Authorized foreign decorations of the United States military

Authorized foreign decorations of the United States military are those military decorations which have been approved for wear by members of the United States armed forces but whose awarding authority is the government of a country other than the United States.

Policy and determination
The wear of foreign decorations may either be approved on a case-by-case basis or a general order may be declared allowing for blanket approval to all U.S. service members to wear a particular non-U.S. decoration.

The following is a list of foreign decorations which have been approved at one time for wear on United States military uniforms. Such awards are always worn after all United States decorations and before international military awards. The list below is by no means comprehensive, but does display the awards which have been bestowed to U.S. service members by the governments of foreign countries.

Argentina

 * ARG Order of the Liberator San Martin - Knight BAR.png Order of the Liberator General San Martin
 * ARG Order of May - Knight BAR.png Order of May in Military Merit

Argentinian decorations are only rarely awarded to senior US officers, most of those senior U.S. officers have been in the United States Southern Command & United States Southern Command Air Forces Commander usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.

Australia

 * AUS Order of Australia (military) BAR.svg Order of Australia (Military Division)

Australian decorations are only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers, at the Joint Chiefs of Staff level

Austria

 * AUT Honour for Services to the Republic of Austria - Bronze Medal BAR.png Decoration of Honour for Services to the Republic of Austria

This award consists of fifteen classes, of which the second class was awarded to Dwight D. Eisenhower.


 * AUT Honour Medal for Contributions to the Liberation of Austria.png Decoration for Services to the Liberation of Austria

Bahrain

 * Order of Bahrain - 5th Class.png The Khalifiyyeh Order of Bahrain

Kingdom of Bahrain decorations were only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers. Most of those senior US officers in the United States Central Command as "end-of-tour" decorations.

Belgium

 * Order of Leopold (Belgium) Ribbon bar.svg Order of Leopold
 * BEL Order of the African Star - Knight BAR.png Order of the African Star
 * BEL Royal Order of the Lion - Knight BAR.png Royal Order of the Lion
 * BEL Kroonorde Ridder BAR.svg Order of the Crown
 * BEL Order of Leopold II - Knight BAR.png Order of Leopold II
 * BEL Militair Kruis 2klasse BAR.svg Military Cross
 * BEL Croix de Guerre 1944 ribbon.svg Croix de Guerre

Belgian Orders were awarded to senior U.S. officers, while the War Cross was presented to any rank for valor during World War I & World War II. A Fourragère could also be awarded to individuals in units that were cited twice in the Order of the Day.

Bolivia

 * Order of Naval Merit (Bolivia) - ribbon bar.png Order of Naval Merit
 * Order of Aeronautical Merit (Bolivia) - ribbon bar.png Order of Aeronautical Merit

Bolivian decorations are only rarely awarded to senior U.S. officers, most of those senior US officers have been in the United States Southern Command & United States Southern Command Air Forces Commander usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.

Brazil

 * BRA - Order of the Southern Cross - Knight BAR.svg National Order of the Southern Cross
 * BRA OMFA - OMD Cavaleiro BAR.svg Order of Defence Merit
 * Ordem do mérito militar.png Order of Military Merit
 * Order of Naval Merit - Knight (Brazil) - ribbon bar.png Order of Naval Merit
 * BRA Ordem do Mérito Aeronáutico Cavaleiro.png Order of Aeronautical Merit
 * BRA Medalha do Merito de Rio Branco BAR.svg Order of Rio Branco
 * Santos-Dumont Medal of Merit Ribbon.png Santos-Dumont Merit Medal

Brazil's highest orders of merit were rarely awarded to senior U.S. officers, during World War II.

In the 21st century United States military most of those post World War II era presentations are still only awarded to senior US officers, most of those senior U.S. officers have been in the United States Southern Command & United States Southern Command Air Forces Commander usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.

Bulgaria

 * Order of the Madara Horseman ribbon.jpg Order of the Madara Horseman

Bulgarian decorations are only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers. Most of those were awarded to the United States European Command Commander usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.

Canada

 * Order of Canada (CM) ribbon bar.png Order of Canada
 * Order of Military Merit (Canada) ribbon.JPG Order of Military Merit
 * CAN Meritorious Service Cross (military division) ribbon.svg Meritorious Service Cross
 * MSM Ribbon-military.png Meritorious Service Medal

Canadian decorations were mainly awarded during World War I and World War II. The Meritorious Service Cross and Meritorious Service Medal are currently the only Canadian awards still being awarded to US personnel today. Most of those are awarded to senior U.S. officers in the United States European Command, United States Northern Command or North American Aerospace Defense Command usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.

Chile

 * CHL Order of Merit of Chile - Knight BAR.png Order of Merit

Chilean decorations were only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers during World War II.

