The U.S. Defense Department is expected to announce Wednesday a new medal for drone and cyber war operators who have a direct impact on combat operations from far away, the AP reports:
The Associated Press has learned that the new blue, red and white-ribboned Distinguished Warfare Medal will be awarded to individuals for ‘‘extraordinary achievement’’ related to a military operation that occurred after Sept. 11, 2001. But unlike other combat medals, it does not require the recipient risk his or her life to get it.
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because the announcement had not yet been made.
A recognition of the evolving 21st Century warfare, the medal will be considered a bit higher in ranking than the Bronze Star, but is lower than the Silver Star, defense officials said.
