The round, gold medal bears the words "Defense of Freedom" framing a bald eagle holding a shield, meant to represent "the principles of freedom and the defense of those freedoms upon which our nation is founded, " the Defense Department said.

CNN: Terror victims to receive military, civilian awards

The 16 first-round losers will drop into a separate repechage competition, which will confusingly be known as the Parker Pen Shield.

BBC: Pontypridd's road leads to Rome