This list is done as per request of Art and posted for all to see.

It serves as an official guideline to what medals are legitimate and what their abbreviations would be within ID lines.  This list will be updated as new medals are approved into existence.  This list will also always supersede the wiki as to information about the medals.

Standard Naval Awards

• Merit Awards
  • Imperial Grand Cross
    • The Imperial Grand Cross is the highest honor a member can obtain in the Vast Empire Navy. Recipients of the Grand Cross have demonstrated acts of ultimate bravery in the face of the enemy, performed constant service above and beyond the call of duty, and have significantly improved the entire fleet through their direct actions. Examples of such service would be to personally introducing an aspect to the fleet which proves to be instrumental in its growth or function overall. This medal can only be awarded by the Head of the High Council and the Naval Commander in Chief.
    • Abbreviation: [IGC]
  • Knight's Cross
    • The Knight's Cross is the second greatest honor a member can reasonably hope to achieve. Awarded to officers for constant long term extraordinary service and exceptional loyalty to the fleet, it is not given lightly. Exceptional Command Officers and Ship Captains will most often be the recipients of this medal, but not necessarily. Winners of the Knight's Cross most often are leaders who go beyond the line of duty in helping those in their unit and in the navy as a whole.  These officers are the ones who are instrumental in stimulating members to reach new heights in achievement and activity.  Each subsequent award upgrades the decorations. This medal can only be awarded by the Head of the High Council and the Naval Commander in Chief.
    • Decorations: Oak Cluster, Silver Swords, Diamond Eyes
    • Abbreviations: [KC], [KC:OC], [KC:SS], [KC:DE]
  • Imperial Navy Cross
    • The Imperial Navy Cross dates back to the glorious days of the Emperor, when extraordinary Admirals were awarded by a Grand Admiral or the Emperor himself! This prestigious medal is award to Naval Officers of the highest caliber whom have demonstrated flawless leadership, loyalty, service, and honor to their fleet and their men. This historical medal reflects the pride of the Imperial Navy and those who wear it are the best the empire has to offer. This medal can only be awarded by the Head of the High Council and the Naval Commander in Chief.
    • Abbreviation: [INC]
  • Iron Cross
    • The Iron Cross is awarded to members who have shown a long history of dedicated commitment and loyalty to the Vast Empire Navy while greatly improving the fleet. The acts of service must have been so notable and so extraordinary as to set the individual apart from his or her comrades. This medal can be awarded only by the Naval Commander in Chief or Executive Officer.  Usually, those who have been awarded the Iron Cross have served in the navy for a significant period of time, have had very high personal activity, and have inspired those around them to reach new heights.  Compared to the upper echelon of medals, this is the intermediate award for this kind of achievement with those who have done even more, for a longer period of time, being eligible for the honour of the Knight's Cross or even the Imperial Grand Cross.
    • This medal has two classes, with first class being a higher honor than second class, but is not an upgrade to the second class.
    • Abbreviations: [IC1], [IC2]
  • Navy Defense Medal
    • Holders Navy Defense Medal are officers that, through their direct action, have improved the fleet and provided ideal leadership to those under their command. Any recipient of this award has proven their dedication and loyalty to the fleet through valorous deeds and command consistently, and by doing so, has strengthened the fleet as a whole.  Holders of this medal often have distinguished themselves above and beyond all expectations in external competitions and thus have represented the Vast Empire, and the Navy in particular, heroically.  This medal can be awarded for inter-divisional competitions as well.
    • Abbreviation: [NDM]
  • Distinguished Service Medal
    • The Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to those officers who have shown consistent, exceptional AND innovative service in their assigned function. Recipients are fearless leaders whose invention, excellence, and outstanding contributions have made the Vast Empire great. This medal may be awarded by any Command Officer or Flotilla Commander.  Preference is given to members who not only distinguish themselves consistently over the long-term, but also are instrumental in inspiring others to serve with distinction and achieve more than they have before.
    • Abbreviation: [DSM]
  • Legion of Merit
    • Awarded to any member who has distinguished himself or herself by exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements. This medal can be awarded by all Naval Command Officers and Ship Captains.
    • Abbreviation: [LoM]
  • Artiste Medallion
    • Awarded for exceptional service to the navy in terms of graphical contributions.
    • Abbreviation: [AM]
  • Star of Valor
    • An award made to those who show truly outstanding achievement and extraordinary service. This will typically be an award for to a member for aiding their superior officers in their duties. This medal can be awarded by Wing Commandes and above.  Examples of extraordinary achievement include organizing
      long-term squadron events that improve activity, completing significant work on a website, exemplary participation in a competition, and strong long-term activity, particularly in the face of challenges.
    • Abbreviation: [SoV]
  • Victory Cross
    • The Victory Cross is awarded for mission creation, fiction, and other contributions which significantly shape the Vast Empire Navy and its activities. Each subsequent award upgrades the trim of the cross, with the highest upgrade being Victory Cross with Ebony Trim. This may be awarded by Squadron Commanders.
    • Trims: Blue, Silver, Gold, Ebony
    • Abbreviation: [VC:B] [VC:S] [VC:G] [VC:E]
  • Cross of Bravery
