Medal Ribbon
Monday, June 7th, 2010What is the difference between a military ribbon and a military medal of the same type?
For example, there is a Good Conduct Ribbon and also a Good Conduct Medal. If a soldier is given a Good Conduct Ribbon as an award, does it also give him a Good Conduct Medal as a decoration?
They are earned the same way at the same time. When you earn the Good Conduct Medal,or any other medal, you get a smaller ribbon to wear on your uniform for non-ceremonial occasions. They are much more convenient.
The Air Force also gives ribbons for purposes that other services give patches. One example is the AF Longevity Badge. With that ribbon and oak leaves that are added later,you show how long you have served. Other services wear patches,or hash marks, on their sleeve to show the same information.
If you earn any medal or ribbon more than once, those oak leaf pins are added to signify multiple awards.