JESUS MANUEL ORNELAS, SFC ARMY RETIRED
December 7th, 1947 - March 24th, 2010

ARCOM - Army Commendation Medal Ribbon

Awarded by local commanders for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service, for actions where such performance was in direct contact with an enemy force.

The Bronze/Silver Oak Leaf Cluster means multiple bestowals. A single bronze leaf means a second metal has been awarded and a second bronze leaf means a third and so on. At the sixth award, a single silver leaf replaces four bronze leafs.

AGCM - Army Good Conduct Metal

Awarded to any enlisted member of the United States Army who completes three consecutive years of "honorable and faithful service.”

The Bronze/Silver Good Conduct Knot Device also means multiple bestowals. A single silver knot means 6 awards.

NDSM - National Defense Service Medal Ribbon

"Awarded to anyone who serves on active duty in the United States military during a designated time period. In the fifty years since the creation of the National Defense Service Medal, it has been authorized for the following time periods; June 27, 1950 to July 27, 1954 for service during the Korean War; January 1, 1961 to August 14, 1974 for service during the Vietnam War; August 2, 1990 to November 30, 1995 for service during the Gulf War; September 11, 2001 to a date yet-to-be-determined for service during the War on Terrorism."

VSM - Vietnam Service Medal Ribbon

"Awarded to any service member who served more than thirty consecutive days, or 60 non-consecutive days, in the Republic of Vietnam between the dates of 1961-11-15 and 1973-03-28, and from 29 April 1975 to 30 April 1975."

The Bronze Star is a "service star, also referred to as a battle star, campaign star, or engagement star, is an attachment to a military decoration which denotes participation in military campaigns or multiple bestowals of the same award. Service stars are typically issued for campaign medals, service medals, ribbon awards, and certain military badges. Service stars are different from award stars, which are issued for multiple awards of meritorious and combat decorations."

HSM - Humanitarian Service Medal Ribbon

"Awarded to any member of the United States military (including Reserve and National Guard members) who distinguish themselves by meritorious participation in specified military acts or operations of a humanitarian nature."

NCOPDR - Army NCO Professional Development Ribbon

"Awarded for completion of any of the prescribed U.S. Army non-commissioned officer development courses. The first award of the ribbon is issued for completion of the Warrior Leader's Course (WLC) – formerly called the "Primary Leadership Development Course" or “PLDC.” When an Army NCO completes additional schooling (such as the Basic NCO Course, Advanced NCO Course, or First Sergeant's Course), the ribbon is issued with a bronze numeral."

ASR - Army Service Ribbon

"Awarded to any member of the U.S. Army (including Reserve and National Guard components) who have completed initial entry training – defined as any training or instruction course completed immediately upon entry into the United States Army."

OSR - Overseas Service Ribbon

"Awarded to any member of the United States Army completing a standard overseas tour of duty. Such tours are normally for two to three years and must be served outside the contiguous United States, including Alaska and Hawaii."

The Bronze numeral 3 denotes 4 tours of duty overseas.

RVN - Republic of Vietnam Service Ribbon

"A military award of South Vietnam established in 1966. Awarded to any member of the United States military who completed at least six months of duty in the Republic of Vietnam between the dates of March 1, 1961 and March 28, 1973."

RVN - Republic of Vietnam (RVN) Gallantry Cross Unit Citation – Army Frame

"Awarded to military units in the name of the former South Vietnam to any military unit having distinguished itself to the same level as would be required for the individual award. For qualification, the unit award recognizes those military commands having performed deeds of valor or who have displayed heroic conduct while fighting an enemy force."

APUC - Army Presidential Unit Citation

"Awarded to U.S. Army units and allies for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy on or after December 7, 1941 (marking the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and the U.S. entrance into World War II). The unit must display such gallantry, determination, and esprit de corps in accomplishing its mission under extremely difficult and hazardous conditions so as to set it apart from and above other units participating in the same campaign."

AMUC - Army Meritorious Unit Citation

Awarded to any U.S. Army command displaying exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service, heroic deeds, or valorous actions. The Army Meritorious Unit Citation was originally established in 1944 as the "Meritorious Service Unit Plaque". On April 6, 1966, it was changed to a personal decoration, for wear on a uniform, with the ribbon established as a patch of scarlet worn inside a gold frame.

DM - Driver and Mechanic Badge

"Awarded to Army personnel who have received driver or mechanic MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) training, and who have subsequently qualified to operate military motor vehicles."

Source - www.usamilitarymetals.com
Source Pictures - His Uniform
Source - His DD-214