A Guide to Major Congressional and
January 28, 2022
Presidential Presidential
February 21, 2023
Awards
Barbara Salazar Torreon
This report is designed to help congressional offices obtain information about
This report is designed to help congressional offices obtain information about
major awardsawards authorized
Senior Research Librarian
Senior Research Librarian
given by Congress and the President. It lists details about the establishment, criteria, selection by Congress and the President. It lists details about the establishment, criteria, selection
process,
process, and presentation of each of the major presidential and congressional awards: and presentation of each of the major presidential and congressional awards:
Congressional Award, Congressional Gold Medal, Medal of Honor, Presidential Citizens Medal, Congressional Award, Congressional Gold Medal, Medal of Honor, Presidential Citizens Medal,
and
and Presidential Medal of Freedom. Brief entries are provided for additional awards. Contact Presidential Medal of Freedom. Brief entries are provided for additional awards. Contact
information is provided as available for the organization responsible for making the award and brief information about an information is provided as available for the organization responsible for making the award and brief information about an
award. References to CRS products on awards are also given. award. References to CRS products on awards are also given.
Congressional Research Service
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A Guide to Major Congressional and Presidential Awards
Contents
Congressional Awards ..................................................................................................................... 1
Congressional Award ................................................................................................................. 1
Congressional Gold Medal ........................................................................................................ 21
Medal of Honor ............................................................................................................................... 2
Presidential Awards ......................................................................................................................... 32
Presidential Medal of Freedom ................................................................................................. 32
Presidential Citizens Medal ....................................................................................................... 3
Executive Office of the President The White House ATTN: Executive Clerk’s Office
Washington, DC 20502 https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/ ............................................. 3
Additional Awards and Medals ................................................................................................. 43
Tables
Table 1. Selected Medals ................................................................................................................. 4
Contacts
Author Information .......................................................................................................................... 5
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A Guide to Major Congressional and Presidential Awards
Congressional Awards
Congressional Award
In 1979, In 1979,
the Congressional Award Act was enacted.1 The act created the Congressional Award Program and the Congressional Award Board.2Congress established the Congressional Award Program.1 The Congressional Award Program is designed to The Congressional Award Program is designed to
promote promote initiative,initiative,
achievement, and excellence among youths in the areas of achievement, and excellence among youths age 14 to 23
“In the areas of public public
service, personal development and physical and expedition fitness. Under the service, personal development and physical and expedition fitness. Under the program program
medals shall be awarded to young people within the United States, aged medals shall be awarded to young people within the United States, aged
fourteen through fourteen through twenty-threetwenty-three
(subject to such exceptions as the Board may (subject to such exceptions as the Board may prescribe), who have satisfied prescribe), who have satisfied
the standards of achievement established by the Board.the standards of achievement established by the Board.
3
When participants fulfill the criteria, the Congressional Award Board issues medals, struck under the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury,4 that “consist of gold-plate over bronze, rhodium over bronze, or bronze.”5 Members of Congress often present the award, when appropriate,6 and the board can provide scholarships to gold, silver, and bronze medal recipients.7”2
Overseen by the Congressional Award Board,3 participants complete a self-designed program in four program areas: voluntary service, personal development, physical fitness, and expedition/exploration. When participants fulfill the criteria, they can earn a Congressional Award Certificate (Bronze, Silver, and Gold) or Medal (Bronze, Silver, and Gold).4 Traditionally, a gold medal ceremony at the U.S. Capitol Traditionally, a gold medal ceremony at the U.S. Capitol
recognizes recipients each year.8 The Congressional Award Program was established in 1979 to promote initiative, achievement, and excellence among youths age 14 to 23. Award recipients complete a self-designed program in four program areas: voluntary service, personal development, physical fitness, and expedition/exploration.9 There is no limit on the number of Congressional Awards given in a year. It is described as “non-partisan, voluntary, and non-competitive.”10 The program is for youth between the ages of 14 and 24, “regardless of ability, circumstances, or socioeconomic status.”11 Program participants can earn a Congressional Award Certificate (Bronze, Silver, and Gold) or Medal (Bronze, Silver, and Gold).12 Senators and Representatives present the awards at local, city, or state ceremonies.
1 P.L. 94-114, 93 Stat. 851 (1979); 2 U.S.C. §§801-808. 2 recognizes recipients each year.5 Additionally, Members of Congress often present the award to constituent participants, when appropriate.6
The foundation may be contacted at:
Washington, DC 20013(888) 80-AWARD; (202) 226-0130 E-mail: information@congressionalaward.org https://www.congressionalaward.org/leadership/
Congressional Gold Medal Congressional Gold Medals are awarded by acts of Congress to express public gratitude for distinguished contributions, highlight the virtues of patriotism, and perpetuate the remembrance of great events. First issued by the Continental Congress to General George Washington,7 the medal is considered one of the highest honors bestowed on behalf of the nation. Congress has awarded a Congressional Gold Medal to recognize a lifetime contribution or a singular
1 The Congressional Award Act, P.L. 96-114; 93 Stat. 851 (1979); 2 U.S.C. §§801-808. 2 2 U.S.C. §802(a). 3 The Congressional Award Act was reauthorized by P.L. 115-268 (132 Stat. 3762 (2018)) through October 1, 2023. The Congressional Award Act was reauthorized by P.L. 115-268 (132 Stat. 3762 (2018)) through October 1, 2023.