Taiwan

 * Order of National Glory with Grand Cordon ribbon.png Order of National Glory
 * Order of Blue Sky and White Sun with Grand Cordon ribbon.png Order of Blue Sky and White Sun
 * Order of Precious Tripod with Special Grand Cordon ribbon.png Order of the Sacred Tripod
 * Order of Resplendent Banner with Special Grand Cordon ribbon.png Order of the Cloud and Banner

Taiwanese decorations were only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers during World War II.

Colombia

 * Order of Boyacá - Knight (Colombia) - ribbon bar.png Order of Boyaca
 * Order of San Carlos - Knight (Colombia) - ribbon bar.png Order of San Carlos
 * Ribbon Bar of the Knight of The National Order of Merit Antonio Nariño.svg Order of Military Merit Antonio Nariño
 * Ribbon Bar of the Knight of The Order of Military Merit José María Córdova.svg Order of Military Merit José María Córdova
 * COL Order of Naval Merit 'Admiral Padilla' - Knight.png Order of Naval Merit Admiral Padilla
 * COL Caballero Cruz de la Fuerza Aerea al Merito Aeronautico cinta.png Air Force Cross of Aeronautical Merit
 * COL Caballero Orden del Mérito Sanitario José Fernández Madrid cinta.png Order of Health Merit Jose Fernandez Madrid

Colombian decorations are only rarely awarded to senior U.S. officers, most of those senior US officers have been in the United States Southern Command & United States Southern Command Air Forces Commander usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.

Croatia

 * Ribbon of the Order of Duke Trpimir.png Order of Duke Trpimir
 * Order of Prince Branimir.jpg Order of Duke Branimir

Croatian decorations are only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers. Most of those were awarded to senior US officers in the United States European Command usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.

Czechoslovakia / Czech Republic

 * CZE Rad Bileho Lva 1 tridy BAR.svg Order of the White Lion
 * CZE Cross of Merit Min-of-Def 1st BAR.svg Cross of Merit of the Minister of Defence of the Czech Republic, First Class

Czech Order of the White Lion was only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers. The Czechoslovak War Cross was a little more commonly awarded to officers, than the Czech Order of the White Lion was, during World War I and World War II.

Cross of Merit of the Minister of Defense First Class are only rarely awarded to the United States European Command Commander usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.

Denmark

 * Order of the Elephant Ribbon bar.svg Order of the Elephant

Danish decorations were only rarely awarded to senior U.S. officers, during World War II.

Ecuador

 * Order of Abdon Calderon First Class.svg Order of Abdon Calderón

Ecuadorean decorations were only rarely awarded to senior U.S. officers, during World War II.

Egypt

 * EGY Order of the Nile - Knight BAR.png Order of the Nile
 * EGY Order of the Republic - Knight BAR.png Order of the Republic
 * EGY Order of Merit - Knight BAR.png Egyptian Order of Merit

Egyptian decorations were only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers. Most of those senior U.S. officers in the United States Central Command as "end-of-tour" decorations.

El Salvador

 * El Salvador Gold Medal for Distinguished Service Ribbon.png Gold Medal for Distinguished Service Medal

Salvadoran decorations are only rarely awarded to senior U.S. officers, most of those senior U.S. officers have been in the United States Southern Command & United States Southern Command Air Forces Commander usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.

Estonia

 * EST Cross of Liberty I division ribbon.svg Estonian Cross of Liberty (Military)
 * EST Order of the White Star - 5th Class BAR.png Order of the White Star
 * Military Order of the Cross of the Eagle ribbon.jpg Military Order of the Cross of the Eagle

Estonian decorations are only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers. Most of those were awarded to senior U.S. officers in the United States European Command usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.

France

 * Legion Honneur Chevalier ribbon.svg Legion of Honour
 * Ordre de la Liberation 2nd ribbon.svg Order of Liberation
 * Medaille militaire ribbon.svg Military Medal
 * Ordre national du Merite Chevalier ribbon.svg National Order of Merit
 * Palmes academiques Chevalier ribbon.svg Order of Academic Palms
 * Medaille de la France Liberee.svg Medal of a liberated France
 * Medaille commemorative Francaise ribbon.svg French Commemorative Medal
 * Medaille de la Defense Nationale Bronze ribbon.svg Medal of National Defense
 * Croix de Guerre (Cross of War)
 * Croix de Guerre 1914-1918 ribbon.svg Croix de guerre 1914–1918
 * Croix de Guerre 1939-1945 ribbon.svg Croix de guerre 1939–1945
 * Croix de Guerre des Theatres d'Operations Exterieurs ribbon.svg Croix de guerre des Théatres d'Opérations Exterieures

French decorations were presented to U.S. service members extensively during World War I and World War II. By far, the Croix de guerre was the most commonly bestowed decoration to United States service members of all ranks. Today, members of United States 5th Marine Regiment and 6th Marine Regiment, the Army's 2nd Infantry Division, the Army's 3rd Infantry Division, the Army's 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, the 1st BN U.S. 28th Infantry Regiment, and the National Guard's 45th Infantry Brigade Separate Brigade are authorized to wear a Fourragère aux couleurs de la Croix de guerre, signifying the award of three Croix de guerre to each unit during World War I, but only while that individual is assigned to the unit. The wearing of the decoration is considered ceremonial and the fourragère is not entered as an official military award in permanent service records.

