US Service Medals from Civilian and Military Goverment Agencies.

[Paul R]

Interesting one. Never seen it before, but new ones seem to pop up by the week

Looks like some sort of Army Corps of Engineers Medal. I remember, being from Southeast Texas myself, that Balfour is the company that made our class rings. I think that they also make plaques and medals as well. I have never seen anything like it. I bet that it is VERY rare!

paul

[Guest Darrell]

National Imagery and Mapping Agency - Superior Civilian Service Medal

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[Guest Darrell]

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[Guest Darrell]

Defense Contract Audit Agency - Meritorious Civilian Service Medal

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[Guest Darrell]

Reserve:

[Guest Darrell]

Defense Contract Audit Agency - Distinguished Civilian Service Medal

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[Guest Darrell]

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[922F]

Most Cabinet level Departments have at least a 3 tier wearable award system using nomenclature along the lines of Distinguished, Superior and Meritorious (Commendation) medals to denote levels of importance. A 1980s "Medal Collector" article described and illustrated the CIA's non wearable (table medal) series that also includes several bravery/service awards.

The State Department (which in 1997-8 absorbed the U.S. Information Agency--AKA, in the 1980s, International Communications Agency) has two "retirement/length of service" wearable medals in addition to the 3 tier system mentioned above. An article on State Department awards appeared in the "Medal Collector" in the early 1980s; the system has expanded a bit since then. (The Disarmament/Arms Controls Agencies were also subsumed into State in the 1990s to "shrink" government. So, until Balfour/MEDCO/DONDRO/whomever successors restrike the now-obsolete USIA, ICA, DACB, ACA, etcetera awards, they are getting harder to find.)

As mentioned in an earlier post, it is extremely uncommon for State employees (like other Federal workers) to wear their full size medals but infrequently lapel devices may be observed. On rare occasions (like the annual Marine Ball or at presentation of credentials by an ambassador) miniature medals may be worn. After justification and approval at senior bureaucratic levels, State allows acceptance/use/wear of other Federal civilian medals like the U.S. Vietnam Civilian Service medal and other awards e.g., for persons seconded to the SFM-MFO in Sinai, the MFO medal, the "Free and Fair Elections Observers Medal" or U.S. Army Commander Medals for civilians. Similarly, State, the Department of Commerce, the Department of Homeland Security, and very likely all other Departments, has allowed (after extremely stringent vetting) its employees to accept/wear foreign awards since the mid-1970s.

[Guest Darrell]

Good information. Appreciated

[Guest Darrell]

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - Association of Commissioned Officers - Engineering Achievement Award Medal

National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration Association of Commissioned Officers Awards Medal. This medal is awarded in three areas, junior officer of the year, for scientific achievement, and for engineering achievement. When awarded for scientific achievement, a bronze S is worn on the suspension ribbon. When awarded for engineering achievement, a bronze E is worn on the suspension ribbon. Many references state that the letters are silver, but that is not correct. NOAA regulations, and the mil specs for both the medal and letters, state that they are bronze.

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[Guest Darrell]

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[Guest Darrell]

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - Association of Commissioned Officers - Scientific Achievement Award Medal

National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration Association of Commissioned Officers Awards Medal. This medal is awarded in three areas, junior officer of the year, for scientific achievement, and for engineering achievement. When awarded for scientific achievement, a bronze S is worn on the suspension ribbon. When awarded for engineering achievement, a bronze E is worn on the suspension ribbon. Many references state that the letters are silver, but that is not correct. NOAA regulations, and the mil specs for both the medal and letters, state that they are bronze.

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[Guest Darrell]

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[Paul R]

That is an attractive looking medal!!

BTW, NOAA is a part of the Uniformed Services.

[Guest Darrell]

National Security Agency - Gold Merit Service Medal

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[Guest Darrell]

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[Guest Darrell]

Defense Commissary Agency - Civilian Career Service Award Medal

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[Guest Darrell]

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[Guest Darrell]

National Imagery and Mapping Agency - Distinguished Civilian Service Medal

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[Guest Darrell]

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[Guest Darrell]

Red Lake Indian Nation Health Service - Distinguished Service Medal

The Red Lake Indian Nation Health Service Distinguished Service Medal, issued by the Red Lake Nation in Minnesota, for its Public Health Service Hospital.

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[Guest Darrell]

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[Guest Darrell]

Red Lake Indian Nation Health Service - Exceptional Service Medal

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[Guest Darrell]

Reverse;

[Guest Darrell]

Defense Commissary Agency - Distinguished Civilian Service Medal

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