§ 578.1 - Purpose.

The primary purpose of the awards program is to provide tangible evidence of public recognition for acts of valor and for exceptional service or achievement. Medals constitute one of the principal forms for such evidence; in the United States Army, medals are of the following categories:

(a) Military decorations are awarded on a restricted individual basis in recognition of and as a reward for heroic, extraordinary, outstanding, and meritorious acts, achievements, and services; and such visible evidence of recognition is cherished by recipients. Decorations are primarily intended to recognize acts, achievements, and services in time of war.

(b) The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded in recognition of exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity during enlisted status in active Federal military service.

(c) Service medals are awarded generally in recognition of honorable performance of duty during designated campaigns or conflicts. Award of decorations, and to a lesser degree, award of the Army Good Conduct Medal and of service medals, provide a potent incentive to greater effort, and are instrumental in building and maintaining morale.