The Legion of Honour was awarded on June 15, 2015, SSgt Greggory Swarz. Staff Sgt. Greggory Swarz, with the 492nd Aircraft Maintenance Unit, received the Legion of Honor during the International Paris Air Show, according to U.S. Air Forces in Europe. Swarz pulled three French airmen out of a fire that erupted after a Greek F-16 crashed on Los Llanos Air Base, Spain, in January during a multinational exercise. The two Greek pilots and nine French airmen died.

The Legion of Honour was awarded on August 24, 2015, to two US Servicemen. Specialist Alek Skarlatos, a National Guardsman based in Oregon, and Airman First Class Spencer Stone, were awarded the Legion of Honour by French President Francois Hollande saying they "gave a lesson in courage" by subduing a heavily armed attacker on a high-speed train carrying 500 passengers to Paris on August 21, 2015.

The National Order of the Legion of Honor is mostly awarded to senior U.S. officers and Senior Enlisted Advisors in the United States European Command usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.

The National Order of Merit is awarded to lower ranking U.S. officers (Brigadier General - Major) and Senior Non-commissioned officers assigned to the United States European Command usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.

The French Commemorative Medal and the French Medal of National Defense can be awarded to any foreign military member who has served under French command. These are the only French medals still being awarded to U.S. personnel today.

There is an additional badge which can be earned by U.S. Service members upon successful participation and completion of the French Desert Commando Course in Djibouti, Africa. The course location is called Centre d'entraînement au combat d'Arta Plage, but more currently called CECAD (Centre d'entraînement au combat et d’aguerrissement de Djibouti). The badge is individually serialized to the service member who earned it.

Germany

 * GER Bundesverdienstkreuz 2 BVK.svg Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany
 * Bundeswehr Crosses & Medal of Honor
 * GER Bundeswehr Honour Cross Bravery ribbon.svg Bundeswehr Cross of Honour for Valour
 * GER Bundeswehr Honour Cross Red Gold ribbon.svg Bundeswehr Gold Cross of Honor for Outstanding Deeds
 * GER Bundeswehr Honour Cross Gold ribbon.svg Bundeswehr Cross of Honor


 * GER DOSB Sports Badge ribbon bar.png German Sports Badge (Military)
 * German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency.jpg German Armed Forces Military Proficiency Badge
 * SchützenschnurGold(Montage).jpgn Armed Forces Marksmanship Badge

German decorations have been awarded to United States soldiers beginning as far back as the American Revolution. By the time of the First World War, German decorations had faded from the military memory of the United States and, during the actual conflict where Germany and America were on opposing sides, the wear of any German decoration by an American soldier would have been unthinkable.

The sole authorization of a Nazi decoration to U.S. personnel was in 1938 when the Order of the German Eagle was awarded to a small number of U.S. military personnel who had either served in Germany in a diplomatic posting or who had performed an act of service to the German state. The Order was entered in service records, but was never authorized for display on a United States uniform.

In the 21st century United States military, the German Proficiency and Marksmanship Badges are far more commonly awarded, mainly to U.S. Army and Air Force personnel. The Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany was last awarded to a US officer in 2015 and is today rarely awarded to only very senior U.S. officers. Most of those senior U.S. officers were in the United States European Command usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.

Greece

 * Order of the Redeemer Ribbon bar.svg Order of the Redeemer
 * GRE Order of George I - Member or Silver Cross BAR.png Order of George I
 * GRE Order of the Phoenix - Silver Cross BAR.png Order of the Phoenix

Greek decorations were only very rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers, during World War II.

Guatemala

 * Order of the Quetzal - Knight (Guatemala) - ribbon bar.png Order of the Quetzal
 * Guatemalan Armed Forces Cross.jpg Guatemalan Armed Forces Cross
 * Cross of Military Merit (1st, 2nd and 3rd classes)

Guatemalan decorations are only rarely awarded to senior U.S. officers, most of those senior U.S. officers have been in the United States Southern Command & United States Southern Command Air Forces Commander usually as "end-of-tour" decorations. Generals MacArthur and Eisenhower were awarded the Cross of Military Merit, 1st Class after World War II.

Haiti

 * Haiti National Order of Honour and Merit.png National Order of Honour and Merit

Haitian decorations were only rarely awarded to senior U.S. officers, during World War II.

