This law outlines the types of medals that can be awarded to members of the National Guard, State Guard, and Naval Militia in California. These include the Medal of Valor, Military Cross, Order of California, Memorial Medal, Medal of Merit, Commendation Medal, Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal.
The Order of California, Medal of Merit, and Commendation Medal can also be given to civilians and members of other military services who bring honor to California. The Adjutant General is responsible for providing the medals and related ribbons or insignia.
The following decorations are authorized for members of the National Guard, State Guard, and Naval Militia:
(a)CA Military and Veterans Code § 640(a) Medal of Valor.
(b)CA Military and Veterans Code § 640(b) Military Cross.
(c)CA Military and Veterans Code § 640(c) Order of California.
(d)CA Military and Veterans Code § 640(d) Memorial
Medal.
(e)CA Military and Veterans Code § 640(e) Medal of Merit.
(f)CA Military and Veterans Code § 640(f) Commendation Medal.
(g)CA Military and Veterans Code § 640(g) Service Medal.
(h)CA Military and Veterans Code § 640(h) Good Conduct Medal.
The Order of California, Medal of Merit, and Commendation Medal are also authorized for award to civilians and members of other military services who bring honor to the State of California by their actions.
The Adjutant General may provide and procure appropriate emblematic devices for each decoration, together with suitable ribbons and insignia to be worn with or in place of the medal.
National Guard medals State Guard decorations Naval Militia awards Medal of Valor Military Cross Order of California Memorial Medal Medal of Merit Commendation Medal Service Medal Good Conduct Medal civilians awarded medals military honor California Adjutant General's duties emblematic devices ribbons
(Amended by Stats. 2020, Ch. 97, Sec. 35. (AB 2193) Effective January 1, 2021.)
This law allows for the presentation of a Medal of Valor to members of the National Guard or Naval Militia who show exceptional bravery, risking their lives beyond the usual duties while serving either the state or the United States.
Such awards require clear proof, typically an affidavit from an eyewitness. However, if someone has already received the Congressional Medal of Honor, this proof is not necessary for them to receive a Medal of Valor.
(a)CA Military and Veterans Code § 641(a) A Medal of Valor may be presented to each person who, while an officer or enlisted member of the National Guard or Naval Militia, distinguishes themself by courageous conduct at the risk of life, above and beyond the call of duty while in the service of the state or of the United States.
(b)CA Military and Veterans Code § 641(b) An award of the Medal of Valor shall not be made except upon
clear and incontestable proof by affidavit of at least one eyewitness or person having personal knowledge of the act or deed.
(c)CA Military and Veterans Code § 641(c) A Medal of Valor may be presented to each person who has been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, and proof by affidavit or otherwise of the act or deed shall not be required in those cases.
Medal of Valor National Guard Naval Militia courageous conduct risk of life beyond the call of duty Congressional Medal of Honor eyewitness affidavit personal knowledge bravery recognition military awards exceptional bravery proof requirement service to state service to United States
(Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 129, Sec. 61. (SB 1097) Effective January 1, 2025.)
This law states that a Military Cross can be awarded to officers or enlisted members of the National Guard or Naval Militia who show extraordinary bravery while serving the state or the U.S.
A Military Cross may be presented to each person who, while an officer or enlisted member of the National Guard or Naval Militia, distinguishes themself by extraordinary heroism while in the service of the state or of the United States.
Military Cross extraordinary heroism officer enlisted member National Guard Naval Militia service of the state service of the United States award bravery recognition military decoration state service U.S. service
(Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 129, Sec. 62. (SB 1097) Effective January 1, 2025.)
This law allows the Order of California to be given to National Guard or Naval Militia members who have excelled in their duties with exceptional merit in highly responsible positions. It's not for ordinary duties unless those duties include a series of important posts that were managed outstandingly. It's important that the period of service or accomplishment is completed before recommending someone; however, if a person is leaving their position or retiring, their contributions up to that point can still qualify them if significant. Civilians and members of other military services can also receive this award for similar exceptional service.
(a)CA Military and Veterans Code § 642.1(a) The Order of California may be presented to an officer or enlisted member of the National Guard or Naval Militia who has distinguished themself by exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service to the state or the United States in a position of great responsibility. The performance of duty shall have been such as to merit recognition of service rendered in a clearly exceptional manner
within the scope of a special requirement or of an extremely difficult duty performed in a clearly outstanding manner. Performance of duties normal to the grade and branch, specialty or assignment, and experience of an individual is not an adequate basis for this decoration, except that justification of the award may accrue by virtue of outstanding meritorious service in a succession of important positions.
