The following book covers the history behind the development and distribution of U.S. Army Force medals since the year that the U.S. became independent. These include service ribbons and specific badges which recognize military service and personal accomplishments while serving as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces. Such awards are a means to outwardly display the highlights of a service member's career.

This book is a definitive guide to the medallic history of the United States of America from 1776-1876, including detailed descriptions and illustrations of medals, medallions, coins, and other metal objects of historical significance. Written by a team of renowned experts in the field, this edition is a vital resource for history buffs, numismatists, and collectors. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.