Military medal ribbons are small pieces of colored ribbon that are attached to the medals awarded to members of the armed forces to denote specific achievements or honors. Each ribbon represents a different medal or award, and the arrangement and combination of these ribbons can provide information about a service member's accomplishments and recognitions.

Here are some common military medal ribbons and their associated awards (please note that specific ribbons and awards may vary by country and military branch):

Purple Heart Ribbon: Awarded to members of the U.S. armed forces who are wounded or killed in action.

Medal of Honor Ribbon: The highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is presented for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life, above and beyond the call of duty.

Bronze Star Ribbon: Awarded for heroic or meritorious achievement or service in a combat zone.

Silver Star Ribbon: Awarded for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States.

Distinguished Service Cross Ribbon: Second-highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States Army for extreme gallantry and risk of life in actual combat with an armed enemy force.

Distinguished Flying Cross Ribbon: Awarded to any officer or enlisted member of the U.S. armed forces who distinguishes themselves in support of operations by "heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight."

Air Medal Ribbon: Awarded to U.S. military and civilian personnel for single acts of heroism or meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight.

Navy Cross Ribbon: Second-highest award in the U.S. military given for valorous actions in combat.

Distinguished Service Medal Ribbon: Awarded for exceptionally meritorious service to the government of the United States in a duty of great responsibility.

Defense Meritorious Service Medal Ribbon: Awarded to members of the U.S. military who perform non-combat meritorious achievement or service while assigned to a joint activity.

Good Conduct Medal Ribbon: Awarded to any active-duty enlisted member of the U.S. military who completes three consecutive years of "honorable and faithful service."

National Defense Service Medal Ribbon: Awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during periods of conflict.

Global War on Terrorism Service Medal Ribbon: Awarded for support of operations to counter terrorism.

Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal Ribbon: Awarded for participation in "any military campaign of the United States for which no other service medal is authorized."

Vietnam Service Medal Ribbon: Awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces for service in Vietnam and contiguous waters or airspace after July 3, 1965.

These are just a few examples, and there are many more ribbons representing various awards, campaigns, and service periods. Keep in mind that each country's military will have its own set of medals and ribbons with specific criteria for eligibility and award.