decoration vs medal

decoration and medal both are nouns.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
decoration	Yes	No	No	No
medal	Yes	No	No	No

As nouns, decoration and medal are synonyms defined as:

decoration and medal: an award for winning a championship or commemorating some other event

Other synonyms of decoration include laurel wreath, medallion, palm, ribbon.

decoration (noun)	medal (noun)
the act of decorating something (in the hope of making it more attractive)	an award for winning a championship or commemorating some other event
something used to beautify
an award for winning a championship or commemorating some other event