Honduras

 * Honduras Armed Forces Cross Ribbon.png Honduran Armed Forces Cross

Honduran decorations are only rarely awarded to senior U.S. officers, most of those senior U.S. officers have been in the United States Southern Command & United States Southern Command Air Forces Commander usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.

Hungary

 * HUN Order of Merit of the Hungarian Rep (military) 5class BAR.svg Order of Merit of the Republic of Hungary

Hungarian decorations are only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers. Most of those were awarded to the United States European Command Commander usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.

Iceland

 * Order of the Falcon ribbon.jpg Order of the Falcon

Icelandic decorations are only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers. Most of those were awarded to the United States European Command Commander usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.

Iraq

 * Gold Award of the Iraqi Order of the Date Palm Ribbon.png Gold Award of the Iraqi Order of the Date Palm

Iraqi decorations are only awarded to very senior U.S. officers, most of those were awarded to the Multi-National Force - Iraq Commander as "end-of-tour" decorations.

To date the only person that has been allowed to wear any Iraqi award has been General Petraeus, Multi-National Force - Iraq Commander.

Israel

 * Service in Israel Medal.png Service in Israel Medal

The Service in Israel Medal is awarded to military attachés who serve at least two years in Israel upon the end of their assignment with the IDF. First instituted in 2007, it is still a somewhat rare decoration and there are certain restrictions regarding its display (or in some case, even its mention) for U.S. personnel stationed in other Middle Eastern Arab countries who are on unfriendly terms with Israel.

Italy

 * Cavaliere OMRI BAR.svg Order of Merit of the Italian Republic
 * Cavaliere BAR.svg Military Order of Italy
 * Grande ufficiale OSSI medal BAR.svg Order of the Star of Italian Solidarity
 * Cavaliere OCI BAR.svg Order of the Crown of Italy
 * Cavaliere SSML BAR.svg Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus
 * Croce di guerra al valor militare BAR.svg War Cross
 * Commemorative Medal for the Operations in the Italian East Africa ribbon.png Commemorative Italian East Africa Operations Medal

Italian decorations are only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers. The first presentations of Italian decorations to U.S. personnel were made in the months following World War II. This was mainly done to foster a new era of friendly relations between the US and Italy.

There are post-World War II presentations, but most of those medals are awarded to officers assigned in Italy. The Italian Orders are mainly awarded to senior U.S. officers in the United States European Command usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.

Japan

 * JPN Kyokujitsu-sho blank BAR.svg Order of the Rising Sun
 * Order of the Sacred Treasure Ribbon.png Order of the Sacred Treasure

The first presentations of Japanese decorations to U.S. personnel were made in the months following World War II when the new Japanese government presented several decorations to senior U.S. military officers then in charge of the occupation force garrisoning Japan. This was mainly done to foster a new era of friendly relations between the US and Japan and to recognize the joint and allied nature which the new Japanese Self Defense Force would have with the United States armed forces. Some awards were discontinued after the Second World War, such as the Order of the Golden Kite.

Today Japanese decorations are only awarded to senior U.S. officers in the United States Pacific Command usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.

Kuwait

 * Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait) ribbon.svg Kuwait Liberation Medal

The Kuwait Liberation Medal was awarded to all U.S. service members who served in the theater of operations during the "Operation Desert Shield" and "Operation Desert Storm" phase of the Gulf War, between 2 August 1990 and 31 August 1993.

Lithuania

 * LTU Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas - Knight's Cross BAR.png Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas

Lithuanian decorations are only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers. But most of those were awarded to the United States European Command Commander usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.

Luxembourg

 * Order of the Golden Lion of Nassau Ribbon bar.svg Order of the Gold Lion of the House of Nassau
 * Order of Adolphe of Nassau ribbon.svg Order of Adolphe of Nassau
 * Ribbon bar Order of the Oak Crown.jpg Order of the Oak Crown
 * Ord.Merit.Luxembourg.JPG Order of Merit of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
 * LUX Médaille Militaire BAR.svg Military Medal
 * LUX Croix de Guerre ribbon.svg Luxembourg War Cross
 * LUX Cross of Honour and Military Merit.svg Cross of Honour and Military Merit

Luxembourg decorations were presented mainly during World War II. There have been some rare post-World War II presentations, but most of those were awarded to the United States European Command Commander usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.

The Order of the Gold Lion of the House of Nassau was founded by Grand Ducal decree on 31 March 1858 by King-Grand Duke William III. The honour was to be shared between both branches of the House of Nassau, under agreement between William, King of the Netherlands and Grand Duke of Luxembourg, and Adolphe, Duke of Nassau and future Grand Duke of Luxembourg.

International March of Diekirch Medal, At the completion of 1 20 km march, 1 40 km march, or 2 40 km marches within 48 hours, personnel are entitled to wear the International March of Diekirch Medal.