(b)CA Military and Veterans Code § 642.1(b) The accomplishment of the duty or period of service for which the decoration is recommended should have been completed prior to submitting a recommendation. However, if the person being recommended is transferred or will retire prior to completion, the action or accomplishment shall have reached a point of progression that will clearly establish the individual’s contribution to be outstanding or represent significant accomplishment.
(c)CA Military and Veterans Code § 642.1(c) The Order of California may also be
awarded to civilians and members of other military services who distinguish themselves as indicated in this section.
Order of California National Guard Naval Militia exceptional service military awards meritorious conduct civilians other military services retirement transfer outstanding service commendation military recognition service recognition progression in service
(Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 129, Sec. 63. (SB 1097) Effective January 1, 2025.)
If an officer or member of the National Guard, State Guard, or Naval Militia dies while serving the state or the United States, they can be honored posthumously with a Memorial Medal.
A Memorial Medal may be presented posthumously to any person who, while an officer, warrant officer, or enlisted member of the National Guard, the State Guard, or the Naval Militia is killed in the service of the state or the United States.
Memorial Medal posthumous award officer warrant officer enlisted member National Guard State Guard Naval Militia killed in service honor United States service state service military commemoration
(Amended by Stats. 2020, Ch. 97, Sec. 36. (AB 2193) Effective January 1, 2021.)
This law allows for the awarding of the Medal of Merit to members of the National Guard or Naval Militia who have shown exceptional service to California or the U.S. through important duties. It can also be given to civilians and members of other military services who contribute significantly to the interests and security of the state.
(a)CA Military and Veterans Code § 643(a) A Medal of Merit may be presented to each person who, while an officer, warrant officer, or enlisted member of the National Guard or Naval Militia, distinguishes themself by exceptionally meritorious service to the state or the United States in a duty of great responsibility or to any person who, by unselfish and untiring activities in connection with the National Guard or Naval Militia, has rendered a distinct service
in furthering the interests of and in promoting the security and welfare of the state.
(b)CA Military and Veterans Code § 643(b) The Medal of Merit may also be awarded to civilians and members of other military services who distinguish themselves as indicated in this section.
Medal of Merit National Guard Naval Militia distinguished service exceptional meritorious service state security military recognition unselfish activities state welfare military awards civilians military services service to state duty of great responsibility
(Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 129, Sec. 64. (SB 1097) Effective January 1, 2025.)
This law allows for a Commendation Medal to be awarded to members of the National Guard, State Guard, or Naval Militia who distinguish themselves through meritorious achievement or service. Although the required achievement is less exceptional than that needed for the Medal of Merit, it must still be distinguished. Civilians and members of other military services can also receive this medal under similar conditions.
A Commendation Medal may be presented to each person who, while an officer, warrant officer, or enlisted member of the National Guard, State Guard, or Naval Militia distinguishes themselves while serving in any capacity with the National Guard, State Guard, or Naval Militia by meritorious achievement or meritorious service. The meritorious achievement or meritorious service is less exceptional than that required for the Medal of Merit but
shall be accomplished with distinction.
The Commendation Medal may also be awarded to civilians and members of other military services who distinguish themselves as indicated in this section.
Commendation Medal meritorious achievement meritorious service National Guard State Guard Naval Militia military honors distinguished service civilians awards Medal of Merit military recognition
(Amended by Stats. 2020, Ch. 97, Sec. 37. (AB 2193) Effective January 1, 2021.)
This law allows for the presentation of a good conduct medal to an enlisted member of the California National Guard, State Guard, or Naval Militia. To qualify, the member must show loyalty by performing duties faithfully and efficiently, and demonstrate exemplary behavior that others would want to follow.
A good conduct medal may be presented to each person who, while an enlisted member of the California National Guard, State Guard, or Naval Militia, has demonstrated fidelity through faithful and exact performance of duty, efficiency through capacity to produce desired results, and whose behavior has demonstrated that the person deserves emulation.
good conduct medal California National Guard State Guard Naval Militia faithful performance exact performance of duty efficiency desired results exemplary behavior fidelity emulation military service award enlisted member recognition duty performance
(Amended by Stats. 2020, Ch. 97, Sec. 38. (AB 2193) Effective January 1, 2021.)
