Can civilians be awarded military medals?

TLDR – Civilians may receive public service awards from the Army or Air Force. Most departments of the US government also award non-military honors to civilians. Several civilians have received military awards, such as the Purple Heart, but this is extremely rare.

Is Army Commendation Medal a big deal?

Although the Commendation Medal isn’t uncommon in today’s military service, it’s a great achievement all the same. Service members who display acts of heroism or meritorious achievements while performing their duties should be recognized for their contribution to their unit and the nation.

Who gets a military medal?

Military Medal
Type	Military decoration
Awarded for	Acts of gallantry and devotion to duty under fire
Presented by	UK and Commonwealth
Eligibility	British and Commonwealth forces

Can non military earn the Medal of Honor?

The Medal of Honor was created during the American Civil War and is the highest military decoration presented by the United States to a member of its armed forces. A Medal of Honor in non-combat has not been presented since 1945.

Who can receive Medal of Honor?

Medal of Honor
Awarded for	Conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty
Presented by	The president of the United States in the name of the United States Congress
Eligibility	United States Armed Forces service members
Status	Currently awarded

How do you get medals in the army?

For all branches except Air Force (including Army Air Corps) and Army, requests for replacement military service medals and decorations should be directed to the branch of the military in which the veteran served. For Air Force and Army, the request should be directed to the National Personnel Records Center in St.