Which medal is considered to be among lesser decorations?

The Aerial Achievement Medal is recognized as a lesser decoration compared to the others in the list. It is awarded for sustained meritorious service or achievement during aerial flight. This focuses on specific accomplishments rather than overall valor or sacrifice, which are cornerstones of other higher decorations.

In contrast, the Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded for acts of valor in combat, and the Purple Heart is awarded for wounds sustained in battle. The Meritorious Service Medal recognizes outstanding non-combat service, placing it at a higher significance than the Aerial Achievement Medal. As a result, the Aerial Achievement Medal stands out as a lesser decoration, primarily due to the nature of its criteria and the context in which it is awarded.