Awards and decorations of the Texas Military

The Texas Military Department medal and ribbon awards are governed by the Texas Government Code (Chapter 437, Subchapter H) and Joint Force Texas Regulation (1-07).{{Cite web|url=https://tmd.texas.gov/texas-military-department-state-awards|title=State Awards|website=Texas Military Department|access-date=}} Because Texas Military Forces existence is authorized under Title 32 of the United States Code, wear and precedence of medals and ribbons on the service uniform and duty uniform is governed by the United States Department of the Army Pamphlet regulation 670-1.{{Cite web|url=https://api.army.mil/e2/c/downloads/337951.pdf|title=Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia|website=United States Army|access-date=}}

Because Texas National Guard service members are also subject to Title 10 of the United States Code, they are also authorized to wear and eligible to earn awards, decorations, and badges of the United States National Guard and United States Armed Forces.{{Cite web|url=https://tmd.texas.gov/federal-awards-and-decorations|title=Federal Awards|website=Texas Military Department|access-date=}}

Texas State Guard service members who previously earned awards, decorations, and badges of the United States National Guard and United States Armed Forces are authorized to wear them.

Because Texas Military Forces existence is authorized under Title 32 of the United States Code, precedence of medals and ribbons on the service uniform and duty uniform is governed by the Department of Defense Instruction 1348.33 and United States Department of the Army Pamphlet regulation 670-1.

Like the United States Armed Forces, Texas Military medals and ribbons are distinctly categorized by general service and achievement awards, and distinguished service and achievement decorations, which is reflected in the order of precedence.

General order of precedence:

1. United States Armed Forces personal decorations
2. United States Armed Forces unit awards
3. United States Non-Military (personal) Decorations, to include certain Military Society Decorations and Medals, as outlined in DOD Instr. 1348.33 section 11 (c)(2019), and as defined by 10USC§ 1123, Right to Wear Badges of Military Societies, but only those to wit: 'a society originally composed of men who served in an armed force of the United States during the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Mexican War, the Civil War, the Spanish–American War, the Philippine–American War, or the Chinese Relief Expedition of 1900' (e.g., Society of the Cincinnati, Military Order of Foreign Wars, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Army and Navy Union, Sons of the American Revolution), as well as US Government Agency personal decorations(e.g., DOD civilian medals, Homeland Security, NASA, etc.) (DODI1348.33Sec11c).
4. United States civilian unit awards
5. United States Armed Forces campaign and service medals
6. United States Armed Forces service and training awards
7. United States Merchant Marine awards and non-military service awards
8. Foreign military personal decorations
9. Foreign military unit awards
10. International service awards
11. Foreign military service awards
12. United States Armed Forces marksmanship awards
13. United States organization awards, and badges of military societies not included in/defined by 10USC1123 and/or formed after that statute, predominantly in the 20th century and later (after 1907) (e.g., American Legion).
14. United States National Guard personal decorations
15. United States National Guard unit awards
16. United States National Guard campaign and service medals
17. United States National Guard service and training awards
18. Texas Military decorations
19. Texas Military unit awards
20. Texas Military campaign and service awards
21. Texas Military service and training awards

Because Texas National Guard service members are also subject to Title 10 of the United States Code, they are also authorized to wear, and eligible to earn, medals and ribbons of the United States National Guard and United States Armed Forces. Texas State Guard service members who previously earned medals and ribbons of the United States National Guard and United States Armed Forces are authorized to wear them.

The following is a list of medals and ribbons from the Texas Military. They are distinctly categorized by distinguished service and achievement decorations, and general service and achievement awards, which is reflected by the order of precedence. It is generally stated that decorations are conferred and awards are issued.

Because Texas National Guard service members are also subject to Title 10 of the United States Code, they are also authorized to wear, and eligible to earn, Military badges of the United States. Texas State Guard service members who previously earned Military badges of the United States are authorized to wear them.

