The Commendation Medal is a mid-level United States military decoration presented for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service.

The Commendation Medal was originally only a service ribbon and was first awarded by the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard in 1943.

Additional awards of the Army and Air and Space Commendation Medals are denoted by bronze and silver oak leaf clusters.

On January 7, 2016 The "C" Device or Combat "C" was created and may be authorized for wear on the service and suspension ribbon of the Commendation Medal to distinguish an award for meritorious service or achievement under the most arduous combat conditions (while the Soldier/Sailor/Marine was personally exposed to hostile action or in an area where other Servicemembers were actively engaged).

The Joint Service Commendation Medal (JSCM) was authorized on June 25, 1963, and is awarded in the name of the Secretary of Defense to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, after January 1, 1963, distinguished themselves by meritorious achievement or service in a joint duty capacity.

[5][6] The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States other than General Officers who, while serving in any capacity with the U.S. Army after December 6, 1941, distinguished themselves by heroism, meritorious achievement or meritorious service.

The medal may be awarded to a member of another branch of the U.S. Armed Forces or of a friendly foreign nation who, after June 1, 1962, distinguishes themselves by an act of heroism, extraordinary achievement, or significant meritorious service which has been of mutual benefit to the friendly nation and the United States.

On the medallion is an American bald eagle with wings spread horizontally, grasping in its talons three crossed arrows.

The reverse bears a panel for naming between the words FOR MILITARY above and MERIT below, all placed above a laurel sprig.

Prior to this time, USAF recipients received the Army Commendation Medal.

The ribbon of the Air and Space Commendation Medal is golden yellow with blue edges.