Mexico

 * MEX Order of the Aztec Eagle 5Class BAR.png Order of the Aztec Eagle
 * Mexican Medal of Military Merit.png Mexican Medal of Military Merit

Mexican decorations were mainly presented to very senior U.S. officers during World War II. There have been some rare post-World War II presentations, but these are mainly confined to the senior ranks of the U.S. military.

Montenegro

 * ME Order of Danilo I Member BAR.svg Order of Prince Danilo I of Montenegro

Montenegrin decorations were only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers during World War I.

Morocco

 * Order of Ouissam Alaouite
 * MAR Order of the Ouissam Alaouite - Knight (1913-1956) BAR.png 1913–1956 Order of Ouissan Alaouite
 * Ordre de l'Ouissam Alaouite Chevalier ribbon (Maroc).svg Order of Ouissam Alaouite

The Order of Ouissam Alaouite was awarded mainly to United States military officers who had served on the Operation Torch planning staff during World War II. In the film Patton, George C. Scott plays then Major General George S. Patton who is awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Ouissam Alaouite at the start of the film. There have been some rare post-World War II presentations, but these are mainly confined to the senior ranks of the U.S. military.

The Netherlands

 * NLD Military Order of William - Knight BAR.png Military Order of William
 * Ord.Neth.Lion.jpg Order of the Netherlands Lion
 * Order of Orange-Nassau ribbon.svg Order of Orange Nassau
 * Order of the Golden Lion of Nassau Ribbon bar.svg Order of the Gold Lion of the House of Nassau
 * Vierdaagse Medal Bar.png Cross for the Four Day Marches

The Dutch presented awards to U.S. service members mainly during World War II; the Honorary Sabre was very rarely awarded to very senior US officers. There have been some rare post-World War II presentations, but most of those were awarded to the United States European Command Commander usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.

The Order of the Gold Lion of the House of Nassau was founded by Grand Ducal decree on 31 March 1858 by King-Grand Duke William III. The honour was to be shared between both branches of the House of Nassau, under agreement between William, King of the Netherlands and Grand Duke of Luxembourg, and Adolphe, Duke of Nassau and future Grand Duke of Luxembourg.

The Cross for the Four Day Marches, also known as the Holland Four Day Event Cross, is currently earned by U.S. military personnel who complete the annual event.

Nicaragua

 * Nicaraguan Cross of Valor.png Nicaraguan Cross of Valor
 * Nicaraguan Medal of Military Merit.png Nicaraguan Medal of Military Merit

Nicaraguan medals were somewhat commonly awarded to U.S. Marine and Navy personnel, during the Nicaraguan Campaigns of 1912 & 1933.

Norway

 * Krigskorset med sverd stripe.svg War Cross with sword
 * St. Olavs Orden stripe.svg Order of St. Olav
 * Krigsmedaljen stripe.svg War Medal

Norwegian decorations were only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers, during World War I & World War II.

The War Cross is Norway's highest ranking decoration for gallantry. It was so rarely awarded to US military personnel, that only two U.S. officers have ever received it to date, CAPT Alfred Carini and LTC Keith N. Allen.

The Royal Order of St. Olav is no longer awarded to foreign citizens, except for state leaders and royals. Foreign citizens may now be awarded the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit.

Pakistan

 * Order of Pakistan.png Nishan-e-Pakistan

Pakistani decorations were only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers during World War II. There have been some rare post-World War II presentations, but these are mainly confined to the senior ranks of the U.S. military.

Panama

 * PAN Order of Manuel Amador Guerrero BAR.png Order of Manuel Amador Guerrero
 * PAN Order of Vasco Nunez de Balboa - Knight BAR.png Order of Vasco Núñez de Balboa

Paraguay

 * National Order of Merit (Paraguay) - ribbon bar.png Paraguay National Order of Merit

Paraguayan decorations were only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers during World War II.

Peru

 * Order of the Sun Ribbon.jpg Order of the Sun
 * PER Order of Aeronautical Merit Knight.png Order of Aeronautical Merit

Peruvian decorations were only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers during World War II. There have been some rare post-World War II presentations, but these are mainly confined to the senior ranks of the U.S. military.

In the 21st century United States military, the awarding of Peruvian decorations are still only rarely awarded to senior US officers, most of those senior US officers have been in the United States Southern Command & United States Southern Command Air Forces Commander usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.

Philippines

 * Philippine Medal of Valor ribbon.jpg Philippine Medal of Valor
 * Distinguished Conduct Star Ribbon Bar.png Distinguished Conduct Star
 * PHL Legion of Honor - Legionnaire BAR.png Philippine Legion of Honor
 * Presidential Unit Citation (Philippines).svg Philippines Presidential Unit Citation
 * Philippine Defense ribbon.png Philippine Defense Medal
 * Phliber rib.svg Philippine Liberation Medal
 * PHL Independence Medal ribbon.png Philippine Independence Medal

The Philippine Medal of Valor, Distinguished Conduct Star and Philippine Legion of Honor were only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers, during World War II. The Philippine Defense Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal and Philippine Independence Medal were commonly awarded to soldiers and sailors of all ranks during World War II.