The following is a list of badges from the Texas Military:

• The Texas Adjutant General's Certificate of Commendation
• Awarded for outstanding achievement or performance of duty when such action or duty is noteworthy. It may be presented to any service member of the Texas Military Forces, or to any employee (civilian or military) of the Texas Military Department. It may also be awarded to a unit/detachment of the Texas Military Forces for outstanding administrative or training achievement performance. The certificate will not be awarded for any acts or performance covered by another award, except that awards in conjunction with retirement may cover the entire period(s) of service in the Texas Military Forces or with the Texas Military Department, regardless of any other awards.
• The Texas Adjutant General's Certificate of Appreciation
• Awarded to any individual, organization, or entity (military or civilian), not a member or part of the Texas National Guard or Texas State Guard, for significant aid, assistance, or support to any part or all of the Texas Military Forces.

{{Main|Hall of Honor (Texas Military)}}

The Hall of Honor was established by the Texas Military Department in 1980 to "recognize outstanding service and leadership" of Texas Military Forces service members operating under state or federal command. As of 2018, it has 120 inductees.{{Cite web|url=https://tmd.texas.gov/hall-of-honor|title=Hall of Honor|website=Texas Military Department|access-date=}}

It is hosted by the Texas Military Forces Museum at Camp Mabry. It is both an exhibit with a digital kiosk that showcases inductee biographies, and an eponymous conference center that may be rented for conventions or banquets. Inductees also receive a trophy, which has varied in type since 1980.

{{Main|Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum}}

The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame was established in 1964 to recognize service members who "significantly contributed to the development of the service or died heroically in the line of duty." As of 2019, it has 31 inductees — 24 of which served under the Texas Military Department.{{Cite web|url=https://www.texasranger.org/texas-ranger-museum/hall-of-fame/|title=Texas Ranger Hall of Fame|last=|first=|date=|website=Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum|access-date=}} The Texas Rangers were a branch of the Texas Military Forces from 1835 to 1935, providing cavalry, special operations, and military police capabilities. Administrative control (ADCON) of the Texas Rangers was transferred from the Texas Military Department to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) in 1935. Under DPS, the Texas Rangers perform duties similar to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for Texas as a State Bureau of Investigation (SBI).

{{Main|Texas State Cemetery}}

The Texas State Cemetery was established by the Fifth Texas Legislature in 1854 as the burial site for General Edward Burleson in Austin. It is considered the "Arlington of Texas." It was extensively expanded after the American Civil War for the burial of 2,000 officers and their wives. It has expanded over the ensuing years for the burial of "prominent" Texans. It is operated by the Texas State Preservation Board but remains predominately occupied by Texas military service members.{{Cite web|url=https://cemetery.tspb.texas.gov/history.asp|title=History of the Texas State Cemetery|website=Texas State Cemetery|access-date=}}

By request of a descendant or estate executor, the Texas Military Department provides any service member of the Texas Military Forces a military funeral and grave marker modeled on the ceremony and style provided to service members of the United States Armed Forces.{{Cite web |date=April 22, 2023 |title=TMD Grave Marker |url=https://tmd.texas.gov/tmd-grave-marker |website=Texas Military Department}} Exact details are outlined in Texas Government Code 437.215. It was established via Texas Senate Bill 1536 sponsored by Senator Leticia Van de Putte on 01 September 2013.{{Cite web |date=April 22, 2013 |title=Senate Bill 1536 |url=https://capitol.texas.gov/billlookup/text.aspx?LegSess=83R&Bill=SB1536 |website=Texas Legislature Online}}

