Anodized medals are not typically issued by the military as part of the formal award. They are exact replicas of the Department of Defense’s regulation medals - manufactured, however, with a special gold leaf-like finish for a shimmering and polished appearance. Anodized medals are authorized for wear on uniforms in various situations specified by the requisite branch of service's regulations and also by command directives.

Note: For each individual award’s criteria, check the appropriate branch of service medals category.