A well illustrated and useful resource, this substantial hardback takes the reader from the very first US decorations (the so-called "Andre" Medals of the American Revolution) up to the NASA, Civilian service and Joint Command medals of the 1980s. Dealing with the medals chronologically but principally by type, it puts some context around the proliferation of medals and helpfully relates like to like. Practically every medal mentioned is illustrated, which is helpful, and the illustrations themselves are of good quality. Fairly well-written and in moderate depth, the contextual information about the various batltes and campaignsfor which medals were awarded is very useful and saves it from "dryness". Well worth-while having.