Unified Scoring Matrix — USM-25
The complete scoring methodology used to rank decorated military heroes
1. Base Medal Values
Medal of Honor100 pts
Service Cross (DSC, Navy Cross, Air Force Cross)75 pts
Distinguished Service Medal30 pts
Silver Star30 pts
Distinguished Flying Cross20 pts
Bronze Star with Valor10 pts
Purple Heart5 pts
Air Medal with Valor5 pts
Other U.S. Valor Medals5 pts
Foreign Valor MedalUp to 20 pts
2. Bonuses and Multipliers
Multiple AwardsFull point value × count
Valor Clusters+2 pts per V device
Combat Theater Bonus+5 pts per distinct war/theater
Combat Leadership Bonus+10 pts for unit-level command in combat
Survival / POW Heroism Bonus+15 pts for extended captivity, escape, or leadership under torture
Wounds Bonus+2 pts per additional Purple Heart beyond the first
3. Combat Achievement Modifier
Aviation — kills beyond 5+5 pts per confirmed kill
Aviation — defining missions+10 pts per mission
Submarine — ships sunk beyond 5+5 pts per ship
Submarine — extreme risk missions+10 pts per mission
Surface/Naval — major engagements+5 pts per engagement
Surface/Naval — conspicuous bravery+10 pts
4. Cumulative Recognition
Multi-service or multi-war service+5% bonus to total
"Most decorated" titles or Congressional recognition+10 pts flat
5. Ranking Rules
All totals rounded to nearest 5 pts
Tie-breaker 1: Highest single award
Tie-breaker 2: Total combat tours
Tie-breaker 3: Wounds sustained
About This Matrix
The Unified Scoring Matrix (USM-25) is a standardized framework designed to objectively assess and rank military heroes based on their documented awards, combat service, and recognized achievements. The matrix was developed to provide a transparent, academically defensible methodology for comparing decorated service members across different eras, branches, and conflicts. All scores are computed automatically from verified award records.