If you've ever walked by a service member wearing their full dress uniform, chances are you've wondered what the colorful ribbons or medals on their jacket mean.

There are literally hundreds of military awards and decorations – each with their own significance, criteria and history – across all of the different branches of the U.S. military. Although some of these awards are easier to identify than others, here are six important medals of America that you can easily spot with a quick glance...