Awards and decorations of the Texas Military

Last updated
The Texas Medal of Honor is the highest decoration of the Texas Military Texas Legislative Medal of Honor..svg
The Texas Medal of Honor is the highest decoration of the Texas Military

Awards and decorationsof the Texas Military are medals, ribbons, badges, tabs, trophies, plaques, certificates, memorials, monuments, holidays, and general honors that recognize service and achievement in the Texas Military Forces. [1]

Contents

Regulation

The Texas Military Department medal and ribbon awards are governed by the Texas Government Code (Chapter 437, Subchapter H) and Joint Force Texas Regulation (1-07). [2] [1] Because Texas Military Forces existence is authorized under Title 32 of the United States Code, wear and precedence of medals and ribbons on the service uniform and duty uniform is governed by the United States Department of the Army Pamphlet regulation 670-1. [3]

Because Texas National Guard service members are also subject to Title 10 of the United States Code, they are also authorized to wear and eligible to earn awards, decorations, and badges of the United States National Guard and United States Armed Forces. [4]

Texas State Guard service members who previously earned awards, decorations, and badges of the United States National Guard and United States Armed Forces are authorized to wear them. [4]

Order of precedence

Because Texas Military Forces existence is authorized under Title 32 of the United States Code, precedence of medals and ribbons on the service uniform and duty uniform is governed by the Department of Defense Instruction 1348.33 and United States Department of the Army Pamphlet regulation 670-1. [3]

Like the United States Armed Forces, Texas Military medals and ribbons are distinctly categorized by general service and achievement awards, and distinguished service and achievement decorations, which is reflected in the order of precedence. [1]

General order of precedence:

  1. United States Armed Forces personal decorations
  2. United States Armed Forces unit awards
  3. United States Non-Military (personal) Decorations, to include certain Military Society Decorations and Medals, as outlined in DOD Instr. 1348.33 section 11 (c)(2019), and as defined by 10USC§ 1123, Right to Wear Badges of Military Societies, but only those to wit: 'a society originally composed of men who served in an armed force of the United States during the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Mexican War, the Civil War, the Spanish–American War, the Philippine–American War, or the Chinese Relief Expedition of 1900' (e.g., Society of the Cincinnati, Military Order of Foreign Wars, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Army and Navy Union, Sons of the American Revolution), as well as US Government Agency personal decorations(e.g., DOD civilian medals, Homeland Security, NASA, etc.) (DODI1348.33Sec11c).
  4. United States civilian unit awards
  5. United States Armed Forces campaign and service medals
  6. United States Armed Forces service and training awards
  7. United States Merchant Marine awards and non-military service awards
  8. Foreign military personal decorations
  9. Foreign military unit awards
  10. International service awards
  11. Foreign military service awards
  12. United States Armed Forces marksmanship awards
  13. United States organization awards, and badges of military societies not included in/defined by 10USC1123 and/or formed after that statute, predominantly in the 20th century and later (after 1907) (e.g., American Legion).
  14. United States National Guard personal decorations
  15. United States National Guard unit awards
  16. United States National Guard campaign and service medals
  17. United States National Guard service and training awards
  18. Texas Military decorations
  19. Texas Military unit awards
  20. Texas Military campaign and service awards
  21. Texas Military service and training awards

Department level awards

Medals and ribbons

Because Texas National Guard service members are also subject to Title 10 of the United States Code, they are also authorized to wear, and eligible to earn, medals and ribbons of the United States National Guard and United States Armed Forces. Texas State Guard service members who previously earned medals and ribbons of the United States National Guard and United States Armed Forces are authorized to wear them. [1]

The following is a list of medals and ribbons from the Texas Military. They are distinctly categorized by distinguished service and achievement decorations, and general service and achievement awards, which is reflected by the order of precedence. It is generally stated that decorations are conferred and awards are issued.

