Awards and Decorations

The performance of Starfleet personnel is recognized by both the United Federation of Planets and Starfleet itself through the awards and decorations bestowed upon individuals and units. These awards and decorations follow the customs and history of every known culture by validating superior actions; acknowledging sustained meritorious performance; and individual contributions to accomplishing unit, Starfleet, and Federation missions and ideals. They also serve as tangible exhortations to other members to excel. Starfleet personnel wear their awards and decorations proudly.

A multi-tier system of awards and decorations has existed since the inception of Starfleet. It is composed of four levels: Personal Decorations, Unit Citations, Service Insignia, and Campaign Ribbons. Each is discussed in more detail in the following paragraphs. Every personal decoration is individually described, as are unit citations and service insignias. Campaign ribbons, because of space limitations, are discussed only in general, with a few representative ribbons described for familiarization.

A specific order of precedence exists for awards and decorations. Whether worn as full-sized medals or ribbon bars, the more senior decoration is always worn at the top and closest to the individual's midline. Unit citations, service insignias, and campaign ribbons are worn in the order in which they were earned and in the same manner as personal decorations; that is, the first citation, insignia, or ribbon is at the top and closest to the individual's midline, subsequent awards follow in chronological order. Precedence of award categories is:

A silver star 8mm in diameter to denote the 5th receipt of the same decoration or award. A maximum of three silver stars may be attached, which would signify the wearer had received 16 different awards (the ribbon or medal indicates the initial award). For example, if an individual had received eight awards of a specific personal decoration, unit citation, or service insignia, a total of three stars (one silver and two gold) would be affixed to the ribbon.

When the action for which a personal decoration is authorized involves combat, a gold, silver, or bronze frame is attached to the ribbon bar. A gold frame is authorized when the wearer was assigned duties in Star Corps at the time of the action, a silver frame is authorized when the wearer was assigned duties in Marine Corps at the time of the action, and a bronze frame is authorized when the wearer was assigned duties in Fighter Corps at the time of the action. No frame is authorized for use with the Federation Medal of Honor; conversely, the appropriate frame is always authorized with the Starfleet Combat Action Medal. Frames are worn only on the ribbon bar, not the full-sized medal.

A black numeral outlined in red (in the format of the official Starfleet lettering font) is worn on the Longevity Award to denote the total number of years of service in Starfleet by the individual. The numeral(s) is/are centered on the ribbon bar or suspension ribbon, in the case of the full-sized medal.

Personal decorations are awarded to an individual, not to a command or unit. In order to receive a personal decoration, the individual must have engaged in actions which meet the eligibility criteria for that particular decoration, be recommended for the personal decoration, and the decoration must be approved by the indicated issuing authority. Each personal decoration is embodied in a medal, composed of a full-sized medal, a suspension ribbon to which the medal is attached, and a ribbon bar for use when a full-sized medal and suspension ribbon is inappropriate or otherwise not prescribed. All personnel in Starfleet, whether officer, enlisted or civilian, may be awarded any personal decoration.

Award Authority: President of the United Federation of Planets with the advice and consent of the Supreme Assembly.

Eligibility Requirements: An individual who distinguishes him/herself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his/her life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United Federation of Planets, or while engaged in Starfleet operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force. There must be no margin of doubt or possibility of error in awarding this honor. To justify the decoration, the individual's service must clearly be rendered conspicuous above their comrades by an act so outstanding that it clearly distinguishes their gallantry beyond the call of duty from lesser forms of bravery. It must be the type of deed which, if not done, would not subject the individual to any justified criticism. The deed must be without detriment to the mission of the unit to which the individual was attached.

Combat Distinguishing Device: Not authorized for use with the Federation Medal of Honor.

Subsequent Awards: Because of the unique status of the Federation Medal of Honor, no attachments are authorized. Multiple full-sized medals or ribbon bars will be worn for each receipt.

Award Authority: President of the United Federation of Planets with the advice and consent of the Security Council.

Eligibility Requirements: An individual who distinguishes him/herself by extraordinary heroism not justifying the award of the Federation Medal of Honor while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United Federation of Planets, or while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force. To warrant this distinctive decoration, the act or the execution of duty must be performed in the presence of great danger or at great personal risk and must be performed in such a manner as to set the individual apart from other members of Starfleet. An accumulation of minor acts of heroism does not justify the award. The high standards demanded must be borne in mind when recommending this award.

