The United Daughters of the Confederacy® bestows medals to honor patriotic service, commemorate Confederate heritage, and recognize the dedication of active duty personnel and veterans. These honors reflect our commitment to remembrance, historical preservation, and the recognition of honorable service. Below is an overview of the medals awarded through the UDC, each representing a distinct form of service recognition.
As a testimonial to the patriotic devotion of certain Confederates and their lineal blood descendants who served honorably in the U. S. Armed Forces in World War II, or in combat zones during Korea, Vietnam, Persian Gulf and Global War on Terror for a minimum of 90 days, the UDC bestows Crosses of Military Service. This Cross is an outgrowth of the Confederate Cross of Honor bestowed to Confederate veterans by the UDC. It links the past veteran who served honorably to the present veteran who served honorably.
The National Defense Medal is presented to veterans who are lineal blood descendants of Confederate military personnel and who served a minimum of 90 days in the Korean War or the Vietnam Conflict but not in country/on land/in airspace/in waters contiguous thereto. The National Defense Medal is also awarded for service in the Persian Gulf War (Desert Shield/Desert Storm) and the
Global War on Terror.
The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is presented to veterans who are lineal blood descendants of Confederate military personnel and is for those who meet the requirements of U.S. Presidential Order 10977, dated December 4, 1961, and its amendments with service of at least 30 days in U.S. Military Operations, U.S. Military Operations in Direct Support of United Nations, or U.S. Operations of Assistance for Friendly Foreign Nations after
July 1, 1958.
The Meritorious Service Award is presented to veterans who are collateral descendants of Confederate military personnel or descendants of those who were Civil Servants or who gave Material Aid to the Cause and who have given military service to our country in certain timeframes.
The Pioneer in Space Award is presented to men and women who are lineal blood descendants of Confederate military personnel and who have flown in space.
The American Patriot Medal is presented to those individuals who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States or who have participated in the U.S. space program but who are unable to document Confederate lineage as required for Military Service Awards, Meritorious Service Awards or
Pioneers in Space Awards.
The Homeland Defense Service Medal is presented to American citizens who, as civilians, have participated in the protection and defense of our country from September 11, 2001. Individuals will have served in essential non-combative positions that were critical to the successful protection of Americans. Examples: police, fire, EMT, national security, department of defense workers, civil air patrol, coast guard auxiliary, National Guard, State Guard, State Defense Force, civilians in support of the military, Red Cross, Salvation Army, USO, civilians in support of military operations.