United States Army Commendation Medal Value Guide

The United States Army Commendation Medal is a distinctive bronze hexagonal decoration featuring an American bald eagle, established to recognize heroism and meritorious achievement. Its unique six-sided design was specifically chosen to differentiate it from higher-ranking circular medals, making it a staple of Cold War-era military collections.

What Is United States Army Commendation Medal Worth?

The typical price range for United States Army Commendation Medal is $25 - $27 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Presence of the original presentation case, often made of plastic or leatherette, significantly impacts the $25-$27 price range.
• The inclusion of the matching silk ribbon bar and lapel pin increases the set's desirability to collectors.
• Personalized engraving on the reverse can add historical value, though it may limit appeal to those seeking unissued examples.
• The physical condition of the bronze finish and the crispness of the silk ribbon's colors.

How to Identify United States Army Commendation Medal?

• Verify the unique hexagonal shape made of bronze, featuring an American bald eagle clutching three arrows on the obverse.
• Check for the silk ribbon with a green center and white edge stripes, characteristic of the 1960-1980 era.
• Look for the 'FOR MILITARY MERIT' inscription on the reverse side, often accompanied by a space for engraving the recipient's name.
• Examine the attachment hardware, which typically includes a steel or plastic-backed brooch pin assembly.

History of United States Army Commendation Medal

Established in 1945 as a ribbon and later converted to a full medal in 1949, this award is given to members of the Armed Forces of the United States for heroism, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service. The hexagonal shape is unique among U.S. decorations, designed to distinguish it from higher-ranking medals.