The United States Armed Forces authorize certain medal and ribbon devices that may be worn if authorized on a defined set of United States military decorations and awards.[1] The devices vary between 3⁄16 inch to 13⁄32 inch in size and are usually attached to suspension and service ribbons of medals and to unit award ribbons. The devices are usually made of brass or metal alloys that appear gold, silver, or bronze in color with either a dull or polished look. The devices may denote additional awards of the same decoration or award, an award for valor or meritorious combat service, participation in a particular campaign, periods of honorable service, specific events, and other special meanings. These are sometimes referred to as award devices, but are most commonly referred to in service regulations and Department of Defense instructions simply as "devices" for awards and decorations.
On January 7, 2016, the Secretary of Defense approved two new devices for medals and ribbons: a "C" Device which will be affixed to multi-purpose performance awards in recognition of meritorious service under combat conditions and, an "R" Device which will be affixed to non-combat performance awards to specifically recognize remote but direct impact on combat operations.[2][3][4] The "R" device is to be a bronze letter "R", 1⁄4 inch in size.[5] Both of the devices will be worn if authorized for wear, on specific decorations.[6] The services have a year to implement these changes.[7][8]
The following is a list of U.S. military service devices for medals and ribbons:
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with Fleet Marine Force Combat Operation Insignia and one silver 3/16 inch Service Star indicating a total of six awards
Vietnam Service Medal with Arrowhead Device indicating at least one combat jump/amphibious assault and two bronze 3/16 inch Campaign Stars
Armed Forces Reserve Medal with bronze Hourglass Device for ten years of service, "M" Device for mobilization, and "3" Numeral Device indicating three mobilizations
Armed Forces Reserve Medal with "M" device for mobilization and gold and bronze hourglass devices for 40 years of Reserve service (30 years and 10 years respectively)