This law allows for a State Service Ribbon to be given to anyone who has served honorably on active duty with the state of California during a declared emergency or when the U.S. is at war after July 1, 1963. The Adjutant General is responsible for presenting these ribbons.
A State Service Ribbon may be presented by the Adjutant General to each person who after July 1, 1963, honorably serves on active duty with the State during a period of emergency declared by the Governor or while the United States is engaged in war as defined in Section 18 of this code.
State Service Ribbon Adjutant General active duty honorable service declared emergency Governor declaration U.S. engaged in war Section 18 war definition after July 1 1963 military honors California state duty State National Guard military recognition wartime service emergency personnel service
(Added by Stats. 1963, Ch. 362.)
If you serve for 10 years in the California National Guard, California Air National Guard, Naval Militia, or State Guard, you can receive a service medal or bar. After the first medal, you get more for every additional five years of service. You have to apply to receive these awards.
A service medal or bar shall be issued for 10 years’ service in the California National Guard, the California Air National Guard, the Naval Militia, or the State Guard, and for each period of five years of service thereafter. Such medal or bar shall be issued to those entitled to the same upon application.
service medal service bar 10 years service California National Guard California Air National Guard Naval Militia State Guard service recognition application for medal military service award five-year service intervals military decoration National Guard awards eligibility for medals long-term military service
(Amended by Stats. 2020, Ch. 97, Sec. 39. (AB 2193) Effective January 1, 2021.)
This law allows the Adjutant General to award the Federal Service Ribbon to members of the California National Guard who have served honorably in the U.S. armed forces for certain periods. Eligibility depends on service dates and durations, such as 12 months during specified wartime periods or three months between October 1961 and August 1962. The ribbon's design and issuance follow rules set by the Adjutant General. Moreover, applicants must submit written applications and prove their service, with the Adjutant General's decision being final in case of disputes.
A Federal Service Ribbon may be presented by the Adjutant General to each person inducted into the federal service as a member of a California National Guard unit after September 15, 1940, and who has completed not less than a total of 12 months honorable service in the armed forces of the United States between September 15, 1940, and September 16, 1945, and to each person inducted into the federal service as a member of a California National Guard unit after August 1, 1950, and who has completed not less than a total of 12 months honorable service in the armed forces of the United States while the United States is engaged in war as defined in Section 18 of this code and to each person inducted into the federal
service as a member of a California National Guard unit on or after October 1, 1961, and who has completed not less than a total of three months honorable service in the armed forces of the United States between October 1, 1961, and August 31, 1962.
The Federal Service Ribbon shall be prepared, designed, awarded and issued according to rules and regulations to be adopted by the Adjutant General and all applications therefor shall be in writing and filed in the office of the Adjutant General. The applicant shall have the burden of proof as to his military service and the decision of the Adjutant General, in case of dispute, shall be final.
Federal Service Ribbon Adjutant General California National Guard honorable service armed forces service eligibility wartime service application process military award proof of service military service dispute service dates award regulations 12-month service requirement 3-month service requirement
(Amended by Stats. 1963, Ch. 361.)
This law states that the Governor of California will present the Medal of Valor. Other medals such as the Military Cross, Medal of Merit, and Service Medal can be presented either by the Governor or The Adjutant General, who acts on the Governor's behalf.
The Medal of Valor shall be presented by the Governor. The Military Cross, the Medal of Merit, the Service Medal, and other authorized medals and awards shall be presented by the Governor or The Adjutant General in the name of the Governor.
Medal of Valor Governor Military Cross Medal of Merit Service Medal The Adjutant General medal presentation military awards honorary awards California Governor's role military recognition award ceremony Governor's duties presentation of awards military honors
(Enacted by Stats. 1935, Ch. 389.)
This law states that a person can only receive one Medal of Valor, Military Cross, or Medal of Merit. However, if they perform additional acts deserving of such awards, they can receive a bar or device to recognize each additional achievement. This bar or device can be worn according to regulations.
No more than one Medal of Valor, or one Military Cross, or one Medal of Merit shall be issued to any one person; but for each succeeding deed or act sufficient to justify the award of a Medal of Valor, or a Military Cross, or a Medal of Merit, a suitable bar or other device denoting such additional award may be issued and worn as directed by appropriate regulations.
