34:
102:
383:, ordered a review of the medal and its initial place in the order of precedence. On 15 April, he announced its cancellation, noting that it would be an "unnecessary" medal. Initially, it was speculated that the precedence order of the medal would be lowered from its current position above the Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medal. Instead, Hagel announced that the medal would be replaced by a new "distinguishing" device that could be attached to an existing medal or
419:"Direct impact" on an operation means the "hands-on" employment of weapons systems, including those controlled remotely, or other activities through any domain that had a direct impact on an engagement or operation. When making reference to "through any domain" in the award criteria, this means operations may take place in air, sea, land, and cyberspace.
314:
firsthand on the battlefield." The
Association of the United States Navy also expressed criticism of the medal's placement, stating "While AUSN supports the medal itself, as well as the achievements and importance of the cyber warfare community, the concern lies with the ranking of the medal." Doug Sterner, military medals expert and curator of the
300:. The commander of this organization, John Hamilton, explained, "It is very important to properly recognize all who faithfully serve and excel, but this new medal – no matter how well intended – could quickly deteriorate into a morale issue. Medals that can only be earned in direct combat must mean more than medals awarded in the rear." The
276:
operational reach of our armed forces in the defense of liberty and justice. The DoD Eagle indicates that the medal is presented in the name of the
Secretary of Defense. Operational magnitude and mission success are denoted by the six pointed star, symbolizing an ordinance burst and target neutralization.
330:
defended the award's precedence, saying "Our military reserves its highest decorations obviously for those who display gallantry and valor in actions when their lives are on the line and we will continue to do so. But we should also have the ability to honor the extraordinary actions that make a true
318:
Hall of Valor, expressed confusion, saying, "I understand the need to recognize the guys at the console who are doing some pretty important things. But to see it ranking above the Bronze Star (with) V?" Nick McDowell, a member of the Orders and Medals
Society of America said that an alternative to
762:
The secretaries of the Army, Navy and Air Force are developing the criteria for the medal for each of the military services that will lay out what someone would have to do in order to qualify. The medal has been designed, but it has not yet been minted or created. Once the criteria are finalized,
313:
to either reconsider the precedence of the
Distinguished Warfare Medal or develop another way to recognize the achievements of those whose indirect actions contribute greatly to the accomplishment of the mission without diminishing the sacrifice of life and limb by those who confront the enemy
198:
The achievement would need to be of such an outstanding or exceptional nature as to set the individual apart from peers serving in similar duties or situations. The medal was only to be awarded for single exemplary acts and would not have been awarded for sustained operational service. The
275:
The wreath honors the recipient's significant meritorious achievement to battlefield operations. The globe and gridlines signify that the operational support or other military engagement may be performed remotely. The diamond shape symbolizes the four corners of the globe, representing the
304:
joined in condemnation, stating "To rank what is basically an award for meritorious service higher than any award for heroism is degrading and insulting to every
American Combat Soldier, Airman, Sailor or Marine who risks his or her life and endures the daily rigors of combat in a hostile
339:
Nate
Christensen, added, "Extraordinary achievement directly impacting combat operations at this level deserves to be recognized with a distinctive medal, not a device on an existing medal. The DWM is visionary in that it fills a need for a non-valorous combat impact medal."
184:, and need not have involved acts of valor. The criteria required that the qualifying achievement must have had a direct impact, through any domain, on combat or other military operations. These operations must have occurred under one of the following circumstances:
257:. The top of the medallion is surmounted by a six-pointed star. The reverse continues the laurel wreath design surmounted by a six-pointed star. In the center is a blank space for engraving the recipient's name. Above the space is the inscription
331:
difference in combat operations. The contribution they make does contribute to the success of combat operations, particularly when they remove the enemy from the field of battle, even if those actions are physically removed from the fight."
136:
in 1944. The blue, red and white-ribboned medal was to be awarded to individuals for "extraordinary achievement" related to a military operation occurring after 11 September 2001. It was intended to recognize military achievement in
1252:
233:
Prior to cancellation, the service secretaries had not completed developing the criteria for the medal for each of their military services. The awarding criteria would have been included in the next
268:
The medallion would have been borne by a light blue ribbon with dark blue edges. In the center would have been two white stripes bordered by red on their outsides and dark blue on the inside.
323:
to an existing medal, and said that "The problem is that we're adding another non-valor personal decoration into a system that is already crowded with non-valor personal decorations."