Decorations
Texas Legislative Medal of Honor (Texas National Guard).jpg Texas Medal of Honor
Lone Star Medal of Valor Ribbon.svg Texas Medal of Valor
Texas Purple Heart Medal Ribbon.svg Texas Purple Heart
Texas Superior Service Medal Ribbon.svg Texas Superior Service Medal
Lone Star Distinguished Service Medal Ribbon.svg Texas Distinguished Service Medal
Texas Outstanding Service Medal Ribbon.svg Texas Outstanding Service Medal
Texas Medal of Merit Ribbon.svg Texas Medal of Merit
Texas Adjutant General's Individual Award.svg Texas Adjutant General's Individual Award
Texas State Guard Meritorious Service Ribbon.svg Texas State Guard Meritorious Service Ribbon
Texas State Guard Commanding General's Individual Award.svg Texas Commanding General's Individual Award
Texas State Guard Recruiting Ribbon.svg Texas Recruiting Ribbon
Decoration Appurtenances
Texas Military Gold Oak Device.png Gold Twig Device
Texas Military Silver Oak Device.png Silver Twig Device
Texas Military Star Device.png Enameled Star Device
Texas Military Bronze Oak Device.png Bronze Twig Device
Texas Military Bronze V Device.png Bronze Valor Device
Texas Military Silver Acorn Device.jpg Silver Acorn Device
Texas Military Bronze Acorn Device.jpg Bronze Acorn Device
Campaign and Service Awards
Texas Federal Service Medal Ribbon.svg Texas Federal Service Medal
Texas Afghanistan Campaign Medal Ribbon.svg Texas Afghanistan Campaign Medal
Texas Iraqi Campaign Medal Service Ribbon.svg Texas Iraqi Campaign Medal
Texas Desert Shield-Desert Storm Campaign Medal Ribbon.svg Texas Desert Shield/Desert Storm Campaign Medal
Texas Humanitarian Service Ribbon.svg Texas Humanitarian Service Ribbon
Texas Homeland Defense Service Ribbon.svg Texas Homeland Defense Service Medal
Texas Border Security and Support Service Ribbon.jpg Texas Border Security and Support Service Ribbon
Texas Combat Service Ribbon.svg Texas Combat Service Ribbon
Texas Cavalry Service Medal Ribbon.svg Texas Cavalry Service Medal
Texas Cold War Medal Ribbon.svg Texas Cold War Medal
Texas Faithful Service Medal Ribbon.svg Texas Faithful Service Medal
Texas State Guard Service Medal Ribbon.svg Texas Service Medal
Service and Training Awards
Texas State Guard Officer Professional Development Ribbon.svg Officer Professional Development Ribbon
Texas State Guard NCO Professional Development Ribbon.svg Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon
Texas State Guard Enlisted Personnel Basic Training Ribbon.svg Basic Training Ribbon
Texas State Guard Physical Fitness Ribbon.svg Physical Fitness Ribbon
Unit Awards
Texas Governor's Unit Citation.svg Texas Governor's Unit Citation
Texas Meritorious Unit Award.svg Texas Meritorious Unit Award
Texas State Guard Organizational Excellence Award.svg Organizational Excellence Award
Award Appurtenances
Silver-service-star.png Silver Star Device
Bronze-service-star.png Bronze Star Device
Texas Military Bronze Cactus Device.png Bronze Cactus Leaf Device
Award numeral 2.svg Bronze Numerals

Badges

Because Texas National Guard service members are also subject to Title 10 of the United States Code, they are also authorized to wear, and eligible to earn, Military badges of the United States. Texas State Guard service members who previously earned Military badges of the United States are authorized to wear them. [1]

The following is a list of badges from the Texas Military:

