The Various Types of NATO Medals

Paul Camara heads Axion Specialty Contracting in Brooklyn, Connecticut, where he delivers client-focused solutions. Committed to serving his country, Paul Camara served as Massachusetts National Guard section chief for 8 years and earned the NATO Medal for Service in 1997.

An international military decoration, the NATO Medal is distributed to various militaries worldwide under the authority of North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Through 2022, there have been 12 distinct versions of the medal awarded. Some are no longer awarded, including medals for service in Yugoslavia, Kosovo, and Macedonia, as well as two Non-Article 5 medals.

The medals currently awarded include Non-Article 5 medals for the Balkans and an Article 5 medal for Operation Active Endeavour. Article 5 medals indicate work in operations triggered by the principle of collective defense. This involves actions when a NATO member nation comes under attack by a non-member nation. Countries that are part of NATO include the US and Canada, as well as much of Europe and Turkey.

One additional award, the NATO Meritorious Service Medal, was established in 2003 as a way of recognizing those whose efforts have gone “beyond the call of duty.” This medal may be awarded to both civilian and military staff members and may be worn on US military uniforms.