391:
would be retroactively implemented to
January 2016 for "hands-on employment of a weapon system or other war-fighting activities with direct and immediate impact on an operation."
1197:
663:
745:
685:
176:
The intention of the
Distinguished Warfare Medal involved recognizing – in the name of the Secretary of Defense – extraordinary achievement by members of the
540:
400:
153:
388:
440:
803:
215:
194:
while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in operations with an opposing armed force where the United States is not a belligerent party
987:
1154:
465:
1219:
708:
164:. It was subsequently cancelled by Secretary Hagel on 15 April 2013 who made the decision to instead create and offer a new distinguishing
1098:
1068:
659:
603:
281:
855:
577:
1262:
1013:
877:
360:
633:
367:. At the time of the medal's cancellation, that bill had gained 124 cosponsors, while a corresponding bill introduced in the
285:
904:
1129:
336:
320:
165:
957:
934:
492:
1257:
57:
306:
301:
157:
559:
1038:
168:
to existing medals. On 8 January 2016, the DoD presented two new award devices in accordance with this directive.
352:
152:
Reception for the medal was mixed, with veterans criticizing the relatively high placement of the medal in the
497:
520:
249:
would have depicted a grid lined globe surrounded by a laurel wreath. Superimposed over the globe is the
1267:
156:. Production of the medal was halted on 12 March 2013, pending a review of its precedence as ordered by
177:
126:
132:
on 13 February 2013. It would have been the first U.S. combat-related award to be created since the
297:
33:
719:
363:
to reduce the precedence of the medal, by banning it from being rated equal to, or above, the
310:
1106:
1076:
368:
181:
8:
1198:"12 military awards now eligible for new 'C' and 'R' devices, and 2 no longer rate a 'V'"
1170:
829:
776:
246:
101:
47:
305:
environment. The
Military Order of the Purple Heart strongly urges the newly appointed
245:
The
Distinguished Warfare Medal was to consist of a 1 7/8-inch bronze medallion. The
880:(Press release). Military Order of the Purple Heart. 15 February 2013. Archived from
356:
223:
133:
881:
348:
227:
203:
608:
254:
1202:
965:
384:
315:
211:
541:"'The Nintendo Medal'? New Military Award for Drone Pilots Draws Hill Protest"
521:"'The Nintendo Medal'? New Military Award for Drone Pilots Draws Hill Protest"
1246:
122:
878:"Military Order of the Purple Heart Opposes Precedence of New Defense Medal"
1220:"Pentagon implements 'C' and 'R' awards devices, removes 'V' from 2 awards"
364:
332:
327:
142:
138:
129:
1069:"Bill Summary & Status 113th Congress (2013–2014) H.R.833 Cosponsors"
380:
202:
Additional awards of the Distinguished Warfare Medal would be shown with
161:
1099:"Bill Summary & Status 113th Congress (2013–2014) S.470 Cosponsors"
1046:
909:
718:. United States Department of Defense. 13 February 2013. Archived from
441:"Cyber, drone operators now eligible for 'Distinguished Warfare' medal"
253:
from the Seal of the United States Department of Defense in front of a
219:
207:
191:
engaged in operations in conflict against an opposing foreign force
188:
engaged in military operations against enemies of the United States
199:
Distinguished Warfare Medal could have been awarded posthumously.
1253:
Awards and decorations of the United States Department of Defense
379:
On 12 March 2013, it was reported that the Secretary of Defense,
344:
146:
271:
The symbolism of the medal would have stated as the following:
1039:"Bill Summary & Status 113th Congress (2013–2014) H.R.833"
466:"'Distinguished Warfare Medal' created for cyber, drone wars"
250:
1171:"Hagel Replaces Distinguished Warfare Medal With New Device"
1155:"US Defense Secretary downgrades drone medal after outcry"
1014:"Lawmakers introduce bill to demote Pentagon's new medal"
1130:"Pentagon could announce 'drone medal' demotion Monday"
958:"Pentagon's new high-tech warfare medal draws backlash"
935:"Pentagon's new high-tech warfare medal draws backlash"
1196:
deGrandpre, Andrew; Panzino, Charlsy (30 March 2017).
