勋章
xūn zhāng · HSK 7
medal
🎖️ 勋 = merit/achievement + 章 = badge/emblem, so a merit-badge = a medal
勋 means meritorious service and 章 is a badge, seal, or emblem. Put them together and you get the badge awarded for merit: a medal or decoration. The 章 here is the same one in 文章 and 图章 (stamp/seal).
章 — 立 stand + 早 early; or 音 sound + 十 ten
Originally depicted a complete musical composition, analyzed as 音 (sound) plus 十 (ten, marking completion). From 'finished melody' it extended to 'a chapter, section, or composition,' then to 'pattern, rules, or insignia.' Modern uses include chapters in books and official seals.