After the use of campaign and service medals became common, the creation of military commemorative medals by Congress for award to specific individuals diminished, even though they continue to be authorized from time to time. Among the most recent were those authorized by Congress for Generals Colin Powell and Norman Schwartzkopf following the Gulf War against Iraq. However, from time to time Congress also creates military commemorative medals that recognize all individuals who participate some special event or circumstance. The military commemorative medals described in this section do not include those authorized by Congress prior to the Spanish-American War, as those medals are adequately described elsewhere. Perhaps more commemorative medals were established for the Spanish-American War than for any other event.
Some commemorative medals are wearable and have a suspension ribbon just like any other medal.