    • The Cross of Bravery is a merit for those pilots who have repeatedly shown extreme dedication and loyalty to a Squadron or Wing over a long period of time and are consistently contributing new ideas for the Squadron or Wing. It may also be awarded for participating in fleet competitions. This medal can be awarded by Squadron Commanders.
    • Can be awarded pips.  Each pip is signified by a small picture of the medal on the black ribbon.
    • Abbreviation: [CBV]
      • Pips may be represented with colons (:) or periods (.) as follows: [CBV.], [CBV:], [.CBV.], [:CBV:]
  • Merit Cross
    • The basic merit award of the Vast Empire Navy, it can be awarded for any outstanding service. This medal can be awarded by Flight Leaders.
    • This medal has two classes, with first class being a higher honor than second class, but is not an upgrade to the second class.
    • Abbreviations: [MC1], [MC2]
• Academy Awards
  • Star of the Academy
    • Award to those members who show exemplary proficiency in making themselves pilots of the Vast Empire Navy.  To become eligible for this award, the recruit must complete their Basic Training in under three days.  From there, if they manage to pass their Aviator's Exam (AE) with distinction within the first week of being assigned to a squadron as well as shown other attributes that are beyond exemplary, they will be given the 'Star of the Academy' at the earliest convenience.  If nothing else, this award serves as a sign to superiors that they have a worthy individual on their hands that is well on his way to the next rank. 
    • Abbreviation: [SoA]
  • Noble Service Medal
    • To those in the Vast Empire Naval Academy Staff, there is little reward; they are asked to do what they do with little thanks.  However, for those Staffers who are able to rise above the rest and single-handedly make the entire system more efficient through their activity and actions alone, this award is given, noting superior and noble service to the training process and those members who pass through the academy.
    • Abbreviation: [NSM]
• Campaign Ribbons
  • Last Man Standing Competition
    • Naval Efficiency Ribbon
      • Awarded to the Squadrons whom participated in the Last Man Standing Competition, but did not manage top placing.
      • Abbreviation: [NER]
    • Legion of the Tiger
      • Awarded to the Squadrons whom participated in the Last Man Standing Competition and achieved top placement.
      • Abbreviation: [LoT]
    • Eye of the Tiger
      • Awarded to the top two pilots in the Last Man Standing Competion, the normal variation to the second place pilot, and the Emerald Claw variation to the first place pilot.
      • Abbreviations: [EoT], [EoT:EC]
• Commendations
  • Recruitment Commendation
    • Award to members who recruit new pilots into the Vast Empire Fleet. To show gratitude to those who introduce new members, the Naval Commander in Chief wishes to reward those who look to expand the fleet.
    • Abbreviations and Criteria:
      • Bronze [BRC] 1 member recruited
      • Silver [SRC] 5 members recruited
      • Gold [GRC] 10 members recruited
      • Platinum [PRC] 25 members recruited
      • Emerald [ERC] 50 members recruited
      • Diamond [DRC] 100+ members recruited
  • Writing Commendation
    • Award to members in recognition of their career achievement in writing.  While the Victory Cross is rewarded for excellent activity or high quality writing over a short-term period, this award recognizes what a pilot has done throughout their career and its increasing levels serve as a reminder to the contribution that each person's writing has to overall navy activity.  This commendation may be awarded by the Naval Commander in Chief or another officer.
    • Abbreviations and Criteria:
      • Bronze [BWC] 25 career posts
      • Silver [SWC] 50 career posts
      • Gold [GWC] 100 career posts
      • Platinum [PWC] 200 career posts
      • Emerald [EWC] 300 career posts
      • Ruby [RWC] 400 career posts
      • Diamond [DWC] 500 career posts
  • Crusader's Laurel
    • Bequeathed to pilots who are veterans in battle and have engaged in and won numerous skirmishes and engagements (official multiplayer games).
    • Abbreviations and Criteria
      • Crusader's Laurel First Level: [CL-1] - 10 wins
      • Crusader's Laurel Second Level: [CL-2] - 25 wins
      • Crusader's Laurel Third Level: [CL-3] - 50 wins
      • Crusader's Laurel Fourth Level: [CL-4] - 100 wins
      • Crusader's Laurel Fifth Level: [CL-5] - 150 wins
      • Crusader's Laurel Sixth Level: [CL-6] - 200 wins
      • Crusader's Laurel Seventh Level: [CL-7] - 250 wins
      • Crusader's Laurel Eighth Level: [CL-2] - 300 wins
  • Good Conduct Medal
    • The Good Conduct Medal is awarded to any member who either does not partake in a on-line argument/fight (including extreme violations of IRC code of conduct and bylaws) while at the same time reporting the problem to the appropriate personal or has shown exceptional kindness and empathy to members over a long period of time. This medal may only be awarded by the Naval Commander in Chief or a High Council Officer.
    • Abbreviation: [GCM]
  • Internal/External Security Award
    • An Officer presenting a breach in internal or external security (code of conduct included) to the Naval Commander in Chief may be the recipient of this honorable award.
    • Abbreviations: [ISA], [ESA]
  • Exhausted Efforts Award
    • Not able to find the criteria for this.  I can guess what's it for, but rather have an official description.
    • Abbreviation: [EEA]
  • Letter of Commendation
    • The Letter of Commendation is given to all officers that submit an article for the newsletter. This can only be given once.
    • Abbreviation: [LoC]
• Service Ribbons
  • Naval Service Ribbon
    • This ribbon is awarded to members whom provide dedicated service to the navy, awarded first at 6 months, one year, two years, and so forth from the member's join date.  Each higher tier ribbon replaces the former.
    • Abbreviations and Criteria:
      • Half Year Service Ribbon: [NS-H]
      • One Year Service Ribbon: [NS-1]
      • Two Year Service Ribbon: [NS-2]
      • Three Year Service Ribbon: [NS-3]
      • Four Year Service Ribbon: [NS-4]
      • Five Year Service Ribbon: [NS-5]
      • Six Year Service Ribbon: [NS-6]
      • Seven Year Service Ribbon: [NS-7]
      • Eight Year Service Ribbon: [NS-8]
• Unit Citations
  
