Question about French soldiers recommanded for US medals

[fantassin]

Recently, a number of French officers working under US command have been recommended for US medals by their US commanders within the frame of joint operations (Afghanistan, Haiti...).

They are mostly US Army Commendation and Achievement medals.

What are the chances those officers get those awards ?

What is the value of those medals ?

[tacticalmanta]

Recently, a number of French officers working under US command have been recommended for US medals by their US commanders within the frame of joint operations (Afghanistan, Haiti...).

They are mostly US Army Commendation and Achievement medals.

What are the chances those officers get those awards ?

What is the value of those medals ?

Value to the French or in the US?

Once a CO approves a recommendation, it pretty much happens. The best way to know for sure is to either wait and see, or check the regulations. This year the military had a big discussion about shooting medals/ ribbons for civillians and there was a big tug of war between the CO of the armory and Washington. Once they got their policy straight, the civilians were entitled to ribbons and mini-medals (full size are not allowed to civillians, don't ask me why). Or so it was decided.

[ibstolidude]

Recently, a number of French officers working under US command have been recommended for US medals by their US commanders within the frame of joint operations (Afghanistan, Haiti...).

They are mostly US Army Commendation and Achievement medals.

What are the chances those officers get those awards ?

What is the value of those medals ?
3-16. Army Commendation Medal
a. The Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM) was established by War Department Circular 377, 18 December 1945 (amended in DA General Orders 10, 31 March 1960).

b. The ARCOM is awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army after 6 December 1941, distinguishes himself or herself by heroism, meritorious achievement or meritorious service. Award may be made to a member of the Armed Forces of a friendly foreign nation who, after 1 June 1962, distinguishes himself or herself by an act of heroism, extraordinary achievement, or meritorious service which has been of mutual benefit to a friendly nation and the United States.

c. Awards of the ARCOM may be made for acts of valor performed under circumstances described above which are of lesser degree than required for award of the Bronze Star Medal. These acts may involve aerial flight.

d. An award of the ARCOM may be made for acts of noncombatant-related heroism which do not meet the requirements for an award of the Soldier's Medal.

e. The ARCOM will not be awarded to general officers.

f. Awards of the ARCOM may be made on letter application to Commander, ARPERCEN, ATTN DARP-VSE-A, 9700 Page Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63132-5200, to any individual commended after 6 December 1941 and before 1 January 1946 in a letter, certificate, or order of commendation, as distinguished from letter of appreciation, signed by an officer in the grade or position of a major general or higher. Awards of the Army Commendation Ribbon and of the Commendation Ribbon with Metal Pendant were redesignated by DA General Orders 10, 31 March 1960, as awards of the Army Commendation Medal, without amendment of orders previously issued.



3-17. Army Achievement Medal
a. The Army Achievement Medal (AAM) was established by the Secretary of the Army, 10 April 1981.

b. The AAM is awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States, or to any member of the Armed Forces of a friendly foreign nation, who while serving in any capacity with the Army in a noncombat area on or after 1 August 1981, distinguished himself or herself by meritorious service or achievement of a lesser degree than required for award of the Army Commendation Medal.

c. The AAM will not be awarded to general officers.

[ibstolidude]

time frame depends on the approval authority and submitting agent - each command reacts differently to awards.

[KB]

Its been almost 20 years since I got out so things may have changed, but when I served in the early '80s the US Army handed out Army Commendation Medals and Army Achievement Medals like popcorn. I'd say the French guys are locked on to receive them.

[fantassin]

Thanks everybody for the well informed answers.