Presidential Unit Citation

The Presidential Unit Citation (PUC) is the highest collective award within the U.S. Armed Forces. It is awarded to units for extraordinary heroism during actions against an armed enemy.

To qualify for this award, the performance of the entire unit must be comparable to the degree of bravery for which an individual soldier would receive the Distinguished Service Cross.

Key Features

• Design: For the Army, the award consists of a solid blue ribbon (ultramarine) in a gold frame with a laurel leaf motif.
• History: Established in 1942 as the Distinguished Unit Citation; in 1966, the name was changed to the current title.
• Wearing: In the U.S. Army, the award is worn above the right breast pocket.
• Permanent vs. Temporary: Soldiers who were part of the unit during the action in question may wear the award permanently. Soldiers who join the unit later wear it only temporarily, for as long as they serve with that unit.

Notable Recipients

The 101st Airborne Division (for the defense of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge).

The 442nd Regimental Combat Team (the most decorated unit in American history).

Recent awards include units involved in the evacuation of Kabul Airport in 2021.

Manufacturer: GRACO-GI