Poland

 * POL Order Orła Białego BAR.svg Order of the White Eagle
 * POL Virtuti Militari Srebrny BAR.svg Order Wojenny Virtuti Militari
 * POL Polonia Restituta Kawalerski BAR.svg Order of Polonia Restituta
 * POL Order Zaslugi RP kl5 BAR.svg Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland
 * POL Order Krzyża Grunwaldu 3 Klasy BAR.svg Order of the Cross of Grunwald
 * POL Krzyż Walecznych (1940) BAR.PNG Cross of Valour
 * POL Złoty Krzyż Zasługi z Mieczami BAR.svg Cross of Merit with Swords
 * POL Gwiazda Iraku BAR.svg Iraq Star
 * POL Gwiazda Afganistanu BAR.svg Afghanistan Star
 * POL Brązowy Medal Wojska Polskiego BAR.svg Polish Army Medal

Polish decorations were first presented to U.S. senior military leaders in the aftermath of World War II as a measure of thanking the Allies for liberating Poland from Nazi Germany.

When Poland fell behind the Iron Curtain, awards to U.S. service members all but ceased. In the 21st century, with Poland now a member in NATO, awards have resumed to U.S. personnel, but most of those were awarded to the United States European Command Commander usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.

The Iraq Star has been awarded to U.S. officers who served with Polish forces in Iraq (MND-CS). The Afghanistan Star has been awarded to U.S. officers who served with Polish forces in Afghanistan (as part of the ISAF).

The Polish Army Medal has been awarded by Minister of National Defense to foreign nationals, military or civilian, who rendered merit in cooperation between the Polish Armed forces and the armed forces of other countries, in particular by supporting peacekeeping operations of the Polish Armed forces, rendered merit in the area of cooperation of international military units including Polish units, contributed to the growth of military potential of the Polish Armed Forces or to dissemination of Polish military history or traditions abroad.

Portugal

 * PRT Military Order of Aviz - Knight BAR.svg Order of Aviz
 * PRT Medal Military Merit Grand Cross.png Grand Cross of the Military Merit Medal

Portuguese Order of Aviz was awarded to very senior U.S. officers, during World War II. Most of the medals awarded now in the 21st century United States military, are to the United States European Command Commander usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.

Republic of Korea (South Korea)

 * Order of National Security Merit
 * Tong-il Security Medal Ribbon.svg Tong-il Medal
 * Gugseon Security Medal Ribbon.png Gugseon Medal
 * Cheon-Su Security Medal Ribbon.png Cheon-Su Medal
 * Sam IL Security Medal Ribbon.png Sam-il Medal
 * Gwangbog Security Medal Ribbon.png Gwangbog Medal


 * Order of Military Merit
 * Taeguk Cordon Medal.png Taeguk Cordon Medal
 * Eulji Cordon Medal.png Eulji Cordon Medal
 * Chungmu Cordon Medal.png Chungmu Cordon Medal
 * Hwarang Cordon Medal.png Hwarang Cordon Medal
 * Inheon Cordon Medal.png Inheon Cordon Medal


 * Presidential Unit Citation (Korea).svg South Korean Presidential Unit Citation
 * Republic of Korea War Service Medal ribbon.svg Korean War Service Medal

South Korean decorations were first awarded to U.S. service members during the Korean War.

The award of Korean medals in the 21st century is mainly confined to senior U.S. military leaders attached to either USFK or CNFK.

Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam)
Senior Leadership awards
 * VPD National Order of Vietnam - Knight BAR.svg National Order of Vietnam
 * Vietnam Distinguished Service Order
 * Vietnam Army Distinguished Service Order Ribbon-First Class.svg Vietnam Army Distinguished Service Order, 1st Class
 * Vietnam Army Distinguished Service Order Ribbon-Second Class.svg Vietnam Army Distinguished Service Order, 2nd Class
 * Vietnam Navy Distinguished Service Order Ribbon-First Class.svg Vietnam Navy Distinguished Service Order, 1st Class
 * Vietnam Navy Distinguished Service Order Ribbon-Second Class.svg Vietnam Navy Distinguished Service Order, 2nd Class
 * Vietnam Air Force Distinguished Service Order Ribbon-First Class.svg Vietnam Air Force Distinguished Service Order, 1st Class
 * Vietnam Air Force Distinguished Service Order Ribbon-Second Class.svg Vietnam Air Force Distinguished Service Order, 2nd Class

