Mentioned in dispatches

To be mentioned in dispatches (or despatches, MiD) describes a member of the armed forces whose name appears in an official report written by a superior officer and sent to the high command, in which their gallant or meritorious action in the face of the enemy is described.

In some countries, a service member's name must be mentioned in dispatches as a condition for receiving certain decorations.

The is now the fourth level decoration for gallantry.

Commendation for Gallantry

The recognises acts of bravery carried out by soldiers not directly fighting the enemy and by civilians in war or peace.

Commendation for Brave Conduct

The , a third level distinguished service decoration, recognises distinguished general service, for exemplary performance in fields such as training, maintenance and administration.^[12]^[13]

Commendation for Distinguished Service

a bronze star for those who had been mentioned at the or brigade level.

regiment

a silver star for those who had been mentioned at the level.

division

a silver gilt star for those who had been mentioned at the level.

corps

a bronze palm for those who had been mentioned at the level.

army

a silver palm represents five bronze ones.

a silver gilt palm for those who had been mentioned at the level (World War II only).