Medal of Valor Military Cross Medal of Merit additional award bar device recognition achievement awards limitation military decorations awarding process honorary regulations decorative bar award device regulations for wearing military recognition
(Enacted by Stats. 1935, Ch. 389.)
This law allows the Adjutant General to organize and run military competitions and exercises, and to award ribbons, badges, or insignia for achievements like marksmanship and drill attendance. It also permits participation in larger marksmanship competitions at the state or national level. The costs related to these activities will be covered by state funds.
The Adjutant General may hold and conduct competitions and competitive military exercises, may procure and issue appropriate ribbons, badges, or insignia in connection therewith and for excellence in marksmanship, for drill attendance, and for competitive military training, and may authorize participation in national or state military or civil marksmanship competitions. All expenses in relation thereto shall be paid from state funds.
Adjutant General military competitions competitive exercises marksmanship ribbons badges insignia drill attendance military training state funds national competitions state competitions military awards civil marksmanship expense coverage
(Amended by Stats. 1986, Ch. 566, Sec. 5.)
This law governs the wearing of military decorations by officers, warrant officers, enlisted persons, and uniformed public safety personnel. It allows them to wear authorized decorations from the National Guard, Air National Guard, Naval Militia, and other state or federal entities. Decorations from other states can be worn but must be given lower precedence. Unauthorized decorations are not allowed, and violating these rules is considered a misdemeanor.
Additionally, public safety personnel can wear such decorations during specific days related to Veterans Day and Memorial Day. However, employers can disallow decorations if they pose a safety risk to the wearer or the public.
(a)CA Military and Veterans Code § 648(a) Except as provided by subdivision (b), decorations authorized by this code and decorations, medals, badges, ribbons, and insignia authorized by the laws or regulations of the United States pertaining to the National Guard, Air National Guard, and Naval Militia may be worn by officers, warrant officers, and enlisted persons in accordance with the code, laws, or regulations. However, decorations awarded by other states
and territories of the United States may be worn, but shall be subordinated to those issued by federal and state laws or regulations. No other decorations, medals, badges, ribbons, or insignia may be worn. A violation of this section shall constitute a misdemeanor.
(b)CA Military and Veterans Code § 648(b) Decorations authorized by this code and decorations or medals from the Armed Forces of the United States, the California National Guard, State Guard, or Naval Militia, or any service medals or badges awarded to the members of such forces, may be worn by uniformed public safety personnel in accordance with the code, laws, or regulations, during the business week prior to Veterans Day and Memorial Day, the day of Veterans Day and Memorial Day, and the business day immediately following Veterans Day and Memorial Day. The employer of the uniformed public safety personnel shall retain the right to prohibit the wearing of military decorations pursuant to this subdivision if the
employer determines that wearing the military decorations poses a safety hazard to the uniformed public safety personnel or to the public.
military decorations National Guard Air National Guard Naval Militia warrant officers enlisted persons public safety personnel Veterans Day Memorial Day uniform decorations policy state versus federal precedence safety hazard employer rights misdemeanor violation authorized badges
(Amended by Stats. 2020, Ch. 97, Sec. 40. (AB 2193) Effective January 1, 2021.)
The Adjutant General can make new rules and orders to implement this chapter, as long as they don't conflict with existing laws. If National Guard members' medals or decorations are lost or destroyed, their next of kin can receive duplicates. Additionally, new awards may be created to honor the service or achievements of National Guard, State Guard, and Naval Militia members.
(a)CA Military and Veterans Code § 649(a) The Adjutant General may adopt, from time to time, any rules, regulations, and orders not inconsistent with this code which the Adjutant General deems necessary to carry into effect this chapter.
(b)CA Military and Veterans Code § 649(b) The Adjutant General may present duplicate medals or ribbons or other decorations authorized by this code to the next of kin of any deceased member of the
National Guard, if the original decorations are inadvertently lost or destroyed.
(c)CA Military and Veterans Code § 649(c) Furthermore, the Adjutant General may establish additional awards and decorations as may be necessary to properly recognize the service or achievement of members of the National Guard, State Guard, and Naval Militia.
Adjutant General National Guard duplicate medals ribbons next of kin awards decorations service recognition State Guard Naval Militia rules and regulations additional awards military medals achievement recognition lost decorations
(Amended by Stats. 2020, Ch. 97, Sec. 41. (AB 2193) Effective January 1, 2021.)
