  
Korea saw the introduction of both a National Defense medal and a United
Nations Service Medal. The Vietnam conflict saw U.S. troops receive a foreign
service medal and the policy of accepting foreign service or campaign medals
carried on to the Liberation of Kuwait in the 90's.
 
Today, there are two categories of military medals: decorations and medals.
Decorations are awarded for valor or meritorious service. They are
traditionally in the shape of a star, cross, hexagon or similar heraldic
design.
 
Although a few decorations are round, the circular shape is used almost
exclusively for service medals. These medals are awarded for good conduct,
participation in a particular campaign or expedition.
There are 4 official forms of a military medal ... the 3 basic methods for
wearing medals are Full Size, Miniature Medals on formal dress and Ribbon Bars.
An Enamel Lapel Pin is worn on civilian suits and many Veterans use the enamel
hat pin on their hats.
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