Unit citation explained

A unit citation is a formal, honorary mention by high authority of a military unit's specific and outstanding performance, notably in battle.

Similar mentions can also be made for individual soldiers.

Alternatively or concurrently, the unit can be awarded an honorary title, a mention on the flag or a decoration.

In France, since 1916, the fourragère (an ornamental colored cord) is worn on the uniform by the members of a unit which had received several citations. This tradition has since spread to other countries.

Unit citations by country

Australia

• • • Unit Citation for Gallantry Meritorious Unit Citation Group Bravery Citation – civilian award

Belgium

• Croix de guerre WWII version (also an individual award)

Canada

• Commander-in-Chief Unit Commendation (combat zone)
• Canadian Forces' Unit Commendation (non-combat zone)

France

• Légion d'honneur (also an individual award)
• Ordre de la Libération (also an individual award)
• Médaille militaire (also an individual award)

India

• Chief of Air Staff’s citation - for Indian Air Force units
• President's Colour Award - the award of Military colours, standards and guidons to Indian Armed Forces units

Luxembourg

• Luxembourg War Cross (also an individual award)

Netherlands

• Military William Order (also an individual award)

Philippines

• • Philippine Presidential Unit Citation Barangay Presidential Unit Citation Badge
• various single incident commemorative unit citations/badges.

Portugal

• War Cross (also an individual award)

South Vietnam

• • Republic of Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation (also an individual award)
• Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation (also an individual award)

United States

Military (in order of precedence)

Others (alphabetical)

• Coast Guard Bicentennial Unit Commendation (United States Coast Guard)
• Merchant Marine Gallant Ship Citation (United States Merchant Marine)
• National Intelligence Meritorious Unit Citation (United States Intelligence Community)
• NGA Meritorious Unit Award (National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency), and its predecessor the NIMA Meritorious Unit Award (National Imagery and Mapping Agency)
• NOAA Unit Citation Award (NOAA Corps)
• Public Health Service Commissioned Corps:
  • 3 levels-PHS Presidential Unit Citation, PHS Outstanding Unit Citation, PHS Unit Commendation.
  • Also the PHS Bicentennial Unit Commendation Award
• Secretary of Transportation Outstanding Unit Award (Department of Transportation, also a pre-2003 award of the United States Coast Guard)
• Unit Award for Excellence of Service (United States Department of the Interior)

Further, there are various unit awards of the National Guard, state defense forces, and auxiliaries like the Civil Air Patrol and Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Sources and references

• Nouveau Petit Larousse Illustré, 1951 (in French)