Military orders, awards and decorations

Wall of Medals in the French Foreign Legion Museum

A military decoration is an award, usually a medal that consists of a ribbon and medallion given to an person for either gallantry, or outstanding service or achievement.

Civil decorations awarded to military personnel are not considered military decorations, although some of them 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.

This short article about the military can be made longer. You can help Wikipedia by adding to it.