The Congressional Award Board consists of 25 members, appointed by the Speaker of the House, the Senate majority The Congressional Award Board consists of 25 members, appointed by the Speaker of the House, the Senate majority
leader, the House minority leader, and the Senate minority leader. 2 U.S.C. §803(a)(1). The Board guides award leader, the House minority leader, and the Senate minority leader. 2 U.S.C. §803(a)(1). The Board guides award
activities through the appointment of a director by majority vote of the Board. In consultation with the board, the activities through the appointment of a director by majority vote of the Board. In consultation with the board, the
director “(1) formulate[s] programs to carry out the policies of the Congressional Award Program; (2) establish[es] director “(1) formulate[s] programs to carry out the policies of the Congressional Award Program; (2) establish[es]
such divisions within the Congressional Award Program as may be appropriate; and (3) employ[es] and provide[s] for such divisions within the Congressional Award Program as may be appropriate; and (3) employ[es] and provide[s] for
the compensation of such personnel as may be necessary to carry out the Congressional Award Program, subject to the compensation of such personnel as may be necessary to carry out the Congressional Award Program, subject to
such policies as the Board shall prescribe under its bylaws.” 2 U.S.C. §804(b). such policies as the Board shall prescribe under its bylaws.” 2 U.S.C. §804(b).
3 2 U.S.C. §802(a). 4 2 U.S.C. §802(f). 5 2 U.S.C. §802(a). 6 2 U.S.C. §802(c). 7 2 U.S.C. §802(d). 84 Congressional Award, “The Program,” at https://www.congressionalaward.org/the-program/. Medals are struck by the Secretary of the Treasury and are considered national medals (2 U.S.C. §802(a) & (f)).
5 Congressional Award, “Gold Medal Ceremony,” Congressional Award, “Gold Medal Ceremony,”
Annual Gold Medal Ceremony, at , at
https://www.congressionalaward.org/events/annual-gold-medal-ceremony. https://www.congressionalaward.org/events/annual-gold-medal-ceremony.
9 Congressional Award, “Gain Inspiration for your goal,” Activities, at https://www.congressionalaward.org/activities. 10 Congressional Award, The Program, at https://www.congressionalaward.org/the-program. 11 Ibid. 12 Ibid.
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The foundation may be contacted at:
Washington, DC 20013(888) 80-AWARD; (202) 226-0130 E-mail: information@congressionalaward.org
Congressional Gold Medal
Congressional Gold Medals are awarded by acts of Congress to express public gratitude for distinguished contributions, highlight the virtues of patriotism, and perpetuate the remembrance of great events. First awarded by the Continental Congress, the Congressional Gold Medal is considered “the nation’s highest civilian award and the most distinguished award” given by the U.S. Congress. In the past, Congress has awarded a Congressional Gold Medal to recognize a lifetime contribution or a singular achievement. The U.S. Mint is statutorily authorized 6 2 U.S.C. §802(c). 7 U.S. Continental Congress, Journals of the Continental Congress: 1774-1789, vol. 4, March 25, 1776, p. 234.
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achievement. Each gold medal authorization requires the U.S. Mint to design to design
and strike each Congressional Gold Medal, and and strike each Congressional Gold Medal, and
often to produce and sell duplicate bronze medals.to produce and sell duplicate bronze medals.
13
An act of Congress, signed by the President, is required to award a Congressional Gold Medal. Each gold medal has historically been authorized through stand-alone legislation. Unless otherwise specified in law, a single gold medal is struck. Individual recipients receive8
Congressional Gold Medals can be awarded to either individuals or groups. When gold medals are awarded to individuals, the individual recipient, or his or her family, receives the gold the gold
medal. medal.
For instances in which a group is honored, a single gold medal is generally minted that is either awarded to the group or placed in a museum for future exhibition. For groups, the statutory authorization often specifies where the gold medal is to be housed after being awarded. In many cases, the Smithsonian Institution receives the medal.14 Additional information on Congressional Gold Medals, including a list of recipients and the Additional information on Congressional Gold Medals, including a list of recipients and the
authorization process, is provided in CRS Report R45101, authorization process, is provided in CRS Report R45101,
Congressional Gold Medals:
Background, Legislative Process, and Issues for Congress.15 9
Medal of Honor
This award,The Medal of Honor is the nation’s highest military honor the nation’s highest military honor
,. It is presented by the President “in the name of is presented by the President “in the name of
Congress,” and Congress,” and
for that reason is sometimes referred to as the Congressional Medal of Honor.is sometimes referred to as the Congressional Medal of Honor.