Subsequent Awards: Indicated by the attachment of a 5mm gold star for second and each subsequent award.

Award Authority: President of the United Federation of Planets with the advice and consent of the Security Council.

Eligibility Requirements: An individual who distinguishes him/herself by exceptionally meritorious service to the United Federation of Planets in a duty of great responsibility. To justify this decoration, an exceptional performance of duty, clearly above that normally expected, which has contributed materially to the success of a major command or project, is required. If there is any doubt as to the degree of service involved, the Legion of Merit is the more appropriate award.

Combat Distinguishing Device: May be authorized for wear with the Federation Distinguished Service Medal.

Subsequent Awards: Indicated by the attachment of a 5mm gold star for second and each subsequent award.

Award Authority: President of the United Federation of Planets with the advice and consent of the Military Advisory Committee.

Eligibility Requirements: An individual who is cited for gallantry in action that does not warrant a Federation Medal of Honor or Federation Cross while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United Federation of Planets or while engaged in military operations involving armed conflict with an opposing foreign force. The heroic act(s) must render the individual conspicuous and well above the standard expected. An accumulation of minor acts of heroism normally does not justify the award, but unusual or exceptional cases will be decided on their merits.

Combat Distinguishing Device: Not authorized for wear with the Starfleet Silver Star.

Subsequent Awards: Indicated by the attachment of a 5mm gold star for second and each subsequent award.

Award Authority: President of the United Federation of Planets with the advice and consent of the Security Council.

Eligibility Requirements: An individual who distinguishes him/herself by exceptionally meritorious conduct in performing outstanding service. To justify this decoration, the service rendered must have been comparable to that required for the Distinguished Service Medal but in a duty of lesser though considerable responsibility. When the degree of achievement or service rendered, although meritorious, is not sufficient to warrant the award of the Meritorious Service or the Bronze Star should be considered.

Combat Distinguishing Device: May be authorized for wear with the Federation Legion of Merit.

Subsequent Awards: Indicated by the attachment of a 5mm gold star for second and each subsequent award.

Authority: President of the United Federation of Planets, with the advice and consent of the Security Council.

Eligibility Requirements; An individual who distinguishes him/herself by meritorious achievement or service to the Federation while involved in a first contact with a previously unknown sentient race or species. An accumulation of meritorious acts or a period of extended meritorious service in connection with first contacts may justify this award.

Combat Distinguishing Device: Not authorized for wear with the First Contact Medal.

Subsequent Awards: Indicated by the attachment of a 5mm gold star for second and each subsequent award.

Award Authority: President, United Federation of Planets with the advice and consent of the Supreme Assembly.

Eligibility Requirements: An individual who distinguishes him/herself by outstanding achievement or service to the Federation during the exploration of space. To justify this decoration, accomplishment or performance of duty well above that normally expected and sufficient to distinguish the individual among those performing comparable duties, is required. An accumulation of distinguished acts or a period of extended distinguished service in connection with the exploration of space may justify this award.

Combat Distinguishing Device: Not authorized for wear with the Federation Exploration Medal.

Subsequent Awards: Indicated by the attachment of a 5mm gold star for second and each subsequent award.

Award Authority: President, United Federation of Planets with the advice and consent of the Supreme Assembly.

Eligibility Requirements: An individual who distinguishes him/herself by outstanding achievement or service to the Federation in the field of scientific endeavors which contribute significantly to the body of scientific knowledge. To justify this decoration, accomplishment or performance of duty well above that normally expected and sufficient to distinguish the individual among those performing comparable duties, is required. An accumulation of distinguished acts or a period of extended distinguished service in the field of scientific endeavors may justify this award.

Combat Distinguishing Device: Not authorized for wear with the Federation Science Medal.

Subsequent Awards: Indicated by the attachment of a 5mm gold star for second and each subsequent award.

Eligibility Requirements: An individual who distinguishes him/herself by outstanding achievement or service to Starfleet in the field of intelligence in either overt or covert actions. To justify this decoration, accomplishment or performance of duty that is far superior to that normally expected and sufficient to distinguish the individual among those performing comparable duties, is required. An accumulation of distinguished acts or a period of extended distinguished service in the field of intelligence may justify this award.

