Material: Silk ribbon mounted within gilt metal frame
Size: 35mm w x 15mm h
Description: The ribbon consists of a solid ultramarine blue field mounted within a gold laurel-leaf frame. The laurel border symbolizes honor, victory, and distinguished service, reflecting the exceptional level of heroism required for the award.
Circa: 1942 – present
Notes:
The Presidential Unit Citation (PUC) was established in 1942 during World War II by Franklin D. Roosevelt. It is awarded to units of the United States Army and United States Air Force for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy. The degree of heroism required is considered equivalent to that required for the Distinguished Service Cross, the second-highest U.S. Army decoration for individual valor. Unlike personal decorations, the Presidential Unit Citation is awarded to entire military units whose collective performance displays exceptional gallantry under combat conditions. Members assigned to the unit during the qualifying action are authorized to wear the ribbon. The award was first widely issued during the Second World War to recognize units demonstrating exceptional battlefield performance, including airborne units, infantry regiments, bomber groups, and special operations units. The citation continues to be awarded for distinguished combat service in later conflicts. This ribbon is distinctive because the gold frame is part of the award itself, unlike most ribbon bars where devices or clasps are added separately. The framed design makes the Presidential Unit Citation immediately recognizable on a uniform.