This listing is for a two-medal U.S. Army boxed pair — the Meritorious Service Medal on red-with-white-edges ribbon and the Army Commendation Medal ("FOR MILITARY MERIT") on green-with-white-stripes ribbon — each presented in its original blue United States of America hardshell case with matching ribbon bar. Suitable for collectors of U.S. Army mid-career service decorations, original presentation-case medals, and Army Commendation / Meritorious Service Medal sets.
📅 ERA & HISTORICAL CONTEXTThe Army Commendation Medal (instituted 1945) recognizes meritorious service or achievement and is the most-issued Army mid-career decoration. The Meritorious Service Medal (instituted 1969) is the next step up — recognizing outstanding non-combat meritorious achievement, typically awarded to senior NCOs and officers. Together they represent a typical mid-to-senior Army career achievement set. Both medals here are presented in the U.S. government-issue blue hardshell case marked "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" — the standard original presentation packaging.
🔍 NOTESYes. Both medals are recognizable mid-career U.S. Army decorations, and original blue presentation cases are how the medals were issued at award. The pair gives a buyer two separate displayable medals plus the ribbon bars that accompany them on the dress uniform — efficient way to start an Army-medal collection.
❓ COMMON QUESTIONSWhat era and branch is this from?
United States Army, post-1969 (Meritorious Service Medal authorization date).
How rare is this piece?
Both medals are common individually; matched pairs in the original blue U.S.-issued presentation cases (with their ribbon bars) are noticeably less common because cases typically deteriorate or get separated from the medal.
Is this a good item to start a collection with?
Yes — two distinct Army medals with ribbon bars and original cases in one purchase.
Established US military collectibles seller since 2010 — 3,000+ items sold, 100% positive response. Every item described accurately and shipped securely.