Individual awards
 * Vietnam Military Merit Ribbon.svg Vietnam Military Merit Medal
 * Vietnam Gallantry Cross, with palm.svg Vietnam Gallantry Cross
 * Vietnam Civil Actions Medal ribbon-First Class.svg Vietnam Civil Actions Medal
 * Vietnam Campaign Medal ribbon with 60- clasp.svg Vietnam Campaign Medal

Unit awards
 * Presidential Unit Citation (Vietnam).svg Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation
 * Vietnam gallantry cross unit award-3d.svg Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation
 * VNCivilActionsRibbon-2.svg Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation

Other awards
 * Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal ribbon-Second Class.svg Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal
 * Vietnam Staff Service Medal ribbon-First Class.svg Vietnam Staff Service Medal
 * Vietnam Air Gallantry Cross
 * Vietnam Air Gallantry Cross Gold Wing ribbon.svg Vietnam Air Gallantry Cross with Gold Wing Ribbon
 * Vietnam Air Gallantry Cross Silver Wing ribbon.svg Vietnam Air Gallantry Cross with Silver Wing Ribbon
 * Vietnam Air Gallantry Cross Bronze Wing ribbon.svg Vietnam Air Gallantry Cross with Bronze Wing Ribbon


 * Vietnam Navy Gallantry Cross
 * Vietnam Navy Gallantry Cross, Gold Anchor ribbon.svg Vietnam Navy Gallantry Cross with Gold Anchor Ribbon
 * Vietnam Navy Gallantry Cross, Silver Anchor ribbon.svg Vietnam Navy Gallantry Cross with Silver Anchor Ribbon
 * Vietnam Navy Gallantry Cross, Bronze Anchor ribbon.svg Vietnam Navy Gallantry Cross with Bronze Anchor Ribbon


 * Vietnam Special Service Medal ribbon.svg Vietnam Special Service Medal

Republic of Vietnam military awards (South Vietnam decorations) were first awarded to United States service members beginning around 1964. The Vietnamese Gallantry Cross and the Vietnamese Civil Actions Medal were awarded to some U.S. servicemen for heroism and meritorious service. The National Order was awarded to some U.S. military officers who were killed in action and the Military Merit Medal was awarded to some U.S. non-officers who were killed in action. The National Order and Distinguished Service Order was awarded to some senior U.S. military personnel. The Campaign Medal were commonly awarded to all U.S. military personnel and the remainder of the decorations were awarded with different frequency between the U.S. service branches and amongst officer/non-officer personnel.

Romania

 * Order of Michael the Brave ribbon.svg Order of Michael the Brave
 * Order of the Star of Romania - Ribbon bar.svg Order of the Star of Romania
 * Romanian Order of Merit Medal Ribbon.png Romanian Order of Merit Ribbon

Romanian decorations were only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers, during World War I and World War II. There have been some rare post-World War II presentations, but these are mainly confined to the senior ranks of the U.S. military.

Saudi Arabia

 * Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia) ribbon.svg Kuwait Liberation Medal
 * Spange des König-Abdulaziz-Ordens.png Order of Abdulaziz al Saud
 * King Faisal Award, 2d Class Ribbon.png King Faisal Award, 2d Class

The Saudi Arabian Kuwait Liberation Medal was a little less commonly awarded to all U.S. service members, it was awarded only during the dates of 17 January 1991 and 28 February 1991 with in-theater service of the Gulf War.

Singapore

 * Darjah Utama Bakti Cemerlang (Tentera) ribbon.png Darjah Utama Bakti Cemerlang
 * Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera) ribbon.png Pingat Jasa Gemilang

Singaporean decorations are very rarely awarded to only senior U.S. officers, at the Joint Chiefs of Staff level.

Slovakia

 * SVK Commemorative Medal Min-of-Def 1st BAR.svg Commemorative Medal of the Minister of Defense of the Slovak Republic First Class

Slovakian decorations are only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers. Most of those were awarded to the United States European Command Commander usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.

Soviet Union / Russia

 * OrderVictoryRibbon.svg Order of Victory
 * Order of Suvorov 106x30.png Order of Suvorov
 * Order kutuzov1 ribbon.jpg Order of Kutuzov
 * POL Order Wojny Ojczyźnianej 1kl BAR.svg Order of the Patriotic War

Soviet decorations were only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers during World War II. Due to the different ribbon bar sizing between US and USSR decorations, Soviet ribbons were also impractical for daily wear on United States uniforms. In addition, by the 1950s at the start of the Cold War, most U.S. officers who had been awarded such medals during World War II simply chose to stop wearing them.

