Personal Military Decorations (PMDs) - The Hierarchy

Start Here If You Are New to PMDs

Personal Military Decorations (PMDs) are the awards every Marine recognizes from movies, parades, and the chests of senior leaders. They go to individuals (not units), they recognize specific acts or specific periods of service (not where you served alone), and they come from the chain of command's decision (not from records verification).

This page walks you through all 12 DON PMDs from your seat as a General Marine. By the end you will know.

• The 12 PMDs in order from highest to lowest precedence
• The criteria distinguishing each one (valor, achievement, service)
• The V/C/R devices defined in ALNAV 055/17ALNAV 055/17 and MARADMIN 665/17MARADMIN 665/17 (effective for actions on or after 7 January 2016)
• The Bronze Star Medal's unique combat-only standard (no C or R device authorized)
• The approval authority for each PMD per MARADMIN 077/25MARADMIN 077/25
• Why the Legion of Merit and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal lost the V device authorization
• The "non-duplicative" rule on multiple awards for the same act
• How the citation language differs by award and device

Every fact on this page comes from SECNAV M-1650.1SECNAV M-1650.1 Chapter 2 and Appendix 2A, ALNAV 055/17ALNAV 055/17, MARADMIN 665/17MARADMIN 665/17, MARADMIN 077/25MARADMIN 077/25, MCO 1650.19JMCO 1650.19J w/ CH 1, and current MMPB-3 Military Awards Section guidance.

What PMDs Are

Per SECNAV M-1650.1SECNAV M-1650.1 paragraph 1.2.a.(1), Personal Military Decorations are "discretionary honors conferred upon individuals who have distinguished themselves by acts of valor or non-combat heroism, or by exceptionally meritorious achievement or service."

Three things define a PMD.

• It is conferred on an individual, not a unit (units get unit decorations from Chapter 3).
• It is discretionary. The chain of command decides whether the performance warrants the award. Marines do not earn PMDs by checklist.
• It recognizes specific acts (single-action awards), specific periods of service (sustained-service awards), or both (the Bronze Star and Air Medal cover either path).

Per SECNAV M-1650.1SECNAV M-1650.1 paragraph 1.2.b.(6), "Awardees, and the family members of deceased awardees, have no official role in the nomination and approval process." You do not write yourself up. Your chain notices, drafts the package, and routes through approval.

The PMD Hierarchy (Highest to Lowest)

Per SECNAV M-1650.1SECNAV M-1650.1 Chapter 2 Appendix 2A, the 12 DON PMDs in order from highest to lowest are.

1. Medal of Honor (MOH)

Per Tab 1. Authorized by Congress (10 U.S.C. §6241 for the Navy version). The highest U.S. military decoration.

• Criteria. For acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty in combat against an enemy of the United States.
• Approval authority. The President of the United States, in the name of Congress.
• Standard. Conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty.
• Subsequent awards. Denoted by a 5/16-inch star.
• Per Tab 1 paragraph d, the MOH is not awarded to foreign personnel.

2. Navy Cross (NX)

Per Tab 2. Second-highest combat valor decoration.

• Criteria. Extraordinary heroism in combat with an armed enemy of the United States.
• Approval authority. SECNAV.
• Standard. Heroism not justifying the MOH but meeting an exceptional valor threshold.
• Subsequent awards. 5/16-inch gold star.

3. Distinguished Service Medal (DSM)

Per Tab 3. Senior non-combat decoration for exceptionally meritorious service in a duty of great responsibility.

• Criteria. Exceptionally meritorious service to the United States in a duty of great responsibility.
• Approval authority. SECNAV.
• Standard. Service in a position of unique and great responsibility, typically at flag/general officer level.
• Per ALNAV 055/17ALNAV 055/17 paragraph 4.d, the DSM is allowed to receive the C device for service under combat conditions (award code S1).

4. Silver Star Medal (SS)

Per Tab 4. Third-highest combat valor decoration.

• Criteria. Gallantry in action against an armed enemy of the United States.
• Approval authority. SECNAV.
• Standard. Heroism not justifying the NX but exceeding the BSM with V (BV).
• Subsequent awards. 5/16-inch gold star.