Special Skills Badges

TXSG 3rd Class Diver Badge.jpg 3rd Class Diver Badge

TMD-TXSG MOS 1374-20

TXSG Dive Medic Badge.jpg Dive Medic Badge

TMD-TXSG MOS 1374-DMTI

TXSG 2nd Class Diver Badge.jpg 2nd Class Diver Badge

TMD-TXSG MOS 1374-30

TXSG 1st Class Diver Badge.jpg 1st Class Diver Badge

TMD-TXSG MOS 1374-40

TXSG Master Diver Badge.jpg Master Diver Badge

TMD-TXSG MOS 1374-50

TXSG Dive Officer Badge.jpg Dive Officer Badge

TMD-TXSG MOS 1374-5V

TXSG Boat Crewman Badge.jpg Crewman Boat Operator Badge

TMD-TXSG MOS 21-B-20

TXSG Coxswain Boat Operator Badge.jpg Coxswain Boat Operator Badge

TMD-TXSG MOS 21-B-30

Texas State Guard Master Boat Operator Badge.jpg Master Boat Operator Badge

TMD-TXSG MOS 21-B-40

SGAUS MEMS Badge.png Basic Military Emergency Management Specialist Badge
TXSG Expert Medical Badge.png Expert Medical Badge
TXSG Engineer Officer Badge.png Engineer Officer Badge
TXSG Engineer Specialist Badge.png Engineer Specialist Badge
SGAUS Badge Flash.png Operation Deployment Badge Flash

Identification Badges

TMFJSBadge.png Texas Military Forces Joint Staff BadgeThe badge is an oval enameled metal device, 2 inches wide, 2-3/16 inches tall. The badge consists of cross sabers in gold with the inscription “TXMF” above the State of Texas Flag which is centered and “Joint Staff” below the Texas Flag surrounded by a silver wreath.
TexasNGStaffBadge.png Texas Army National Guard General Staff BadgeThe badge is a circular enameled metal device, 1-7/8 inches in diameter. The badge consists of the Joint Force Headquarters distinctive unit insignia superimposed on a five-pointed gold-edged black star, one point up, on a background of green, gold-trimmed laurel leaves.
Texas State Guard General's Staff Badge
ArmyNationalGuardRecruiter.jpg Recruiter Badge

Tabs

Governors Twenty Tab-ABU.png Governor's Twenty Tab
TXSG HONOR GUARD.jpg Honor Guard Tab
TXSG MEMS Academy Tab.png MEMS Academy Tab

Certificates

Hall of Honor

The Hall of Honor was established by the Texas Military Department in 1980 to "recognize outstanding service and leadership" of Texas Military Forces service members operating under state or federal command. As of 2018, it has 120 inductees. [5]

It is hosted by the Texas Military Forces Museum at Camp Mabry. It is both an exhibit with a digital kiosk that showcases inductee biographies, and an eponymous conference center that may be rented for conventions or banquets. Inductees also receive a trophy, which has varied in type since 1980.

Hall of Fame

The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame was established in 1964 to recognize service members who "significantly contributed to the development of the service or died heroically in the line of duty." As of 2019, it has 31 inductees — 24 of which served under the Texas Military Department. [6] The Texas Rangers were a branch of the Texas Military Forces from 1835 to 1935, providing cavalry, special operations, and military police capabilities. Administrative control (ADCON) of the Texas Rangers was transferred from the Texas Military Department to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) in 1935. Under DPS, the Texas Rangers perform duties similar to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for Texas as a State Bureau of Investigation (SBI).