Texas Military Heroes Week is an annual memorial holiday from February 5-11th that encourages "all Texans to recognize and honor those who have secured our freedom throughout the generations and those who are defending it still...During the first full week of February, we honor all who have sacrificed and served on behalf of the Lone Star State. No matter the battle, no matter the branch, no matter the job – they deserve our gratitude and reverence."{{Cite web |last=Abbott |first=Greg |date=January 28, 2023 |title=Governor Abbott Proclaims Texas Military Heroes Week |url=https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-proclaims-texas-military-heroes-week |website=Office of the Texas Governor}} It was established via Executive Proclamation by Commander-in-Chief Greg Abbott on {{date|28 January 2023}}, which replaces Texas Military Heroes Day (aka "Chris Kyle Day") established on {{date|02 February 2016}}.{{Cite web |last=Abbott |first=Greg |date=February 2, 2016 |title=Governor Abbott Declares February 2nd "Texas Military Heroes Day" |url=https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor_abbott_declares_february_2nd_texas_military_heroes_day |website=Office of the Texas Governor}}

Women Veterans Month was established by Greg Abbott on March 1, 2023. It dedicates the month of March to "celebrate the women who have served our nation and to rededicate ourselves to the timeless ideals for which they valiantly fought."{{Cite web |last=Abbott |first=Greg |date=March 1, 2023 |title=Governor Abbott Proclaims March 2023 As Women Veterans Month |url=https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-proclaims-march-2023-as-women-veterans-month |access-date=May 27, 2023 |website=Office of the Texas Governor}}

{{See also|Texas special operations units}}

Special Forces Day is an annual memorial holiday on June 28 that "honors the men and women who have served in the special operations forces..to be regularly observed by appropriate ceremonies." It was established on May 16, 2023, during the Eighty-eighth Texas Legislature in House Bill 2499 sponsored by Cecil Bell and Brandon Creighton.{{Cite web |last=Bell |first=Cecil |date=May 16, 2023 |title=A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT |url=https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/88R/billtext/pdf/HB02499S.pdf |access-date=May 27, 2023 |website=Texas Legislature Online}}

• Texas Meritorious Service Award – presented to civilians, organizations, or non-Texas service members for exceptional service and support to the Texas Military Forces.
• President's Volunteer Service Award – Service (volunteered hours) in the Texas Military Forces are eligible for the President's Volunteer Service Award, a Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Lifetime necklet award.{{Cite web|url=https://tmd.texas.gov/presidents-volunteer-service-award|title=President's Volunteer Service Award|website=Texas Military Department|access-date=}}

The Gonzales Cup is the top award of the Commander's Small Unit Excellence Challenge, an annual, two-day team and individual competition that tests core skills and physical endurance of Texas State Guard service members. It was established in 2013 and its namesake is the Battle of Gonzales.{{Cite web|url=https://tmd.texas.gov/19th-regiment-captures-inaugural-gonzales-cup|title=19th Regiment Captures Inaugural Gonzales Cup|date=March 14, 2013|website=Texas Military Department|access-date=}}

The 300 Club is an unofficial award colloquially referred to by service members who achieve the maximum score of 300 points in the Army Physical Fitness Test. While it is universally recognized among the Texas Army National Guard, Texas Air National Guard, and Texas State Guard, there is no official list that documents its members. It is generally an esprit de corps tradition at the unit level.

Unit level awards that may be worn on a service or duty uniform are authorized as a military tradition in United States Department of the Army Pamphlet regulation 670-1 at the discretion of the commanding officer.

The Honor Graduate award, officially the BG Thomas C. Hamilton Distinguished Honor Graduate and formerly the MG Raymond C. Peters Distinguished Honor Graduate, is the top award of the Texas State Guard Officer Candidate School (OCS). It is awarded to graduates of the Officer Candidate Course (OCC) based on their combined Leadership, Academic, Physical Fitness, and Peer Evaluation performance.{{Cite web|url=https://tmd.texas.gov/texas-state-guard-officer-candidate-school-graduates-seven-junior-officers-from-class-14|title=Texas State Guard Officer Candidate School Graduates Seven Junior Officers from Class 14|website=Texas Military Department|access-date=}}

