re: #83 Anymouse

The analogy might be strained, but you can also argue some military medals are a participation medal or ribbon.

I have three Sea Service ribbons, three Overseas Service ribbons, a Meritorious Unit Citation, a Department of Defense Service Medal (given during wartime), and a Battle “E” ribbon. Every one of those are for “being there,” not what job I did. I also have a Cold War certificate.

The only ones I earned through my actions are the Navy Good Conduct medal twice (a pretty low bar, just stay out of trouble), and the Navy Achievement Medal.

Mr. w calls them ‘attaboys’. Is that a common term? His favorite includes the word ‘zeal’.