Unofficial decorations of the United States military
Encyclopedia
Unofficial decorations of the United States military are those awards and decorations
that were authorized under military regulations, but never appeared on official precedence charts. Unofficial awards may also be bestowed for a one-time action or be authorized under the authority of a local commander.
Unofficial military awards were fairly common in the early 20th century, however in the modern age such decorations are rare due large in part to the stringent and specific regulations regarding the issuance of military decoration
s and the manner of wear on military uniforms. The term may still be used, however, to denote decorations that were proposed for creation, but never actually distributed.
During the Second World War the OSS
instituted a decoration dubbed "Military Order of the White Peacock" and awarded 49 of these silver medals to Kachin
guerillas fighting the Japanese in Burma. The award has also been seen referred to as the "Commendation for Meritorious Achievement" or the "Civilian Military Assistance Award". General Joseph W. Stilwell has probably been the 50th recipient.
The following is a listing of unofficial United States military awards.
Awards and decorations of the United States military
Awards and decorations of the United States Military are military decorations which recognize service and personal accomplishments while a member of the United States armed forces...
that were authorized under military regulations, but never appeared on official precedence charts. Unofficial awards may also be bestowed for a one-time action or be authorized under the authority of a local commander.
Unofficial military awards were fairly common in the early 20th century, however in the modern age such decorations are rare due large in part to the stringent and specific regulations regarding the issuance of military decoration
Military decoration
A military decoration is a decoration given to military personnel or units for heroism in battle or distinguished service. They are designed to be worn on military uniform....
s and the manner of wear on military uniforms. The term may still be used, however, to denote decorations that were proposed for creation, but never actually distributed.
During the Second World War the OSS
Office of Strategic Services
The Office of Strategic Services was a United States intelligence agency formed during World War II. It was the wartime intelligence agency, and it was a predecessor of the Central Intelligence Agency...
instituted a decoration dubbed "Military Order of the White Peacock" and awarded 49 of these silver medals to Kachin
Kachin State
Kachin State , is the northernmost state of Burma. It is bordered by China to the north and east; Shan State to the south; and Sagaing Division and India to the west. It lies between north latitude 23° 27' and 28° 25' longitude 96° 0' and 98° 44'. The area of Kachin State is . The capital of the...
guerillas fighting the Japanese in Burma. The award has also been seen referred to as the "Commendation for Meritorious Achievement" or the "Civilian Military Assistance Award". General Joseph W. Stilwell has probably been the 50th recipient.
The following is a listing of unofficial United States military awards.
See also
- Unofficial badges of the United States militaryUnofficial badges of the United States militaryUnofficial badges of the United States military are those badges or emblems which do not appear in United States military regulations but are worn or displayed by many individuals serving in the United States military...
- Obsolete military awards of the United StatesObsolete military awards of the United StatesObsolete military awards of the United States are United States military awards which have been officially removed from U.S. military award precedence charts and are listed as "Obsolete Military Decorations" in military award publications and instructions....
- Obsolete badges of the United States militaryObsolete badges of the United States militaryObsolete badges of the United States military are a number of U.S. military insignia which were issued in the early 20th century leading up to and including badges issued during the Second World War. Such badges were eventually phased out of the United States armed forces in favor of the modern...