Decorations have an ancient history. The early Greeks awarded laurel wreaths to athletes, and Alexander the Great rewarded military service with golden buttons. Victorious Roman generals wore crowns.

In the early years of the United States, few decorations or medals were awarded; the American people generally considered them to be undemocratic in nature, symbols of European monarchies. It was not until World War I that the United States armed forces awarded decorations and medals on a large scale.