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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.

The Commendation Medal is awarded by local commanders, allowing for a broad interpertation of the criteria for which the medal may be awarded. For instance, in the U.S. Navy and United States Marines, the Commendation Medal is considered a somewhat high decoration reserved for Department level officers, senior CPOs, and as a retirement award. In contrast, the U.S. Army typically authorizes the Commendation Medal for junior officers and enlisted personnel as an end-of-tour award.

The Commendation Medal was originally a ribbon, and was first issued by the Navy and U.S. Coast Guard in 1943. An Army Commendation Ribbon followed in 1945 and, in 1949, the Navy, Coast Guard, and Army Commendation ribbons were renamed as the "Commendation Ribbon with Medal Pendant". By 1960, the Commendation Ribbons had been authorized as full medals, and were subsequently referred to as Commendation Medals.

For additional awards of the Commendation Medal, the Army issues oak leaf clusters and the Navy and Coast Guard furnish gold and silver award stars. The Operational Distinguishing Device is authorized to the Coast Guard Commendation Medal upon approval of the awarding authority.

The U.S. Air Force began issuing its own Commendation Medal in 1958Events January January 1 Treaty of Rome founding the EU is implemented January 4 Sputnik 1 falls to Earth from its orbit (launched on October 4 1957) January 8 14 year old Bobby Fischer wins the United States Chess Championship January 18 Armed Lumbee Nat with additional awards denoted by oak leaf clusters. It was not until 19961996 was a leap year starting on Monday (see link for calendar), and was designated the International Year for the Eradication of Poverty''. Events January January 5 Hamas operative Yahya Ayyash is killed by an Israeli-planted booby-trapped cell phone Jan that the "V" device was authorized on the Air Force Commendation Medal. Prior to that time, there was not a Valor distinction in effect for the Air Force Commendation Medal.

The U.S. Marines have always been issued the Navy Commendation Medal and there is not a separate Commendation Medal intended only for Marines. This lack of difference was recognized in 19941994 is a common year starting on Saturday, and was designated the International year of the Family''. Events January events January 1 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) goes into effect January 6 Nancy Kerrigan is clubbed on the right leg by an when Secretary of the Navy John H. Dalton changed the name of the Navy Commendation Medal to the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.

The last of the Commendation Medals is the Joint Service Commendation Medal which was created in 1963Events January-March January 11 The Whisky A Go-Go night club in Los Angeles, the first disco in the USA, is opened. January 14 George Wallace becomes governor of Alabama. January 22 Elysee treaty between France and Germany January 28 Black student Harvey. This award is intended for senior service on a joint military staff and is generally considered to be a somewhat high ranking decoration. As such, it is worn above the service Commendation Medals on a military uniform.

The military services also issue an Achievement MedalThe Achievement Medal is the lowest of the United States military’s non-combat meritorious service medals. The Achievement Medal was first proposed as a means to recognize the contributions of junior officers and enlisted personnel who were not be eligibl which is a lesser decoration intended for junior officers and enlisted personnel.