What is the ARCOM? Army Commendation Medal Overview & Recipients

The Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM) is a U.S. military decoration awarded to soldiers who demonstrate acts of valor, meritorious service, or achievement. It ranks above the Army Achievement Medal and below the Bronze Star, and is one of the most commonly awarded decorations in the U.S. Army.

Few military honors carry as much weight as the Army Commendation Medal. Recognizing acts of valor, sustained meritorious service, and outstanding achievement, the ARCOM award holds a significant place in U.S. Army history. For many soldiers, receiving it marks a turning point in their career—a formal acknowledgment that their service has gone above and beyond the standard call of duty.

This guide covers everything you need to know about the Army Commendation Medal: its history, eligibility criteria, how it's worn, notable recipients, and what sets it apart from similar military honors.

What Is the Army Commendation Medal?

The Army Commendation Medal is a mid-tier U.S. military decoration established on December 18, 1945. It was originally created to recognize meritorious service during World War II, and has since become one of the most frequently awarded military decorations in the U.S. Army.

The ARCOM award is granted to members of the Armed Forces of the United States, including members of allied nations serving with U.S. forces, who distinguish themselves through:

• Heroism not warranting a higher decoration

• Meritorious achievement in direct combat against an armed enemy

• Meritorious service to the United States military

The Army Commendation Medal ranks in the following order of precedence: It ranks above the Army Achievement Medal and below the Bronze Star Medal.

This placement reflects its significance—the ARCOM is not a routine award. Earning one requires documented, verified performance that exceeds what is expected of a soldier at any rank.

A Brief History of the Army Commendation Medal

The Army Commendation Medal traces its origins to the Commendation Ribbon, which the Secretary of War established in 1945 for meritorious services during World War II. In 1949, the decoration was upgraded from a ribbon to a medal, officially becoming the Army Commendation Medal.

Over the following decades, eligibility was expanded to include acts of valor, non-combat-related achievements, and service performed by allied forces fighting alongside U.S. troops. Today, the Army Commendation Medal remains one of the most recognizable and respected decorations in the U.S. military.

What Does the ARCOM Look Like?

The Army Commendation Medal features a bronze hexagon with a bald eagle on the obverse side, clutching three crossed arrows. The eagle represents the United States, while the arrows symbolize military strength. The reverse displays the inscription "For Military Merit."

The ARCOM ribbon consists of a pattern of green, white, and red stripes—colors that reflect the U.S. Army's heraldic traditions. Soldiers wear the ARCOM ribbon on their service uniform in lieu of the full medal, with devices indicating the number of times the award has been received.

Oak leaf clusters are added for subsequent awards of the Army Commendation Medal for Army personnel, while a numeral device is used for other service branches.

What Is the ARCOM With "V" Device and "C" Device?

Two special devices can be added to the Army Commendation Medal to denote specific circumstances of the award:

"V" Device (Valor)

Awarded when the Army Commendation Medal is earned for acts of valor in direct combat. This device signifies that the recipient demonstrated personal bravery under hostile fire—a distinction that carries significant weight in the military community.

Army Commendation Medal With C Device

The "C" Device (Combat) was authorized in 2012 and is added to the Army Commendation Medal when it is awarded for acts or services performed in a designated combat zone or area of operations. Unlike the "V" Device, the "C" Device does not specifically require valor but recognizes achievement in a combat environment. The Army Commendation Medal with C device reflects service under demanding and potentially dangerous conditions.

Who Can Receive the Army Commendation Medal?

The Army Commendation Medal is available to:

• Active duty Army soldiers
• Army Reserve and National Guard members
• Members of other U.S. military branches serving with the Army
• Allied forces personnel serving with U.S. forces, subject to approval

There is no rank requirement. Enlisted soldiers, non-commissioned officers, and commissioned officers are all eligible to receive the Army Commendation Medal. In practice, it is commonly awarded to soldiers at all levels who demonstrate consistent excellence over a defined period of service.

How Is the ARCOM Awarded?

The ARCOM award process begins with a formal recommendation submitted by a soldier's commanding officer. The recommendation must include a specific citation detailing the actions or service that justify the award.