Combat Distinguishing Device: Not authorized for wear with the Federation Science Medal.

Subsequent Awards: Indicated by the attachment of a 5mm gold star for second and each subsequent award.

Eligibility Requirements: An individual who distinguishes him/herself by heroic or meritorious achievement of service while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force. To justify this decoration, accomplishment or performance of duty above that normally expected, and sufficient to distinguish the individual among those performing comparable duties, is required, although less than the requirements for the Silver Star or the Legion of Merit. Minor acts of heroism in actual combat, single acts of merit or meritorious service in connection with Starfleet operations may justify this award.

Combat Distinguishing Device: Not authorized for wear with the Starfleet Bronze Star.

Subsequent Awards: Indicated by the attachment of a 5mm gold star for second and each subsequent award.

Eligibility Requirements: An individual who has distinguished him/herself by outstanding meritorious achievement or service to Starfleet. To justify this decoration, the acts or services rendered by an individual must have been comparable to that required for the Legion of Merit but in a duty of lesser responsibility. The Meritorious Service Medal is the counterpart of the Bronze Star Medal for the recognition of meritorious noncombat service.

Combat Distinguishing Device: Not authorized for wear with the Starfleet Meritorious Service Medal.

Subsequent Awards: Indicated by the attachment of a 5mm gold star for second and each subsequent award.

Authority: A Flag Officer serving at command level in the direct chain of command for an individual.

Eligibility Requirements: An individual who has actively participated in ground, aerial, or space combat. The principal eligibility criterion is that the individual must have participated in a bona fide ground, aerial, or space combat fire fight or action during which he/she was under enemy fire and his/her performance while under fire was satisfactory.

Combat Distinguishing Device: Issued as an integral part of the Starfleet Combat Action Medal.

Subsequent Awards: Only one award of the Starfleet Combat Action Medal is authorized regardless of the total number of times an individual may meet the eligibility criteria.

Award Authority: A Flag Officer serving at command level in the direct chain of command for an individual.

Eligibility Requirements: An individual who distinguishes him/herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service. To merit this award, the acts of service must be accomplished or performed in a manner above that normally expected and sufficient to distinguish the individual above those performing similar services for acts of heroism, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service, but not to the degree required for the Bronze Star Medal.

Combat Distinguishing Device: May be authorized for wear with the Starfleet Commendation Medal.

Subsequent Awards: Indicated by the attachment of a 5mm gold star for second and each subsequent award.

Award Authority: A Flag Officer serving at command level in the direct chain of command for an individual.

Eligibility Requirements: An individual who distinguishes him/herself by meritorious service or achievement based on sustained performance or specific achievement of a superlative nature but such service or achievement does not warrant the Starfleet Commendation Medal or higher.

Combat Distinguishing Device: May be authorized for wear with the Starfleet Achievement Medal.

Subsequent Awards: Indicated by the attachment of a 5mm gold star for second and each subsequent award.

Authority: A Flag Officer serving at command level in the direct chain of command for an individual.

Eligibility Requirements; An individual while serving under competent authority in any capacity with Starfleet Command who is killed or wounded in any action against an enemy of the United Federation of Planets, in any action with an opposing armed force of a foreign country in which Starfleet is or have been engaged, while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United Federation of Planets is not a belligerent part, as the result of an act of any such enemy or opposing armed force, as the result of an act of any hostile foreign force, as the indirect result of enemy action, as the result of maltreatment inflicted by captors while a prisoner of war, or as a result of a terrorist attack against the United Federation of Planets or a foreign nation friendly to the United Federation of Planets. A wound is defined as an injury to any part of the body from an outside force or agent, sustained while in action as described above. A physical lesion is not required, provided the concussion or other form of injury received was a result of the action engaged in. Except in the case of a prisoner, the wound must have required treatment by a medical officer. Only one award is authorized for more than one wound or injury received at the same instant from the same missile, force, explosion, or agent. Prisoners of war, if entitled, will be limited to a single Purple Heart covering the entire period of their captivity.

Combat Distinguishing Device: Not authorized for wear with the Purple Heart.

Subsequent Awards: Indicated by the attachment of a 5mm gold star for second and each subsequent award.

