Indian Army II Medals and Awards of Indian Army
The Armed Forces of India are eligible for the various military decorations and awards for extraordinary bravery and distinguished service both during times of war and peace. List is characterised into Gallantry Awards both during war and peace, Distinguished Service Medals, Service and Long-term service awards and Independence Medals.
The Indian Army recognizes both gallantry and distinguished service through a system of medals, decorations and awards. The Indian Army awards a variety of medals and decorations to recognize the exceptional bravery, distinguished service, and devotion to duty displayed by its personnel during both wartime and peacetime
Gaallantary Medals. Gallantry awards, are given for acts of bravery in the face of the enemy or in peacetime.
Param Vir Chakra. Highest gallantry award, awarded for "most conspicuous bravery or some daring or pre-eminent act of valor or self-sacrifice in the presence of the enemy”.
Mahavir Chakra. Second highest gallantry award, awarded for "acts of conspicuous gallantry in the presence of the enemy”.
Ashok Chakra. Awarded for "most conspicuous bravery or some act of daring or pre-eminent act of valor or self-sacrifice on land, at sea or in the air”.
Vir Chakra. Awarded for acts of gallantry in the presence of the enemy.
Kirti Chakra. Awarded for "conspicuous gallantry otherwise than in the face of the enemy".
Shaurya Chakra. Awarded for gallantry otherwise than in the face of the enemy.
Distniguished Service Medals. Distinguished service medals, awarded for exceptional service, include the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, and Vishisht Seva Medal
- Param Vishisht Seva Medal. Awarded for distinguished service of the most exceptional order.
- Ati Vishisht Seva Medal. Awarded for distinguished service of an exceptional order.
- Vishisht Seva Medal. Awarded for distinguished service of a high order.
- Sena Medal. Awarded for acts of bravery in combat.
- Mention in Dispatches. Recognition of an act of bravery in the face of the enemy.
- Chiefs of Staff Commendation Card. Awarded for distinguished service and acts of bravery.
- Samanya Seva Medal. Awarded for service in varied operational conditions.
- Sainya Seva Medal. Awarded for service in specified peace-time operations.
- Videsh Seva Medal. Awarded for service in foreign countries.
- Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. Awarded for long and meritorious service.
Service and Campaign Medals
Long Service Awards
Order of Precedence. The order of precedence for wearing medals is strictly defined, with gallantry awards taking precedence over distinguished service and other medals. Bharat Ratna is the highest award with top most precedence.
Medal Bar. If a recipient of the medal is subsequently awarded the medal again, every such further award shall be recognized by a bar to be attached to the riband by which the medal is suspended. For every such bar, a miniature insignia of a pattern approved by the Government of India shall be added to the riband when worn alone
Final Thoughts. Medals and awards in the Indian Army are given to recognize acts of bravery, distinguished service, and exceptional devotion to duty by soldiers. These awards are a way to acknowledge the sacrifices and contributions of individuals who have served with distinction, both in times of war and peace.
