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A unit citation is a formal, honorary mention by high authority of a military unit's specific and outstanding performance, notably in battle.
Similar mentions can also be made for individual soldiers.
Alternatively or concurrently, the unit can be awarded an honorary title, a mention on the flag or a decoration.
In France, since 1916, the fourragère (an ornamental colored cord) is worn on the uniform by the members of a unit which had received several citations. This tradition has since spread to other countries.

Military (in order of precedence)
| Level | Army | Navy/Marines | Air Force | Coast Guard | Individual equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commander-in-Chief | Presidential Unit Citation | Distinguished Service Cross (Army) Navy Cross Air Force Cross Coast Guard Cross | |||
| Department of Defense | Joint Meritorious Unit Award | Defense Superior Service Medal | |||
| branch-specific awards | Valorous Unit Award | Navy Unit Commendation | Gallant Unit Citation | Coast Guard Unit Commendation | Silver Star (VUA, GUC) Silver Star or Legion of Merit (NUC) Meritorious Service Medal (CGUC) |
| Meritorious Unit Commendation | Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation | Air Force Meritorious Unit Award | Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation | Legion of Merit (MUC, AFMUA) Bronze Star (NMUC) CG Achievement Medal (CGMUC) | |
| Superior Unit Award | none | Air Force Outstanding Unit Award | Meritorious Team Commendation | Commandant's Letter of Commendation (MTC) | |
| Efficiency awards | None | Navy E Ribbon | Organizational Excellence Award | Coast Guard E Ribbon | – |
Others (alphabetical)
Further, there are various unit awards of the National Guard, state defense forces, and auxiliaries like the Civil Air Patrol and Coast Guard Auxiliary.