Eligibility Requirements: An individual, while serving in Star Corps, who distinguishes him/herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service. To merit this award, the acts of service must be accomplished or performed in a manner above that normally expected and sufficient to distinguish the individual above those performing similar services for acts of heroism, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service, but not to the degree required for the Starfleet Commendation Medal.

Combat Distinguishing Device: May be authorized for wear with the Star Corps Medal.

Subsequent Awards: Indicated by the attachment of a 5mm gold star for second and each subsequent award.

Eligibility Requirements: An individual, while serving in the Marine Corps, who distinguishes him/herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service. To merit this award, the acts of service must be accomplished or performed in a manner above that normally expected and sufficient to distinguish the individual above those performing similar services for acts of heroism, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service, but not to the degree required for the Starfleet Commendation Medal.

Combat Distinguishing Device: May be authorized for wear with the Marine Corps Medal.

Subsequent Awards: Indicated by the attachment of a 5mm gold star for second and each subsequent award.

Eligibility Requirements: An individual, while serving in the Fighter Corps, who distinguishes him/herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service. To merit this award, the acts of service must be accomplished or performed in a manner above that normally expected and sufficient to distinguish the individual above those performing similar services for acts of heroism, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service, but not to the degree required for the Starfleet Commendation Medal.

Combat Distinguishing Device: May be authorized for wear with the Fighter Corps Medal.

Subsequent Awards: Indicated by the attachment of a 5mm gold star for second and each subsequent award.

Eligibility Requirements: An individual who actively participated in providing assistance in response to a situation involving a potential or actual disaster which threatened lives or liberty. The mere presence of an individual in the areas of such potential or actual disaster is not sufficient in and of itself to qualify for this personal decoration.

Combat Distinguishing Device: May be authorized for wear with the Humanitarian Assistance Medal.

Subsequent Awards: Indicated by the attachment of a 5mm gold star for second and each subsequent award.

Eligibility Requirements: An individual who honorably serves in any capacity in Starfleet for a period of one Earth year. The receipt of any disciplinary action during a time period is sufficient to disqualify an individual from receipt.

Subsequent Awards: A black numeral outlined in red (in the format of the official Starfleet lettering font) is worn on the Longevity Medal to denote the total number of years service in Starfleet by the individual. The numeral(s) is/are centered on the ribbon bar or suspension ribbon in the case of the full-sized medal.

Eligibility Requirements; An individual who has satisfactorily served aboard a Starfleet unit deployed from its home base for a period of at least two consecutive Earth years.

Combat Distinguishing Device: Not authorized for wear with the Extended Deployment Medal.

Subsequent Awards: Indicated by the attachment of a 5mm gold star for second and each subsequent two-year period of deployment.

Eligibility Requirements: An individual who, for three consecutive Earth years, meets or exceeds a score of 500 points earned under the auspices of an authorized personal weapons training program conducted by a qualified, personal weapons instructor. No distinction is made as to the particular personal weapon with which the individual qualified, nor the score attained. Qualification, once attained, is permanent.

Combat Distinguishing Device: Not authorized for wear with the Starfleet Marksmanship Medal.

When a Starfleet unit, such as a starship, starbase, Marine Battalion, Fighter Squadron, etc., distinguishes itself in the performance of duty and it is determined that every individual assigned to that unit contributed significantly to its success, a unit citation may be authorized. Unit citations cover a specific period of time; only those individuals assigned to that unit during that period of time may wear the citation. There are no full-sized medals associated with unit citations. The Combat Distinguishing Device (frame) is not authorized for wear with an unit citation.

Authority: President, United Federation of Planets with the advice and consent of the Military Advisory Committee.

Eligibility Requirements: A Starfleet unit which distinguishes itself by sustained superior service which directly supports or furthers the goals or ideals of the United Federation of Planets. The level of performance must be at a level which far exceeds that of other comparable Starfleet units engaged in like activities.

Subsequent Citations: Indicated by the attachment of a 5mm gold star for second and each subsequent award.

Eligibility Requirements: A Starfleet unit which distinguishes itself by sustained meritorious service which directly supports or furthers the goals or ideals of Starfleet. The level of performance must be at a level which far exceeds that of other comparable Starfleet units engaged in like activities.

Subsequent Citations: Indicated by the attachment of a 5mm gold star for second and each subsequent award.

