noun
An official honor awarded by a state or organization, such as a medal or order of merit.
彼は長年の功績で勲章を受けた。
He received a decoration for his many years of service.
Standard kanji spelling for a medal or order of merit.
メダル is a general term for a medal, often in sports or commemorative contexts, while 勲章 specifically refers to an official order or decoration of honor.
Compound of 勲 (merit, distinguished service) and 章 (badge, emblem). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the spelling is conventionally associated with the meaning of an official honor.