Character Awards and Commendations

Starfleet Medals of Honor and Distinction Military/Heroism Awards The Starfleet Shield Cross of Fire The Starfleet Shield is the highest medal awarded by the United Federation of Planets. The Starfleet Shield is awarded by the CINCFLT to a person who distinguishes himself or herself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life or her life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United Federation of Planets. The deed performed must have been one of personal bravery or self-sacrifice so conspicuous as to clearly distinguish the individual above his comrades and must have involved risk of life.  It is awarded to officers and enlisted personnel of Star Fleet and the Marine Corps who distinguish themselves by extraordinary heroism, not justifying the award of the Starfleet Shield, in military operations against an armed enemy. Medal of Distinction Legion of Honor The Medal of Distinction is awarded to any person of the armed forces of the United Federation of Planets or of a friendly foreign nation who, while serving in any capacity with the Star Fleet, distinguished himself or herself by heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy. The same degree of heroism is required as for the award of the Cross of Alexander. The performance must have involved personal hazard or danger and the voluntary risk of life under conditions not involving conflict with an armed enemy. Awards will not be made solely on the basis of having saved a life.   Given for outstanding achievement in one mission or a group of missions where the officer proves to be of such worth, as to make or break the circumstances. Comes in the form of a star shaped pips that is worn on the opposite side of rank insignia on the regular duty uniform. There is a regular medal for the dress uniform. Cross of Alexander Star of Hope   The Cross of Alexander is awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the armed forces of the United Federation of Planets, distinguished himself or herself by extraordinary achievement in strategy and tactics. The performance must be evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty. The extraordinary achievement must have resulted in an accomplishment so exceptional and outstanding as to clearly set the individual apart from his or her comrades or from other persons in similar circumstances. Awards will be made only to recognize single acts of heroism or extraordinary achievement and will not be made in recognition of sustained operational activities against an armed enemy. The Star of Hope, also known as the Hero of the Federation Award, is awarded for combat action only, and is awarded to any person killed in action while serving the armed forces of the United Federation of Planets. It is only awarded posthumously.  Combat Action Ribbon Prisoner of War Medal This ribbon is awarded to members of the armed forces of the United Federation of Planets for combat action service. The principal requirement is that the personnel must have been in a ground or space combat fire-fight, or action during which they were under enemy fire, and that their performance under fire must have been satisfactory.   The POW medal is issued only to any person who was taken prisoner or held captive while engaged in action against an enemy of the United Federation of Planets, or while serving with friendly forces engaged in armed conflict. The recipient's conduct, while in captivity, must have been honorable. Ribbon of Sacrifice Known by various names including Wounded Lion and Purple Heart, it is awarded for combat action only, and is awarded to any person wounded in action while serving the armed forces of the United Federation of Planets. It is not awarded posthumously. It can be given with clusters if wounded at different times.  Starfleet Double Cross Awarded in a Pbem Star Trek RPG: Awarded for sacrificing your life while saving another in the line of duty. Awarded outside a ST: PbeM RPG: To honor those who have died from natural illness and in rememberance of their great friendship. Non-military Awards Roddenbury Ribbon Gold Lifesaving medal The Roddenbury Ribbon is awarded for significant new discoveries or efforts which substantially advance the areas of science, engineering, medicine, and diplomacy. This medal is awarded to any person who rescues, or endeavors to rescue, any other person from harm. The rescue must have been at the risk of the rescuer's own life, with evidence of extreme and heroic daring. Medal of Merit ( Cochrane, Soong, Crusher, Hikaru Sulu, and Sarek medals) Star Fleet Achievement Medal These medals are awarded for significant contributions to the fields of engineering, science, medicine, exploration,or diplomacy - worthy or recognition but not deserving of the Roddenbury Ribbon. They are Yellow, Blue, Red, Black and Purple, respectively. The Sarek Medal and Ribbon is shown. The Star Fleet Achievement medal is awarded to any junior officer or enlisted member of the armed forces of the United Federation of Planets, or to any member of the armed forces of a friendly foreign nation, who while serving in any capacity with the Star Fleet distinguishes himself or herself by outstanding professional achievement or for leadership. Command Commendations Squadron Commander's Commendation Captain's Commendation A small medal given by a Squadron Commander for acts that they deem worthy or notable. A small medal given by the CO of any vessel for any act that they deem worthy or notable. Special Commendations The Order of Unity Order of Honor The Order of Unity is a unique medal that was awarded to all members of Starfleet who served with honor and distinction during the Federation Civil War.This medal was cast for the sole purpose of reminding those that served of the great price that was paid by both sides of the conflict. The medal was awarded to all members of Starfleet who were found to be serving on both sides of the conflict with honor and moral forthrightness. The medal was commissioned in 2408 and aws only awarded to those who were active during the Civil War.   The Order of Honor is awarded to Starfleet personnel who participated in a mission in cooperation with or under the guidance of a Foreign government. This Award is granted to those who participated in such mission that endangered the recipient through life or limb as a result of armed conflict with another power or entity which was directly opposed to the success of the mission. This award is issued on the behalf of a foreign government. Interspecies Diplomacy Ribbon The Interspecies Diplomacy Ribbon is awarded to Starfleet personnel who participated in a mission in cooperation with or under the guidance of a Foreign government. This Award is granted to those who participated in such mission that aided in maintaining the stability of the region or government requesting the assistance, or in mediating a political agreement or compact that was essential to the primary government. This is a diplomatic mission award and so is commonly issued whenever a mission is completed that did not devolve into conflict but was solved through Diplomacy and Arbitration. This award is issued on the behalf of a foreign government.