Eligibility Requirements: A Starfleet unit which distinguishes itself by meritorious service in the arena of Special Operations which directly supports or furthers the goals or ideals of Starfleet. The level of performance must be at a level which far exceeds that of other comparable Starfleet units engaged in like activities. Depending upon circumstances, the nature of the special operation may or may not be identified.

Subsequent Citations: Indicated by the attachment of a 5mm gold star for second and each subsequent award.

Eligibility Requirements: A Star Corps unit which distinguishes itself by sustained meritorious service which directly supports or furthers the goals or ideals of Starfleet. The level of performance must be at a level which exceeds that of other comparable Starfleet units engaged in like activities. Except in an unusual situation, may not be awarded to Marine Corps or Fighter Corps units; the decision to cite a Marine Corps or Fighter Corps unit is on a caseby-case basis and approved only by the Military Advisory Committee with the advice and consent of Commander, Starfleet.

Subsequent Citations: Indicated by the attachment of a 5mm gold star for second and each subsequent award.

Eligibility Requirements: A Marine Corps unit which distinguishes itself by sustained meritorious service which directly supports or furthers the goals or ideals of Starfleet. The level of performance must be at a level which exceeds that of other comparable Starfleet units engaged in like activities. Except in an unusual situation, may not be awarded to Star Corps or Fighter Corps units; the decision to cite a Star Corps or Fighter Corps unit is on a case-by-case basis and approved only by the Military Advisory Committee with the advice and consent of Commander, Starfleet.

Subsequent Citations: Indicated by the attachment of a 5mm gold star for second and each subsequent award.

Eligibility Requirements: A Fighter Corps unit which distinguishes itself by sustained meritorious service which directly supports or furthers the goals or ideals of Starfleet. The level of performance must be at a level which exceeds that of other comparable Starfleet units engaged in like activities. Except in an unusual situation, may not be awarded to Star Corps or Marine Corps units; the decision to cite a Star Corps or Marine Corps unit is on a case-bycase basis and approved only by the Military Advisory Committee with the advice and consent of Commander, Starfleet.

Subsequent Citations: Indicated by the attachment of a 5mm gold star for second and each subsequent award.

Service insignias are earned by an individual when assigned to a particular type of Starfleet unit. The following lists the authorized service insignias, along with their specific criteria, to which a member of Starfleet may be entitled.

Assigned on a permanent or temporary basis (six Earth months or more) to a commissioned Starfleet vessel.

Assigned on a permanent or temporary basis (six Earth months or more) to a commissioned Starfleet orbital or planetary starbase.

Assigned on a permanent or temporary basis (six Earth months or more) to a commissioned Starfleet planetary starstation.

Assigned on a permanent or temporary basis (six Earth months or more) to a Fighter Corps Wing command.

Assigned on a permanent or temporary basis (six Earth months or more) to a Starfleet Academy or a subordinate command reporting directly to a Commandant, Starfleet Academy.

Assigned on a permanent or temporary basis (six Earth months or more) to the personal staff of a Flag Officer (0-7 or above) authorized to fly a personal pennant including: Commander, Starfleet; Commander First, Second, Third, Fourth, and Home Fleet; Commandant, Marine Corps; Director, Fighter Corps; Director, Star Corps; Commanding General, 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th Fleet Marine Force; Group Commanders).

Assigned on a permanent or temporary basis (six Earth months or more) to a Fleet Marine Force.

The Combat Distinguishing Device (frame) is not authorized for wear with service insignia.

When authorized by Starfleet, an individual's participation in a delineated campaign is recognized by a campaign ribbon. Each campaign ribbon denotes either a specific action (such as the Battle of Donatu V) or a related series of actions which are considered to be closely related (such as the Four-years War). The colors and design of every campaign ribbon reflects the particular action(s) for which it is issued. Each campaign ribbon has at least two colors. The Combat Distinguishing Device (frame) is not attached to a campaign ribbon.

Under certain circumstances, members of Starfleet may be awarded personal or unit decorations by UFP-recognized political entities. These decorations may be the result of a single incident; a singular contribution; or a sustained, significant effort on the part of the recipient. These awards are worn in the chronological order in which they were presented. Any decoration from a non-UFP member political or military body must be approved by Starfleet Command before it may be accepted.