Army Medal Delays End For Marines, Sailors

Navy Secretary Donald C. Winter has approved a policy change that eliminates the wait Marines and Sailors endured in the past while certain nonvalor Army award citations were sent up the individuals’ chain of command for approval by their parent service. Under the new policy, Marines and Sailors in a combat zone who earn awards such as Army Achievement Medals and Army Commendation Medals can pin them on immediately and send a copy of the citation to their service records. Awards such as the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart and decorations for valor still must be approved by the parent service.