  • Victory Banner
    • This Citation is awarded by the Naval Commander in Chief to the Ship and its Squadrons that have shown themselves to be superior to all others in the Fleet. The Naval Commander in Chief will allow one Ship within the Fleet the honor of carrying his personal Banner for the next year. The award of the Naval Commander in Chief's Banner entails a time-honored Imperial Naval ceremony and is considered a great honor by the Ship that earns it. This "Citation" will be made only by the Naval Commander in Chief on an annual basis.
    • Abbreviation: [VB]
  • Captain's Own
    • This Citation is given by a Captain of a Ship to a Squadron that has shown itself worthy of such an honor. This award can be given as often as monthly and the squadron that receives it earns the right to call itself "The Captain's Own".
    • Abbreviation: [CO]
  • Imperial Guardian
    • This highly honorable award is given to a single pilot every month for valorous deeds, dedicated services, and excessive activity by the Naval Commander in Chief. The Pilot wears his honor for a month, and then passes on the medal to the next Guardian, however, the pilot will keep the ribbon as a reminder of his greatness.
    • Abbreviation: [IG]

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High Council Awards

• Medal of Honor
  • The Medal of Honor is awarded to a person who distinguishes himself or herself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in action against an enemy of the Empire; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the Empire is not a belligerent party. The deed performed must have been one of personal bravery or self-sacrifice so conspicuous as to clearly distinguish the individual above his or her comrades and must have involved risk of life. Incontestable proof of the performance of the service will be exacted and each recommendation for the award of this decoration will be considered on the standard of extraordinary merit. The Head of High Council may only bestow this medal/award.
  • Abbreviation: [MoH]
• Star of the Empire
  • The Head of High Council or the Operations Officer may only bestow this medal/award.
  • Abbreviation: [SotE]
• Eagle's Claw Medallion
  • The Head of High Council or the Operations Officer may only bestow this medal/award.
  • Abbreviation: [ECM]
• Spirit of Daala
  • This medal/award may only be bestowed by the Head of High Council or the Vast Empire Ambassador onto members that have led to an alliance or has introduced a new clan or other such group into the Vast Empire.
  • Abbreviation: [SoD]
• Meritorious Service Medal
  • The Meritorious Service Medal is awarded to those members of the Empire who have distinguished themselves by meritorious service or achievement while assigned to a joint activity. A member of the High Council may only bestow this medal/award.
  • Abbreviation: [MSM]
• Valorous Unit Award
  • The Valorous Unit Award is to be awarded to units of the Empire for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the Empire is not a belligerent part for actions. The unit must have performed with marked distinction under difficult and hazardous conditions in accomplishing its mission so as to set it apart from the other units participating in the same conflict. The degree of heroism required is the same as that which would warrant award of the Medal of Honor to an individual. Extended periods of combat duty or participation in a large number of operational missions, either ground or air, is not sufficient. Units that have participated in single or successive actions covering relatively brief time spans will earn this award. It is not reasonable to presume that entire units can sustain Medal of Honor performance for extended time periods under the most unusual circumstances. Only on rare occasions will a unit larger than a battalion qualify for this award. A member of the High Council may only bestow this medal/award.
  • Abbreviation: [VUA]
• Imperial Expeditionary Medal
  • The Imperial Expeditionary Medal may be awarded to members of the Empire who have participated in a campaign in which hostile action by foreign armed forces was imminent even though it does not materialize. A member of the High Council may only bestow this medal/award.
  • Abbreviation: [IEM]
• Good Conduct Award
  • This is awarded for exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity in active Imperial service. It is awarded on a selective basis to each soldier who distinguishes himself from among his/her fellow soldiers by their exemplary conduct, efficiency, and fidelity throughout a specified period of continuous enlisted active military service. A member of the High Council may only bestow this medal/award.
  • Abbreviation: [GCA]