Texas State Cemetery

The Texas State Cemetery was established by the Fifth Texas Legislature in 1854 as the burial site for General Edward Burleson in Austin. It is considered the "Arlington of Texas." It was extensively expanded after the American Civil War for the burial of 2,000 officers and their wives. It has expanded over the ensuing years for the burial of "prominent" Texans. It is operated by the Texas State Preservation Board but remains predominately occupied by Texas military service members. [7]

Funeral Honors and Markers

By request of a descendant or estate executor, the Texas Military Department provides any service member of the Texas Military Forces a military funeral and grave marker modeled on the ceremony and style provided to service members of the United States Armed Forces. [8] Exact details are outlined in Texas Government Code 437.215. It was established via Texas Senate Bill 1536 sponsored by Senator Leticia Van de Putte on 01 September 2013. [9]

Holidays

Texas Military Heroes Week

Texas Military Heroes Week is an annual memorial holiday from February 5-11th that encourages "all Texans to recognize and honor those who have secured our freedom throughout the generations and those who are defending it still...During the first full week of February, we honor all who have sacrificed and served on behalf of the Lone Star State. No matter the battle, no matter the branch, no matter the job – they deserve our gratitude and reverence." [10] It was established via Executive Proclamation by Commander-in-Chief Greg Abbott on 28 January 2023, [10] which replaces Texas Military Heroes Day (aka "Chris Kyle Day") established on 2 February 2016. [11]

Women Veterans Month

Women Veterans Month was established by Greg Abbott on March 1, 2023. It dedicates the month of March to "celebrate the women who have served our nation and to rededicate ourselves to the timeless ideals for which they valiantly fought." [12]

Special Forces Day

Special Forces Day is an annual memorial holiday on June 28 that "honors the men and women who have served in the special operations forces..to be regularly observed by appropriate ceremonies." It was established on May 16, 2023, during the Eighty-eighth Texas Legislature in House Bill 2499 sponsored by Cecil Bell and Brandon Creighton. [13]

Other awards

Branch level awards

Gonzales Cup

The Gonzales Cup is the top award of the Commander's Small Unit Excellence Challenge, an annual, two-day team and individual competition that tests core skills and physical endurance of Texas State Guard service members. It was established in 2013 and its namesake is the Battle of Gonzales. [15]

300 Club

The 300 Club is an unofficial award colloquially referred to by service members who achieve the maximum score of 300 points in the Army Physical Fitness Test. While it is universally recognized among the Texas Army National Guard, Texas Air National Guard, and Texas State Guard, there is no official list that documents its members. It is generally an esprit de corps tradition at the unit level.

Unit level awards

Unit level awards that may be worn on a service or duty uniform are authorized as a military tradition in United States Department of the Army Pamphlet regulation 670-1 at the discretion of the commanding officer.

Officer Candidate School (TXSG)

Honor Graduate

The Honor Graduate award, officially the BG Thomas C. Hamilton Distinguished Honor Graduate and formerly the MG Raymond C. Peters Distinguished Honor Graduate, is the top award of the Texas State Guard Officer Candidate School (OCS). It is awarded to graduates of the Officer Candidate Course (OCC) based on their combined Leadership, Academic, Physical Fitness, and Peer Evaluation performance. [16]

The award was established in 2003 by COL Mervyn J. Doherty when he established Officer Candidate School. Its first given namesake was the commanding general of the Texas State Guard, MG Raymond C. Peters, in 2009. It was renamed after BG Thomas C. Hamilton in 2014, who redesigned the school in 2010. [17]

Crucible MVP

The Crucible MVP award, officially the Final Field Training Exercise Most Valuable Player Award, is the second highest award of the Texas State Guard Officer Candidate School (OCS). It is awarded to candidates of the Officer Candidate Course (OCC) final field training exercise based on their combined Leadership, Academic, and Physical Fitness performance during the exercise.

The award was established in 2014 by CPT H. Lee Burton and its namesake is week 10 of United States Marine Corps Recruit Training, for which the exercise mirrors.

Other awards

  • OCC Leadership Award
  • OCC Academic Award
  • OCC Physical Training Award
  • OCC Crucible Team Award

Command and General Staff College (TXSG)

Honor Graduate

The Honor Graduate award, officially the COL Stephen B. Springer Academic Excellence Award is the top award of the Texas State Guard Command and General Staff College. It is awarded to graduates based on their academic performance. [18]

The award was established in 2014 by COL Stephen B. Springer when he established the Commander and General Staff College. It was given his namesake in 2015.