5. Legion of Merit (LOM or LM)

Per Tab 5. Senior meritorious service decoration.

• Criteria. Exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service.
• Approval authority. Per MARADMIN 077/25MARADMIN 077/25 paragraph 3.a.1.a, delegated to Marine commanders in grades no lower than O-9 for retirement-only LOMs. The LOM with R device (L2) per MARADMIN 077/25MARADMIN 077/25 paragraph 3.a.1.b is also delegated to O-9 commanders.
• Per ALNAV 055/17ALNAV 055/17 paragraph 4.d.2.b, the LOM is allowed to receive the C device under combat conditions (award code L1).
• Per ALNAV 055/17ALNAV 055/17 paragraph 3.j, the LOM is no longer authorized for the V device for actions after 6 January 2016. Pre-2016 LOMs with V remain valid.

6. Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Per Tab 6. Aerial flight valor or achievement decoration.

• Criteria. Heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight.
• Approval authority. Per MARADMIN 077/25MARADMIN 077/25 paragraph 3.a.1.c, delegated to Marine commanders in grades no lower than O-9 (for the non-combat or non-valor DX code).
• The DFC with V (DV) per ALNAV 055/17ALNAV 055/17 paragraph 4.d.1.a is for heroism while participating in aerial flight.
• The DFC with C (D1) is for extraordinary achievement under combat conditions.
• Subsequent awards. 5/16-inch gold star.

7. Navy and Marine Corps Medal (NM)

Per Tab 7. Highest non-combat heroism decoration.

• Criteria. Heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy. Performed at risk of life.
• Approval authority. SECNAV.
• Standard. Voluntary risk of life in non-combat circumstances. Examples include rescues at sea, fire response, civilian aid in life-threatening conditions.
• Subsequent awards. 5/16-inch gold star.

8. Bronze Star Medal (BSM)

Per Tab 8 and ALNAV 055/17ALNAV 055/17 paragraph 4.e. The most common combat valor and combat meritorious service decoration.

• Criteria. Heroic or meritorious achievement or service, in connection with military operations against an armed enemy.
• Approval authority. Per MARADMIN 077/25MARADMIN 077/25 paragraph 4.d.1.a, sub-delegated to Marine Corps Component Commanders down to commanders in grades no lower than O-8 (BSM and BSM with V).
• The BSM is INHERENTLY a combat award. Per ALNAV 055/17ALNAV 055/17 paragraph 4.e.1, the BSM is allowed to be awarded for meritorious service only when the recipient was personally exposed to hostile action or at significant risk of exposure.
• The BSM is NOT authorized for the C device (would be redundant) or the R device (would contradict the combat nature). The V device IS authorized.
• Per ALNAV 055/17ALNAV 055/17 paragraph 4.e.2, the citation opens "For meritorious achievement (or service) in connection with combat operations against the enemy while serving as with [unit] in support of Operation [NAMED OPERATION] from [date] to [date]."

9. Meritorious Service Medal (MSM)

Per Tab 9. Senior non-combat meritorious service decoration.

• Criteria. Outstanding meritorious achievement or service in a non-combat role.
• Approval authority. Per MARADMIN 077/25MARADMIN 077/25 paragraph 3.a.2.a, delegated to Marine commanders in grades no lower than O-7. The MSM with R device (M2) per paragraph 3.a.2.b is also delegated to O-7 commanders.
• Per ALNAV 055/17ALNAV 055/17 paragraph 4.f, the MSM is not authorized for the C device (the BSM is the appropriate combat-conditions award). The R device IS authorized.

10. Air Medal

Per Tab 10. Aerial flight meritorious achievement decoration.