Key steps in the process:

1. Recommendation submitted by the soldier's direct supervisor or commanding officer

2. Review and approval by the appropriate authority (typically a Colonel or higher)

3. Award ceremony at which the medal and citation are formally presented

4. Entry into service record to document the award permanently

The approval authority for the Army Commendation Medal varies by command and circumstance. In combat situations, awards may be fast-tracked to ensure timely recognition.

Notable Recipients of the Army Commendation Medal

The Army Commendation Medal has been awarded to thousands of soldiers across decades of U.S. military service. Recipients span every major U.S. conflict from World War II to Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

While individual award records are often maintained at the unit or personnel command level, the breadth of the Army Commendation Medal's reach is well documented. It has been awarded for everything from battlefield heroism to exceptional administrative achievement during peacetime operations. Here are a few well-known ARCOM recipients:

• U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Clinton L. Romesha, A Medal of Honor recipient, has earned the ARCOM several times during his service.
• U.S. Army Master Sergeant Roy Benavidez, a legendary Special Forces operator who received the Medal of Honor for his actions in the Vietnam War is also a recipient of the ARCOM.
• U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Craig Morgan, a country music superstar currently serves in the U.S. Army Reserve and has been awarded the ARCOM during his decades long military career.

How Does the ARCOM Compare to Similar Awards?

Choosing which award to recommend depends on the specific circumstances and the level of achievement demonstrated. The Army Commendation Medal is often the appropriate choice for exceptional service that doesn't rise to the threshold of the Bronze Star.

How to Wear the ARCOM Ribbon on a Uniform

The ARCOM ribbon is worn on the Army Service Uniform (ASU) in the order of precedence established by Army Regulation 600-8-22. It is positioned among other service ribbons and decorations according to its rank in the awards hierarchy.

Key wear guidelines include:

• Oak leaf clusters (bronze or silver) denote additional awards for Army recipients

• The "V" or "C" device is worn on the ARCOM ribbon when applicable

• Ribbons are worn in rows from the wearer's right to left, top to bottom, in order of precedence

Soldiers should consult AR 670-1 and AR 600-8-22 for the most up-to-date wear guidance.

The Army Commendation Medal: A Lasting Honor

Earning the Army Commendation Medal is a meaningful milestone for any soldier. Whether awarded for battlefield courage or years of exceptional administrative service, the ARCOM reflects a standard of excellence that the U.S. Army holds in high regard. Each ARCOM ribbon worn on a uniform represents a story—a moment when a soldier went beyond what was required and made a lasting impact.

For those working to understand military honors, recognize a family member's service, or navigate the awards process, the Army Commendation Medal stands as one of the clearest examples of the military's commitment to honoring its people.

Frequently Asked Questions About the ARCOM

Below are FAQs we've assembled about the ARCOM.

What does ARCOM stand for?

ARCOM stands for Army Commendation Medal. It is the official abbreviation used within U.S. Army personnel and administrative systems.

What is the difference between the ARCOM and the Bronze Star?

The Bronze Star Medal ranks above the Army Commendation Medal and is generally awarded for higher levels of heroism or meritorious achievement in connection with combat operations. The ARCOM is appropriate when the achievement is significant but does not meet the threshold required for the Bronze Star.

Can a soldier receive the Army Commendation Medal more than once?

Yes. Each subsequent Army Commendation Medal award is denoted by an oak leaf cluster (for Army personnel) or a numeral device (for other service branches) on the ARCOM ribbon.

What is the Army Commendation Medal with C device?

The Army Commendation Medal with C device is awarded when the ARCOM is earned for acts or services performed in a designated combat zone or area of operations, as authorized since 2012.

How long does it take to process an ARCOM award?

Processing times vary by command and circumstance. In garrison settings, the process can take several weeks to months. In combat environments, awards may be expedited to ensure timely recognition.

Who approves the Army Commendation Medal?

Approval authority for the Army Commendation Medal is typically held by a Colonel or higher-ranking officer, depending on the command structure and the circumstances of the award.