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Special Awards

• Outer Rim War 3
  • Legion of Combat
    • The Legion of Combat is an award created to recognize participation in the Outer Rim War 3.  This medal recognized the number of wins achieved by the participant.
    • Abbreviations and Criteria:
      • Bronze Star (LoC-BS): For winning 25 or more
      • Silver Scimitar (LoC-SS): For winning 50 or more
      • Gold Wings (LoC-GW): For winning 75 or more
      • Ruby Scepter (LoC-RS): For winning 100 or more
      • Emerald Blade (LoC-EB): For winning 125 or more
      • Diamond Dagger (LoC-DD): For winning 150 or more
      • Platinum Lightsaber (LoC-PL): For winning 200 or more
  • Combat Medallion
    • The Combat Medallion was a medal created to recognize achievements in the Outer Rim War 3 external Competition.  This award recognized the number of games each participant played.
    • Abbreviations and Criteria:
      • Bronze Star (CM-BS): For playing 25 or more
        
      • Silver Scimitar (CM-SS): For playing 50 or more
        
      • Gold Wings (CM-GW): For playing 75 or more
        
      • Ruby Scepter (CM-RS): For playing 100 or more
        
      • Emerald Blade (CM-EB): For playing 125 or more
        
      • Diamond Dagger (CM-DD): For playing 150 or more
        
      • Platinum Lightsaber (CM-PL): For playing 200 or more
• Army Awards Obtainable by Naval Members
  • Campaign Ribbons
    • Chapter 8.5, Battle of Hast Shipyards
      • Banner of Hast
        • Awarded to all whom participated in Chapter 8.5
        • Abbreviation: [BoH]
      • Shield of Hast
        • Awarded to those whom went above the call of duty within Chapter 8.5.  This replaces the Banner of Hast.
        • Abbreviation: [SoH]

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Notes

1. The award formerly know as Long Service Award is broken into tiers with the Naval Service Ribbon.
2. The JCAP and SCAP were replaced by the Crusader's Laurel.
3. The Letter of Commendation is also known as the Letter of Recognition on the wiki, and as the Letter of Commendation on the manual.  I determined the manual overruled the wiki and thus it is the Letter of Commendation above.
4. There is an "Honourable Service Award" however no reference is found to it.  Possibly a campaign ribbon.

Post Reserved 2

These will be used for later information.

300 wins check; movement to commendations check as well.

You probably were awarded it with one pip.  Your entry would look like this: [.CBV]

# Cross of Bravery

    * The Cross of Bravery is a merit for those pilots who have repeatedly shown extreme dedication and loyalty to a Squadron or Wing over a long period of time and are consistently contributing new ideas for the Squadron or Wing. It may also be awarded for participating in fleet competitions. This medal can be awarded by Squadron Commanders.
    * Can be awarded pips.  Each pip is signified by a small picture of the medal on the black ribbon.
    * Abbreviation: [CBV]
          o Pips may be represented with colons ( or periods (.) as follows: [CBV.], [CBV:], [.CBV.], [:CBV:]

# Merit Cross

Negative

Levels of the medal (like 2nd class, 1st class, etc).  In this case, the CBV has four levels.  I should check though, it may actually have 5 levels (the first being without pips).

Yes, I agree with Riqimo, I would think this would indicate subsequent awards rather than levels of the award.

I updated the severely outdated Naval Awards & Fleet Medal Board wiki page. Linky.