• Criteria. Meritorious achievement or service while participating in aerial flight.
• Approval authority. Per MARADMIN 077/25MARADMIN 077/25 paragraph 3.a.2.c, delegated to Marine commanders in grades no lower than O-7 for non-valor or non-combat heroism (Air Medal Individual Action, code AF).
• Per ALNAV 055/17ALNAV 055/17 paragraph 4.d.1.c, the Air Medal with V (AH) is for heroic achievement.
• Per ALNAV 055/17ALNAV 055/17 paragraph 4.d.2.d, the Air Medal with C (A1) is for meritorious achievement under combat conditions.
• The Air Medal awarded on the strike/flight basis (numerals on the ribbon) is not authorized for V or C devices per ALNAV 055/17ALNAV 055/17 paragraphs 3.h and 4.g.

11. Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (NC)

Per Tab 11. Senior commendation-level decoration.

• Criteria. Meritorious achievement or service in either combat or non-combat circumstances.
• Approval authority. Per MARADMIN 077/25MARADMIN 077/25 paragraph 3.a.3.a, delegated to Marine commanders in grades no lower than O-6. The NC with R device (C2) per paragraph 3.a.3.b is also delegated to O-6 commanders.
• The NC with V (CV) per ALNAV 055/17ALNAV 055/17 paragraph 4.d.1.d is for heroic achievement.
• The NC with C (C1) per ALNAV 055/17ALNAV 055/17 paragraph 4.d.2.e is for meritorious achievement (or service) under combat conditions.

12. Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (NAM)

Per Tab 12. The most common PMD a Marine sees in their career.

• Criteria. Professional or leadership achievement, sustained superior performance, in either combat or non-combat circumstances. Below the threshold of the NC.
• Approval authority. Per MARADMIN 077/25MARADMIN 077/25 paragraph 3.a.4.a, delegated to Marine commanders in grades no lower than O-5. The NAM with R device (N2) per paragraph 3.a.4.b is also delegated to O-5 commanders. Per paragraph 3.a.5.a, NAM authority is also delegated to Recruiting Station Commanding Officers and Director, Marine Corps Recruiters School in grades no lower than O-4.
• Per ALNAV 055/17ALNAV 055/17 paragraph 3.j, the NAM is no longer authorized for the V device for actions after 6 January 2016.
• The NAM with C (N1) per ALNAV 055/17ALNAV 055/17 paragraph 4.d.2.f is for professional or leadership achievement under combat conditions.

The V, C, and R Devices (ALNAV 055/17)

Per ALNAV 055/17ALNAV 055/17 and MARADMIN 665/17MARADMIN 665/17, three letter devices distinguish PMDs based on the circumstances of the recognized service. The devices apply to actions on or after 7 January 2016.

V Device (Valor)

Per ALNAV 055/17ALNAV 055/17 paragraph 3. The 1/4-inch bronze V device denotes a decoration awarded for valor.

• Definition. An act (or acts) of heroism by an individual above what is normally expected while engaged in direct combat with an enemy of the United States, or an opposing foreign or armed force, with exposure to enemy hostilities and personal risk.
• Authorized on. DFC (DV), BSM (BV), Air Medal (AH), Joint Service Commendation Medal (JV), NC (CV).
• Not authorized on. MOH, NX, SS (these are inherently valor awards). LOM and NAM (no longer authorized after 6 January 2016 per ALNAV 055/17ALNAV 055/17 paragraph 3.j).
• Citation language. "The V device for valor is authorized."
• Certificate language. "with V device for valor" beneath the decoration name.

C Device (Combat Conditions)

Per ALNAV 055/17ALNAV 055/17 paragraph 4. The 1/4-inch bronze C device denotes a decoration awarded for meritorious service or achievement under combat conditions.

• Standard. The recipient was personally exposed to hostile action, or at significant risk of exposure to hostile action, while engaged in action against an enemy of the United States, in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force, or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict.
• Authorized on. Defense Distinguished Service Medal (B1), DSM (S1), Defense Superior Service Medal (E1), LOM (L1), DFC (D1), Air Medal (A1), Joint Service Commendation Medal (J1), NC (C1), Joint Service Achievement Medal (F1), NAM (N1).
• Not authorized on. BSM (combat is inherent, redundant). Defense Meritorious Service Medal and MSM (the BSM is the combat-conditions award at that level).
• Citation language. "The combat conditions C device is authorized."
• Certificate language. "with combat C device" beneath the decoration name.