296:
The medal's order of precedence was criticized by the
560:"Distinguished Warfare Medal is off to a rocky start"
678:
580:. United Press International, Inc. UPI. 6 March 2013
401:
Awards and decorations of the United States military
660:"CAB for past conflicts? 5 things you should know"
493:"Pentagon creates new medal for cyber, drone wars"
1195:
988:"New medal for drone pilots outranks Bronze Star"
604:"Hagel to order review of drone medal precedence"
180:. Such achievement would have taken place after
1244:
827:
746:"Lawmakers, vet groups pan Pentagon's new medal"
985:
955:
905:"AUSN asks Obama to lower new medal precedence"
777:"Panetta Announces Distinguished Warfare Medal"
601:
902:
438:
743:
597:
595:
557:
490:
1168:
858:. Veterans of Foreign Wars. 14 February 2013
774:
145:operations for actions that did not include
929:
927:
763:then troops can be nominated for the award.
538:
1091:
1061:
1011:
592:
106:Distinguished Warfare Medal service ribbon
1217:
1005:
821:
737:
703:
701:
699:
697:
695:
628:
626:
319:adding a new medal could be adding a new
235:Manual of Military Decorations and Awards
16:Planned United States military decoration
979:
949:
924:
801:
795:
282:United States Army Institute of Heraldry
125:military decoration announced by former
1127:
836:. United States Commission of Fine Arts
768:
518:
1245:
1031:
870:
709:"Subject: Distinguished Warfare Medal"
692:
623:
1177:. United States Department of Defense
1105:. Library of Congress. Archived from
1075:. Library of Congress. Archived from
1045:. Library of Congress. Archived from
856:"VFW Wants New Medal Ranking Lowered"
783:. United States Department of Defense
484:
371:on 6 March had gained 31 cosponsors.
286:United States Commission of Fine Arts
67:Members of the United States military
986:Andrew Tilghman (13 February 2013).
956:Andrew Tilghman (14 February 2013).
896:
634:"Medals for Drone Warriors Canceled"
472:. Associated Press. 13 February 2013
848:
666:from the original on 22 August 2019
578:"Congress debates 'Nintendo medal'"
439:Charles Cooper (13 February 2013).
432:
387:. In 2017, it was announced that a
13:
1218:Dickstein, Corey (31 March 2017).
744:Kevin Freking (27 February 2013).
491:Jennifer Hlad (13 February 2013).
302:Military Order of the Purple Heart
14:
1279:
828:Thomas E. Luebke (29 June 2012).
775:Jim Garamone (13 February 2013).
640:. Associated Press. 15 April 2013
602:Andrew Tilghman (12 March 2013).
458:
1128:Carroll, Chris (15 April 2013).
903:Antonieta Rico (13 March 2013).
359:) introduced legislation in the
100:
32:
1189:
1147:
1121:
1012:Joyce Tsai (27 February 2013).
374:
343:On 26 February, three military
1169:Jim Garamone (15 April 2013).
652:
558:Leo Shane III (1 March 2013).
512:
413:
326:Outgoing Secretary of Defense
1:
1263:Awards disestablished in 2013
1175:American Forces Press Service
937:. USA Today. 14 February 2013
830:"Distinguished Warfare Medal"
804:"Drone pilots to get medals?"
781:American Forces Press Service
539:Devin Dwyer (13 March 2013).
426:
240:
291:
7:
394:
261:, below is the inscription
171:
119:Distinguished Warfare Medal
38:Distinguished Warfare Medal
27:Distinguished Warfare Medal
10:
1284:
1258:Awards established in 2013
1157:. The Verge. 15 April 2013
178:United States Armed Forces
284:, it was reviewed by the
127:U.S. Secretary of Defense
111:
99:
95:
87:
79:
71:
63:
53:
43:
31:
26:
802:Al Kamen (9 July 2012).
406:
361:House of Representatives
298:Veterans of Foreign Wars
83:Cancelled 15 April 2013
278:
311:Joint Chiefs of Staff
273:
263:DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
259:DISTINGUISHED WARFARE
58:Department of Defense
1109:on 23 September 2014
1079:on 20 September 2014
716:Secretary of Defense
337:Lieutenant Commander
307:Secretary of Defense
158:Secretary of Defense
808:The Washington Post
214:awardees, and with
154:order of precedence
48:Military decoration
1268:Cancelled projects
752:. Associated Press
725:on 7 December 2014
638:The New York Times
1226:. Washington, D.C
1224:Stars and Stripes
1134:Stars and Stripes
1018:Stars and Stripes
564:Stars and Stripes
498:Stars and Stripes
224:U.S. Marine Corps
204:oak leaf clusters
182:11 September 2001
134:Bronze Star Medal
115:
114:
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1049:on 10 April 2011
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662:. 4 April 2015.
