The Order of Saint George Medallion is the top award given to members of the Army's mounted force by the United States Armor Association of the United States Army. The award is issued as a black, bronze, silver, or gold medallion, depending on the recipient's eligibility. , a total of 76 Gold OSGs and 4 Gold NPAs had been awarded, and a total of just over 10,000 medallions of all types.
History
The United States Armor Association began its awards program in 1986 and added the black medallion in 2008. It is named in honor of Saint George, who is the patron of mounted warriors and is often depicted on horseback. The Saint George Award program provides the mounted force with a way to recognize outstanding performers, their spouses and Armor Force supporters. The Black Medallion is awarded to junior officers as well as junior NCOs and the very best and extraordinary performing enlisted soldiers. The Bronze Medallion is presented to officers who have successfully completed a successful armor company or cavalry troop command or officers who completed a successful armor battalion, cavalry squadron, or brigade command. It should only be awarded once, so an officer who has a successful battalion command after receiving the award as a captain should not receive it again. The Bronze Medallion is also awarded to senior NCOs for exemplary performance as a platoon sergeant, company/troop first sergeant, or battalion/squadron/brigade/division command sergeant major. The Silver Medallion is only presented to officers or NCOs who reach retirement or serve beyond the branch while maintaining bronze level qualification in all levels of authority. As such, this level defines the difference between the best of the professional career armor/cavalry soldiers and the best of the citizen-soldier armor/cavalrymen who were top performing leaders but do not make the army a career. The Gold Medallion is presented as a special-level award that recognizes amazing service to the army and the branch beyond military service or as a civilian or policymaker. While military service can greatly enhance a nomination for this level, it is not enough of a qualification by itself. Some Gold OSG recipients include: GEN James H. Polk, GEN Donn Starry, GEN Bruce C. Clark, GEN William A. Knowlton, GEN Glenn K. Otis, GEN Michael S. Davison, MG George S. Patton IV, GEN Gordon R. Sullivan, SMA Jack Tilley, GEN Frederick M. Franks, & SMA Kenneth O. Preston.
Eligibility
Recipients of the Saint George Award must be members of the United States Armor Association and they must be nominated by another qualified member. Black and Bronze Medallions are approved by the first qualified O-5 battalion/squadron commander in the soldier's chain of command. Silver Medallions are approved by the first qualified O-6 or above, depending on the recipient's rank and position.
