| Bukōkishō | |
|---|---|
 Bukōshō A-Class or First Class medal | |
| Type | Two-class military award |
| Awarded for | Supreme valor in battle |
| Country |  Empire of Japan |
| Presented by | Rikugun-Shōshō, divisional commander |
| Eligibility | Military personnel only |
| Campaign(s) | Second Sino-Japanese War Pacific War |
| Status | No longer awarded |
| Established | 7 December 1944 |
| Total | 89 |
The Rikugun Bukōkishō (陸軍武功徽章) ("Badge for Military Merit"), commonly called the Bukōshō, was a military decoration of the Empire of Japan, established on 7 December 1944 by Imperial edict. It was awarded by the Imperial Japanese Army (IJA) to living soldiers who had performed with exceptional valor in battle. Airmen, especially fighter pilots defending Japan against enemy bombers, were most likely to win the award. Eighty-nine Bukōshō were awarded during the eight months it was actively awarded.[1]
- ^ Tillman, Barrett (2002). Above and beyond: the aviation Medals of Honor. Smithsonian Institution Press. p. 8. ISBN 1588340562.