Per ALNAV 055/17ALNAV 055/17 paragraph 4.l, the C device does not entitle the recipient to wear the Combat Action Ribbon (CAR). The CAR criteria are more restrictive. A Marine is allowed to receive a personal decoration with a C device but not qualify for the CAR.

R Device (Remote Impact)

Per ALNAV 055/17ALNAV 055/17 paragraph 5. The 1/4-inch bronze R device denotes a decoration awarded for direct hands-on employment of a weapon system or other warfighting activity that had direct and immediate impact on a combat operation, performed in circumstances that did not expose the individual to hostile action.

• Standard. Direct and immediate impact on a combat operation through any domain (cyber, ISR, remotely piloted aircraft, ship-to-shore weapons, etc.) without exposure to hostile action.
• Authorized on. Defense Superior Service Medal (E2), LOM (L2), Defense Meritorious Service Medal (G2), MSM (M2), Joint Service Commendation Medal (J2), NC (C2), Joint Service Achievement Medal (F2), NAM (N2).
• Not authorized on. BSM (mutually exclusive with combat exposure). DFC and Air Medal (no circumstances identified where the R device fits).
• Citation language. "The remote impact R device is authorized."
• Certificate language. "with R device" beneath the decoration name.

Per ALNAV 055/17ALNAV 055/17 paragraph 5.c, the R device authorizes only on awards recognizing specific achievement (impact awards). It does not authorize on end-of-tour, end-of-deployment, or retirement awards.

Device Order on the Same Ribbon

Per ALNAV 055/17ALNAV 055/17 paragraph 7.c, when different letter devices wear on the same ribbon, the order of precedence in descending order is V, C, R. The senior device sits to the wearer's right and all letter devices sit to the right of any stars.

For any single act or merit period, only one of the three letter devices is authorized per ALNAV 055/17ALNAV 055/17 paragraph 7.d. A Marine awarded a CV for combat valor does not also receive the C for combat conditions on the same award.

The Approval Authority Hierarchy

Per MARADMIN 077/25MARADMIN 077/25, the CMC delegated awarding authority for non-combat awards as follows.

• O-9 commanders. LOM (retirement only), LOM with R device (L2), DFC (DX).
• O-7 commanders. MSM, MSM with R device (M2), Air Medal Individual Action (non-valor) (AF).
• O-6 commanders. NC, NC with R device (C2), unit Certificate of Commendation (CT, last 3 years).
• O-5 commanders. NAM, NAM with R device (N2), MOVSM, individual Certificate of Commendation (CF, last 3 years).
• O-4 (Recruiting Station COs and Director Marine Corps Recruiters School). NAM, individual CF.
• O-3 commanders. Meritorious Mast (MT) for actions during their tenure in command.

For valor and combat awards, MARADMIN 077/25MARADMIN 077/25 paragraph 4 delegates BSM with V (BV) and below to Marine Corps Component Commanders and their sub-delegates per paragraph 4.d. BSM, BSM with V, Purple Heart, and Combat Action Ribbon are at the BV level.

Awards above the BV level (NM, SS, DFC for combat, DSM for combat, NX, MOH) route through CMC to SECNAV or higher.

The Non-Duplicative Rule

Per SECNAV M-1650.1SECNAV M-1650.1 paragraph 1.2.e, "Only one decoration (PMD or unit) will be made for the same act, achievement, or period of meritorious service."

Translation. If you receive a Bronze Star for valor on a specific patrol, you do not also receive a NAM for the same patrol. Originators verify against your record before submitting. The rule prevents stacking multiple decorations for the same recognized event.

The rule has narrow exceptions. The Purple Heart and Combat Action Ribbon are not subject to the non-duplicative rule because they recognize different things (the Purple Heart recognizes a wound, the CAR recognizes active engagement, separate from a PMD recognizing valor or meritorious service). A single combat action sometimes generates a PMD plus the Purple Heart plus the CAR, all for the same engagement.

Time Limits on PMDs

Per SECNAV M-1650.1SECNAV M-1650.1 Appendix 1A, the time limits on PMDs.