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349:Duncan D. Hunter
280:Designed by the
228:U.S. Coast Guard
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75:13 February 2013
36:
24:
23:
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992:Air Force Times
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954:
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938:
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884:on 4 March 2013
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773:
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742:
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728:
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686:"2 new devices"
684:
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624:
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609:Air Force Times
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527:. ABC OTUS News
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216:5/16-inch stars
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39:
22:
17:
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11:
5:
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1238:
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1203:Military Times
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978:
966:Military Times
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385:service ribbon
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316:Military Times
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212:U.S. Air Force
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121:was a planned
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579:
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519:Devin Dwyer.
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347:congressmen (
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329:
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321:ribbon device
317:
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123:United States
120:
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98:
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82:
80:First awarded
78:
74:
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66:
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59:
56:
52:
49:
46:
42:
35:
30:
25:
19:
1240:
1228:. Retrieved
1223:
1208:. Retrieved
1201:
1191:
1179:. Retrieved
1174:
1159:. Retrieved
1149:
1137:. Retrieved
1133:
1123:
1111:. Retrieved
1107:the original
1102:
1093:
1081:. Retrieved
1077:the original
1072:
1063:
1051:. Retrieved
1047:the original
1042:
1033:
1021:. Retrieved
1017:
1007:
995:. Retrieved
991:
981:
969:. Retrieved
961:
951:
939:. Retrieved
914:. Retrieved
908:
898:
886:. Retrieved
882:the original
872:
860:. Retrieved
850:
838:. Retrieved
833:
823:
811:. Retrieved
807:
797:
785:. Retrieved
780:
770:
761:
754:. Retrieved
749:
739:
727:. Retrieved
720:the original
715:
680:
668:. Retrieved
654:
642:. Retrieved
637:
613:. Retrieved
607:
582:. Retrieved
567:. Retrieved
563:
548:. Retrieved
544:
529:. Retrieved
524:
514:
502:. Retrieved
496:
486:
474:. Retrieved
469:
460:
448:. Retrieved
444:
434:
415:
378:
375:Cancellation
365:Purple Heart
342:
328:Leon Panetta
325:
295:
279:
274:
270:
267:
262:
258:
244:
234:
232:
201:
197:
175:
151:
143:combat drone
139:cyberwarfare
130:Leon Panetta
118:
116:
54:Presented by
18:
1053:28 February
1023:28 February
997:13 February
971:23 February
941:17 February
888:16 February
862:16 February
840:12 February
813:12 February
787:12 February
756:28 February
729:13 February
525:Yahoo! News
504:13 February
476:13 February
450:13 February
381:Chuck Hagel
335:spokesman,
162:Chuck Hagel
149:in combat.
72:Established
64:Eligibility
1247:Categories
1206:. Virginia
910:Navy Times
750:Army Times
427:References
389:"R" device
357:Tim Murphy
353:Tom Rooney
241:Appearance
230:awardees.
962:USA Today
670:22 August
292:Reception
220:U.S. Navy
208:U.S. Army
1230:17 March
1210:17 March
1161:16 April
1139:16 April
1113:16 April
1083:16 April
916:13 March
834:Meetings
664:Archived
644:16 April
615:12 March
584:13 March
569:13 March
545:ABC News
531:13 March
470:Politico
395:See also
333:Pentagon
309:and the
172:Criteria
550:6 March
345:veteran
255:lozenge
247:obverse
1181:31 May
1103:Thomas
1073:Thomas
1043:Thomas
369:Senate
355:, and
226:, and
166:device
723:(PDF)
712:(PDF)
407:Notes
251:eagle
147:valor
88:Total
21:Award
1232:2018
1212:2018
1183:2013
1163:2013
1141:2013
1115:2013
1085:2013
1055:2013
1025:2013
999:2013
973:2013
943:2013
918:2013
890:2013
864:2013
842:2013
815:2013
789:2013
758:2013
731:2013
672:2019
646:2013
617:2013
586:2013
571:2013
552:2013
533:2013
506:2013
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