Spain
Spanish decorations were only rarely awarded to senior U.S. officers during World War II.
 * ESP Gran Cruz Merito Militar (Distintivo Rojo) pasador.svg Grand Cross of Military Merit (Red)
 * ESP Gran Cruz Merito Naval (Distintivo Rojo) pasador.svg Grand Cross of Naval Merit (Red)
 * ESP Gran Cruz Merito Aeronautico (Distintivo Rojo) pasador.svg Grand Cross of Aeronautical Merit (Red)
 * ESP Gran Cruz Orden Merito Guardia Civil pasador.svg Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Civil Guard

Sweden

 * Order of the Sword - Ribbon bar.svg Order of the Sword
 * Order of the Polar Star - Ribbon bar.svg Order of the Polar Star
 * Order of the Polar Star - Ribbon bar, pre 1975.svg 1748–1975 Order of the Polar Star
 * SWE Order of the Polar Star (after 1975) - Knight 2nd Class BAR.png 1975 – Present Order of the Polar Star

Swedish decorations were only rarely awarded to senior U.S. officers during World War II.

Thailand

 * Order of the White Elephant - Medal (Thailand) ribbon.svg Order of the White Elephant
 * Order of the Crown of Thailand - Medal (Thailand) ribbon.svg Order of the Crown of Thailand

Thai decorations are very rarely awarded to only senior U.S. officers, at the Joint Chiefs of Staff level.

Tunisia

 * Order of Nichan Iftikhar Ribbon.png Order of Nichan Iftikhar

Tunisian decorations were only rarely awarded to senior U.S. officers during World War II.

United Arab Emirates

 * Military Merit Order First Class Ribbon.png Military Merit Order Commander

UAE decorations were only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers during the Gulf War. Most of those senior U.S. officers in the United States Central Command as "end-of-tour" decorations.

United Kingdom

 * UK Victoria Cross ribbon bar.svg Victoria Cross
 * UK George Cross ribbon.svg George Cross

Orders of Chivalry
 * Order of the Bath UK ribbon.svg Order of the Bath
 * Order of Merit (Commonwealth realms) ribbon.svg Order of Merit
 * Ord.St.Michele-Giorgio.png Order of St Michael and St George
 * UK Royal Victorian Order ribbon.svg Royal Victorian Order
 * Order of the British Empire (Military) Ribbon.png Order of the British Empire
 * Order of St John (UK) ribbon -vector.svg Order of St John

Military Decorations
 * Dso-ribbon.png Distinguished Service Order
 * Conspicuous Gallantry Cross ribbon.jpg Conspicuous Gallantry Cross
 * UK Distinguished Service Cross BAR.svg Distinguished Service Cross
 * Military Cross ribbon.png Military Cross
 * United Kingdom Distinguished Flying Cross ribbon.svg Distinguished Flying Cross
 * UK AFC ribbon.svg Air Force Cross

Campaign Medals
 * Ribbon - Africa Star.png Africa Star
 * Uk pacificstar rib.png Pacific Star
 * OSM for Afghanistan BAR.svg Operational Service Medal for Afghanistan
 * Iraq Medal BAR.svg Iraq Medal

Britain's highest award for gallantry the Victoria Cross has only been awarded to one U.S. military member, the U.S. Unknown Soldier was awarded the Victoria Cross, on November 11, 1921.

United Kingdom decorations were awarded extensively to U.S. service members during both the First World War and World War II. The orders of chivalry were reserved mainly for senior U.S. military leaders. The remaining decorations were awarded frequently amongst the entire enlisted and officer corps of the U.S. military. The Distinguished Flying Cross was a common decoration for those Americans attached to the Eagle Squadrons; when some of those personnel transferred back to the United States Army Air Forces after America entered the war, the British DFC became a fairly common sight on U.S. uniforms during that time period.

In the 21st century United States military, the awarding of British decorations to U.S. service members is still somewhat common, most often to officers assigned in England or other various capacities with NATO European based defense groups.

Uruguay
Uruguayean decorations are only rarely awarded to senior U.S. officers, most of those senior U.S. officers have been in the United States Southern Command & United States Southern Command Air Forces Commander usually as "end-of-tour" decorations.
 * Urug Aeronautical Merit ribbon.jpg Aeronautical Merit Medal
 * URY Medalla al Mérito Militar Oficial General.png Medal of Military Merit

Vatican City
Vatican awards of Pontifical Equestrian Orders of Chivalry are made by the Vatican Secretary of State in the name of the Sovereign Pontiff and may be accepted and retained by U.S. Military personnel as honorary merit awards and not for wear of the U.S. Military Uniform.
 * VA Ordine Piano BAR.svg Pian Order
 * Order of St. Gregory the Great.png Order of St Gregory the Great
 * Order of Pope Sylvester BAR.svg Order of St. Sylvester
 * OESSG Cavaliere BAR.jpg Order of the Holy Sepulchre

Yugoslavia

 * SRB-SHS-YUG Orden Belog Orla Kavalir BAR.svg Order of the White Eagle

The Order of the White Eagle was only rarely awarded to very senior U.S. officers, during World War II.