• Origination window. 3 years from the end of the recognized act or service period.
• Final action window. 2 years from origination.
• Hard cap. 5 years total under delegated authority.
• Valor awards. Origination within 45 days, final action within 12 months. Each echelon acts within 10 working days.

Past the 5-year hard cap, the procedures in Chapter 8 (Awards Beyond Time Limits) apply. Past significantly older windows, only Congress through 10 U.S.C. §1130 or the Board for Correction of Naval Records (BCNR) are pathways for consideration.

Common Questions Marines Ask

What is the difference between a NAM and a NC?

The NAM recognizes professional or leadership achievement at the company-grade and mid-level enlisted threshold. The NC recognizes meritorious achievement or service at a higher threshold, typically reflecting increased responsibility, broader impact, or longer sustained service. The NC is one tier higher in precedence and approval authority (O-6 versus O-5 per MARADMIN 077/25MARADMIN 077/25).

Why does my LOM not have the V device when my senior's older LOM does?

Per ALNAV 055/17ALNAV 055/17 paragraph 3.j, the V device on the LOM was discontinued for actions after 6 January 2016. Pre-2016 LOMs with V remain valid. Post-2016 LOMs are not authorized for the V device.

I received a Bronze Star for an end-of-deployment package. Was that allowed?

Per ALNAV 055/17ALNAV 055/17 paragraph 4.e.1, the BSM is allowed to be awarded for meritorious service when the recipient was personally exposed to hostile action or at significant risk of exposure. End-of-deployment recognition is allowed if the underlying service met the combat-exposure standard. The BSM is NOT a routine end-of-tour award. Marines in support roles without combat exposure do not receive the BSM regardless of how outstanding the service.

Does the C device entitle me to the Combat Action Ribbon?

Per ALNAV 055/17ALNAV 055/17 paragraph 4.l, no. The CAR criteria are more restrictive than the C device criteria. A Marine personally exposed to hostile action (meeting the C device standard) does not necessarily meet the CAR standard of active engagement against the enemy.

Is a single combat engagement allowed to produce a PMD, the Purple Heart, and the CAR all at once?

Yes. The PMD recognizes valor or meritorious service. The Purple Heart recognizes a wound. The CAR recognizes active engagement. The three awards are independent and all three are allowed for the same engagement if the criteria for each are independently met.

Why did the Marine Corps add the C and R devices in 2016?

Per ALNAV 055/17ALNAV 055/17 and the underlying SECDEF policy, the changes recognized that modern warfare creates two new categories of recognition. The C device recognizes service under combat conditions for awards previously eligible for the V (without restricting V to specific acts of heroism). The R device recognizes the impact of cyber operations, remotely-piloted aircraft, and other domains where the operator was not exposed to hostile action.

How do I request retroactive C or R device application to a pre-7 January 2016 award?

Per ALNAV 055/17ALNAV 055/17 paragraph 6, retroactive application is for actions on or after 7 January 2016 only. Awards for earlier acts or service are not eligible for the C or R device. The V device on earlier awards remains valid under the pre-2016 criteria.

How do I request retroactive C or R device application to a 2016-2018 award?

Per ALNAV 055/17ALNAV 055/17 paragraph 6.f and MARADMIN 665/17MARADMIN 665/17 paragraph 6.d, requests originated by the operational commander at the time of the action and processed through the same chain of command up to the delegated awarding authority for the C and R devices. Following chain of command approval, requests forward to MMPB-31. Sample retroactive request templates are at the MMPB-31 webpage.

I detached from my unit. My XO said a NAM was being written for me but it never came through. What is my recourse?

Per SECNAV M-1650.1SECNAV M-1650.1 Appendix 1A, the 3-year origination window applies. Coordinate with your former S-1 to confirm the iAPS routing status. If the package was never originated and the 3-year window is still open, the former originator (still senior to you at the time of service) is allowed to re-engage. The PCS and Awards Timing page on this site covers the recovery flow.

Where to Go for Help

A Note on HQMC Awards Office Designations

The Marine Corps reorganized its awards office over time. Three designations show up in policies tied to PMDs and devices. Get the distinction right so you route requests correctly.