Inactive and obsolete awards

Texas Military Department Awards:

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bronze Star Medal</span> United States Armed Forces decoration award

The Bronze Star Medal (BSM) is a United States Armed Forces decoration awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces for either heroic achievement, heroic service, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service in a combat zone.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Legion of Merit</span> Military award of the United States Armed Forces

The Legion of Merit (LOM) is a military award of the United States Armed Forces that is given for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements. The decoration is issued to members of the eight uniformed services of the United States as well as to military and political figures of foreign governments.

The Commendation Medal is a mid-level United States military decoration presented for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service. Each branch of the United States Armed Forces issues its own version of the Commendation Medal, with a fifth version existing for acts of joint military service performed under the Department of Defense.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gallantry Cross (South Vietnam)</span> Award

The Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross also known as the Vietnamese Gallantry Cross or Vietnam Cross of Gallantry is a military decoration of the former Government of South Vietnam. The medal was created on August 15, 1950, and was awarded to military personnel, civilians, and Armed Forces units and organizations in recognition of deeds of valor or heroic conduct while in combat with the enemy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Awards and decorations of the United States Armed Forces</span> Military awards and decorations of the US

This list of Awards and decorations of the United States Armed Forces, denotes the various service ribbons, and badges which recognize military service and personal accomplishments of members of the U.S. Armed Forces. Such awards are a means to outwardly display the highlights of a service member's career.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Civil War Campaign Medal</span> Award

The Civil War Campaign Medal is considered the first campaign service medal of the United States Armed Forces. The decoration was awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces who had served in the American Civil War between 1861 and 1865.

The National Defense Service Medal (NDSM) is a service award of the United States Armed Forces established by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1953. It was awarded to every member of the U.S. Armed Forces who served during any one of four specified periods of armed conflict or national emergency from June 27, 1950 through December 31, 2022. Combat or "in theater" service is not a requirement for the award.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Armed Forces Reserve Medal</span> United States military service award

The Armed Forces Reserve Medal (AFRM) is a service medal of the United States Armed Forces that has existed since 1950. The medal recognizes service performed by members of the reserve components and is awarded to both officers and enlisted personnel. The medal is considered a successor award to the Naval Reserve Medal and the Marine Corps Reserve Ribbon, which were discontinued in 1958 and 1967, respectively.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cold War Victory Medal</span> Award

The Cold War Victory Medal is both an official medal of the U.S. National Guard and an unofficial military medal of the United States. It is awarded by the U.S. states of Louisiana and Texas, and in ribbon form only by the State of Alaska. In the medal's unofficial capacity it can be purchased, but not worn in uniform. It may be worn by any member of the United States military, or civilian employees of the federal government, who served in their positions honorably during the years of the Cold War, defined as lasting from September 2, 1945 to December 26, 1991.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Civil Actions Medal</span> Award

The Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Medal also known as the Vietnam Civil Actions Medal or Civil Actions Medal, is a military decoration of the former South Vietnamese government (1955–75). The medal was created on May 12, 1964 during the Vietnam War. The Civil Actions Medal was awarded to the South Vietnamese military and its allies' military personnel or units that performed outstanding achievements in the field of civil affairs. The medal was awarded in two classes, with the first-class intended for commissioned officers and the second class for enlisted personnel. Individuals who were cited received the medal, ribbon, and a citation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">United States law enforcement decorations</span>

United States law enforcement decorations are awarded by the police forces of the United States of America. Since the United States has a decentralized police force, with separate independent departments existing on the state and local level, there are thousands of law enforcement decorations in existence.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Badges of the United States Army</span> Military decorations issued by the United States Department of the Army

Badges of the United States Army are military decorations issued by the United States Department of the Army to soldiers who achieve a variety of qualifications and accomplishments while serving on active and reserve duty in the United States Army.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Orders, decorations, and medals of the Philippines</span> Philippine honors system

The orders and decorations conferred upon civilians and military personnel in the Republic of the Philippines are listed by orders of precedence. Philippine civilian orders and decorations are conferred by the President of the Philippines in his or her capacity as head of state. In certain instances, the conferment of certain orders and decorations requires the concurrence of the Congress of the Philippines, or of certain advisory bodies.