The award was established in 2003 by COL Mervyn J. Doherty when he established Officer Candidate School. Its first given namesake was the commanding general of the Texas State Guard, MG Raymond C. Peters, in 2009. It was renamed after BG Thomas C. Hamilton in 2014, who redesigned the school in 2010.{{Cite web|url=https://tmd.texas.gov/new-ocs-class-begins|title=New OCS Class Begins|last=Sullivan|first=Michael Quinn|date=November 30, 2011|website=Texas Military Department|access-date=}}

The Crucible MVP award, officially the Final Field Training Exercise Most Valuable Player Award, is the second highest award of the Texas State Guard Officer Candidate School (OCS). It is awarded to candidates of the Officer Candidate Course (OCC) final field training exercise based on their combined Leadership, Academic, and Physical Fitness performance during the exercise.

The award was established in 2014 by CPT H. Lee Burton and its namesake is week 10 of United States Marine Corps Recruit Training, for which the exercise mirrors.

• OCC Leadership Award
• OCC Academic Award
• OCC Physical Training Award
• OCC Crucible Team Award

The Honor Graduate award, officially the COL Stephen B. Springer Academic Excellence Award is the top award of the Texas State Guard Command and General Staff College. It is awarded to graduates based on their academic performance.{{Cite web|url=https://tmd.texas.gov/1st-regiment-texas-state-guard-welcomes-new-commander|title=1st Regiment Texas State Guard Welcomes New Commander|website=Texas Military Department|access-date=}}

The award was established in 2014 by COL Stephen B. Springer when he established the Commander and General Staff College. It was given his namesake in 2015.

Texas Military Department Awards:

• Adjutant’s General’s Staff Identification Badge was replaced by the Texas Military Forces Joint Staff Badge on 01 August 2009.

• Texas National Guard:
• Texas National Guard Medal of Merit
• Texas National Guard Mexican War Service Medal
• Texas National Guard Outstanding Service Medal
• Texas National Guard Provost Marshal Section Ribbon
• Texas National Guard State Guard Civil Defense Ribbon
• Texas State Guard:
• Special Operations Tab (for Quick Response Teams, 2009–2014){{Cite web|url=https://www.txsg.state.tx.us/Data/Sites/1/txsgdocs/factsheeets/txsg_fs_03-11.pdf|title=Fact Sheet Army Component|website=Texas State Guard|url-status=dead|access-date=|archive-date=2018-10-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181017120821/http://www.txsg.state.tx.us/Data/Sites/1/txsgdocs/factsheeets/txsg_fs_03-11.pdf}}
• Small Arms Marksmanship Ribbon
• Marksmanship Qualification Badge
• Occupational Badges:
• (a) Command and Control (b) Law Enforcement/Security Forces (c) Enlisted Medical (d) Medical Corps (e) Medical Services/Biomedical Sciences (f) Nurse (g) Material Acquisition (h) Chaplain (all denominations) (i) Chaplain Services (j) Communications/Computer Systems (k) Information Management (l) Judge Advocate (m) Logistics (n) Personnel and Manpower Management (o) Operations Support (p) Public Affairs (q) Paralegal (r) Services (s) Supply
• Spur Walk, also known as Operation Heavy METL, is a 24hr, 18-mile team competition that consists of land navigation, leadership reaction tasks, obstacle course, and mission skills. Service members who earn enough points are awarded silver spurs. It was established in 2008 and its namesake is the Order of the Spur, for which the competition mirrors.{{Cite web |date=27 March 2015 |title=Spur Walk |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/texasmilitaryforces/22393334362/ |access-date= |website=Flickr, Texas Military Department}} It was discontinued in 2019.

• Texas Military Forces
• Texas Military Department
• List of conflicts involving the Texas Military
• Awards and decorations of the Texas government
• Awards and decorations of the United States Armed Forces

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Category:Texas Military Forces

Category:Texas Military Department