, and attain the training level objective prescribed for the qualifying year.^[6]
Delaware National Guard Unit Strength Award - Awarded to those units which achieve and maintain 95% strength during the designated year, maintain not less than 80% paid drill attendance, and a re-enlistment rate of 75% for the period.^[6]

Subsequent Awards: Gold Star - The gold star represents subsequent entitlements for the Delaware Conspicuous Service Cross and the Delaware National Guard Medal. The gold star is 3/16" in diameter and will be affixed to the ribbon of the medal.^[6] Bronze Numerals - The bronze numeral represents subsequent entitlements of the Delaware Distinguished Service Medal, Delaware Medal for Military Merit, Delaware National Defense Service Ribbon, Delaware Medal for Service in Aid to Civil Authority, Delaware Recruiting Ribbon, and the Delaware Physical Fitness Ribbon. The bronze numeral is 3/16" in diameter and will be affixed to the ribbon of the medal.^[6]

District of Columbia

District of Columbia National Guard District Awards:

District of Columbia Distinguished Service Medal
District of Columbia Meritorious Service Medal
District of Columbia Commendation Medal
District of Columbia Achievement Medal
District of Columbia Homeland Defense Medal (ribbon has three red stars in the center.
District of Columbia NCO Commendation Ribbon
District of Columbia Enlisted Excellence Ribbon
District of Columbia Long and Faithful Service Medal (one medal for three years, recognition for five years and additional five-year increments noted with Roman Numerals up to 45 years)
District of Columbia Emergency Service Ribbon
District of Columbia Recognition Ribbon
District of Columbia Special Award Ribbon
District of Columbia Recruiting and Retention Ribbon (deactivated)
District of Columbia Community Service Ribbon
District of Columbia Ceremonial/Drill Team/Color Guard Ribbon
District of Columbia Active Duty Ribbon (Deactivated)
District of Columbia Attendance Ribbon
District of Columbia Commanding General's Outstanding Unit Award
District of Columbia Presidential Inauguration Support Ribbon