| Place | North & Central America: United States of America |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL25146.005 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Award |
| Physical description | Bronze |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | United States of America |
| Date made | 1939-1945 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
United States Army Good Conduct Medal
Description
United States Army Good Conduct Medal. The obverse has an eagle with folded wings standing on a sword on top of a book. The inscription 'EFFICIENCY . HONOR . FIDELITY' around the edge. The reverse has a wreath of half palm and half laurel with 'FOR GOOD' over a star and blank panel, over 'CONDUCT' in the centre. It has a loose ring suspender and a ribbon of red that has three white stripes near each edge. A brooch pin is sewn to the ribbon.
History / Summary
The criteria for a Good Conduct Medal is defined by Executive Orders 8809, 9323, and 10444. The medal is awarded to any active-duty enlisted member of the United States military who completes three consecutive years of "honorable and faithful service". Such service implies that a standard enlistment was completed without any non-judicial punishment, disciplinary infractions, or court martial offenses. If a service member commits an offense, the three-year mark "resets" and a service member must perform an additional three years of service without having to be disciplined, before the Good Conduct may be authorized.
During times of war, the Good Conduct Medal may be awarded for one year of faithful service. The Good Conduct Medal may also be awarded posthumously, to any service member killed in the line of duty.