Authorized foreign decorations of the United States military are those military decorations which have been approved for wear by members of the United States armed forces but whose awarding authority is the government of a country other than the United States.

The Philippine Presidential Unit citation Badge is a unit decoration of the Republic of the Philippines. It has been awarded to certain units of the United States military and the Philippine Commonwealth military for actions both during and subsequent to the Second World War.

Awards and decorations of the state defense forces are presented to members of the state defense forces in addition to regular United States military decorations and state National Guard military decorations. Each of the state governments of the United States maintains a series of decorations for issuance to members of the state defense forces, with such awards presented under the authority of the various state adjutants general and/or respective state defense force commanders.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Texas State Guard</span> Military unit

The Texas State Guard (TXSG) is part of the state military force of Texas, and one of three branches of the Texas Military Forces. Members of the Texas State Guard do not carry weapons, cannot be assigned outside of Texas, cannot be involuntarily placed on military orders, and can only be paid if they take volunteer orders. Along with the other two branches, the TXSG falls under the command of the Governor of Texas and is administered by the Adjutant General of Texas, an appointee of the Governor. The other two branches of the Texas Military Forces are the Texas Army National Guard and the Texas Air National Guard.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mississippi State Guard</span>

The Mississippi State Guard (MSSG) is the state defense force of Mississippi. It operates under the authority of the Mississippi Military Department alongside the Mississippi Army National Guard (MSARNG) and the Mississippi Air National Guard (MSANG).

Awards and decorations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines are military decorations which recognize service and personal accomplishments while a member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "Joint Force Texas (JFTX) Regulation 1-07" (PDF). Texas Military Department. August 1, 2009.
  2. "State Awards". Texas Military Department.
  3. 1 2 "Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia" (PDF). United States Army.
  4. 1 2 "Federal Awards". Texas Military Department.
  5. "Hall of Honor". Texas Military Department.
  6. "Texas Ranger Hall of Fame". Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum.
  7. "History of the Texas State Cemetery". Texas State Cemetery.
  8. "TMD Grave Marker". Texas Military Department. April 22, 2023.
  9. "Senate Bill 1536". Texas Legislature Online. April 22, 2013.
  10. 1 2 Abbott, Greg (January 28, 2023). "Governor Abbott Proclaims Texas Military Heroes Week". Office of the Texas Governor.
  11. Abbott, Greg (February 2, 2016). "Governor Abbott Declares February 2nd "Texas Military Heroes Day"". Office of the Texas Governor.
  12. Abbott, Greg (March 1, 2023). "Governor Abbott Proclaims March 2023 As Women Veterans Month". Office of the Texas Governor. Retrieved May 27, 2023.
  13. Bell, Cecil (May 16, 2023). "A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT" (PDF). Texas Legislature Online. Retrieved May 27, 2023.
  14. "President's Volunteer Service Award". Texas Military Department.
  15. "19th Regiment Captures Inaugural Gonzales Cup". Texas Military Department. March 14, 2013.
  16. "Texas State Guard Officer Candidate School Graduates Seven Junior Officers from Class 14". Texas Military Department.
  17. Sullivan, Michael Quinn (November 30, 2011). "New OCS Class Begins". Texas Military Department.
  18. "1st Regiment Texas State Guard Welcomes New Commander". Texas Military Department.
  19. "Fact Sheet Army Component" (PDF). Texas State Guard. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2018-10-17.
  20. "Spur Walk". Flickr, Texas Military Department. 27 March 2015.