• HQMC Manpower Performance Branch, Military Awards Section (MMPB-3). The current umbrella office handling Marine Corps PMD adjudication, policy interpretation, and CMC-level approval routing. Listed on the Manpower Marines website at https://www.manpower.marines.mil/Divisions/Manpower-Management/Performance-Branch/Military-Awards/.
• HQMC MMPB-31. A sub-element under MMPB-3 specifically handling administrative actions on awards, including retroactive C and R device requests per ALNAV 055/17ALNAV 055/17 paragraph 6 and MARADMIN 665/17MARADMIN 665/17, replacement certificate procedures, and the administrative correction templates referenced in MARADMIN 093/25MARADMIN 093/25 paragraph 10.k. MMPB-31 is NOT the same as MMMA. The two have different functions.
• CMC (MMMA), Military Awards Branch. The historical designation appearing in older policy documents (SECNAV M-1650.1SECNAV M-1650.1 paragraph 1.3, MCO 1650.19JMCO 1650.19J, MARADMIN 665/17MARADMIN 665/17, and earlier MARADMINs). When you see MMMA in those documents, the function continues today under MMPB-3.

For current Marine Corps PMD questions, contact MMPB-3.

• Email. smb_hqmc_pers_awards@usmc.mil
• Phone. 703-784-9342
• Website. https://www.manpower.marines.mil/Divisions/Manpower-Management/Performance-Branch/Military-Awards/

For retroactive C and R device requests, route through MMPB-31 channels per MARADMIN 665/17MARADMIN 665/17 paragraph 6.

Routing by Issue

• PMD nomination origination. Originator must be a commissioned officer senior to the awardee at the time of service.
• PMD approval authority. Per MARADMIN 077/25MARADMIN 077/25 by award level (O-5 NAM, O-6 NC, O-7 MSM, O-9 LOM-retirement and DFC, SECNAV BSM and above for non-combat, MARFORCENT/MARFORSOC sub-delegates for combat-related BSM and below per MARADMIN 077/25MARADMIN 077/25 paragraph 4).
• V/C/R device application on a current award. Originator and approval chain include the device determination based on ALNAV 055/17ALNAV 055/17 criteria.
• Retroactive C/R device on a 2016-2018 award. Through the chain of command at the time of the action, with sample templates at the MMPB-31 webpage. After 31 December 2018, all retroactive requests adjudicate at MMPB-31.
• Older PMD corrections outside the standard correction window. SECNAV M-1650.1SECNAV M-1650.1 Chapter 8 procedures, routed through S-1 to MMPB-3.

Where to Go Next on This Site

• Awards Overview lays out the three categories of awards and the routing flow.
• Purple Heart covers the unique award outside the PMD hierarchy.
• Combat Action Ribbon covers the parallel award outside the PMD hierarchy.
• Joint Service Awards covers the DoD-level joint PMDs (DDSM, DSSM, DMSM, JSCM, JSAM) which interleave with the DON PMDs in precedence.
• Wearing Your Awards covers ribbon precedence, V/C/R device placement, and uniform-by-uniform guidance.
• Verifying Your Awards in OMPF walks through the verification steps in detail.

Related Roles

• Leaders identify deserving Marines for PMD recognition, draft Summaries of Action, route nominations through the chain, and ensure V/C/R device determinations match ALNAV 055/17ALNAV 055/17 criteria.
• Admin at S-1 processes PMD packages through iAPS, certifies eligibility documentation, posts approved awards to OMPF and MCTFS, and routes retroactive C/R requests through MMPB-31.
• Commanders endorse and approve PMDs within delegated authority per MARADMIN 077/25MARADMIN 077/25, exercise judgment on award levels, ensure device determinations meet ALNAV 055/17ALNAV 055/17 criteria, and verify the non-duplicative rule from SECNAV M-1650.1SECNAV M-1650.1 paragraph 1.2.e.

The PMD hierarchy is the spine of the awards system. Know where each award sits, what criteria distinguish them, and how the V/C/R devices modify the recognition. Your record reflects the recognition the Marine Corps decided you earned.