1610
The Medal of Honor was established by Congress during the Civil War to recognize soldiers who
The Medal of Honor was established by Congress during the Civil War to recognize soldiers who
had distinguished themselves by their gallantry in action. It is the nation’s highest military honor, had distinguished themselves by their gallantry in action. It is the nation’s highest military honor,
awarded for acts of valor that are “above and beyond the call of duty.”awarded for acts of valor that are “above and beyond the call of duty.”
17 11 Recommendations for Recommendations for
the Medal of Honor are generally made by the military commander or others on the scene at the the Medal of Honor are generally made by the military commander or others on the scene at the
time of the act. These recommendations are reviewed by the Department of Defense (DOD), time of the act. These recommendations are reviewed by the Department of Defense (DOD),
which makes the final determination on military awards.which makes the final determination on military awards.
18 12 In addition to the prestige associated with the Medal of Honor, recipients receive additional courtesies and benefits, including a monthly pension of $1,619.34 and access to certain military benefits.13 A detailed history, current procedures for award of the Medal, and a list of privileges afforded to recipients are provided in CRS Report 95-519, Medal of Honor: History and Issues.
Presidential Awards
Presidential Medal of Freedom The Presidential Medal of Freedom is considered the highest civilian award of the United States government. President Truman first awarded the Medal of Freedom to reward war-connected acts or services performed during World War II. It was later re-established by President Kennedy in Executive Order 11085 of February 22, 1963, to recognize persons who have made especiallyIn addition to the prestige associated
138 For example, the U.S. Mint was authorized to sell bronze duplicates of the Congressional Gold Medal for the For example, the U.S. Mint was authorized to sell bronze duplicates of the Congressional Gold Medal for the
Tuskegee Airmen. Full size (3-inch) duplicates were sold for $160 and half-size (1.5 inches) are sold for $20. U.S. Tuskegee Airmen. Full size (3-inch) duplicates were sold for $160 and half-size (1.5 inches) are sold for $20. U.S.
Mint, “Tuskegee Airmen Bronze Medal 3 Inch,” at https://catalog.usmint.gov/tuskegee-airmen-bronze-medal-3-inch-Mint, “Tuskegee Airmen Bronze Medal 3 Inch,” at https://catalog.usmint.gov/tuskegee-airmen-bronze-medal-3-inch-
903.html ; and U.S. Mint, “Tuskegee Airmen Bronze Medal 1.5 Inch,” at https://catalog.usmint.gov/tuskegee-airmen-903.html ; and U.S. Mint, “Tuskegee Airmen Bronze Medal 1.5 Inch,” at https://catalog.usmint.gov/tuskegee-airmen-
bronze-medal-1-and-one-half-inch-904.html. For more information on duplicate medals, see CRS In Focus IF10934, bronze-medal-1-and-one-half-inch-904.html. For more information on duplicate medals, see CRS In Focus IF10934,
Duplicate Congressional Gold Medals: Frequently Asked Questions, by Jacob R. Straus. , by Jacob R. Straus.
14 For example, the Tuskegee Airmen Congressional Gold Medal is part of the National Museum of African American History and Culture’s collections and is on loan to the National Air and Space Museum. See Smithsonian Institution, “Congressional Gold Medal, Tuskegee Airmen,” at https://www.si.edu/object/congressional-gold-medal-tuskegee-airmen:nasm_I20071282001#:~:text=The%20Congressional%20Gold%20Medal%20is,interest%20of%20the%20United%20States.
159 For additional guidance for congressional offices, contact the author Jacob Straus who contributed information to this For additional guidance for congressional offices, contact the author Jacob Straus who contributed information to this
section. section.
1610 Congressional Medal of Honor Society (CMOHS), “The Medal Overview” section at https://www.cmohs.org/medal. Congressional Medal of Honor Society (CMOHS), “The Medal Overview” section at https://www.cmohs.org/medal.
1711 10 U.S.C. §9271. Medal of Honor: Award. 10 U.S.C. §9271. Medal of Honor: Award.
18 See12 DOD Manual 1348.33, Volume 1, Manual of Military Decorations and Awards: Medal of Honor, May 7, 2021, at https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodm/134833_Vol1.PDF.
13 See 38 CFR §3.802 Medal of Honor for information on benefits; and the 2023 Medal of Honor pension rate as of December 1, 2022, at https://www.va.gov/disability/compensation-rates/special-benefit-allowance-rates/.
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with the Medal of Honor, recipients receive additional courtesies and benefits, including a monthly pension of $1,489.73 and access to certain military benefits.19
A detailed history, current procedures for award of the Medal, and a list of privileges afforded to recipients are provided in CRS Report 95-519, Medal of Honor: History and Issues.
Presidential Awards
Presidential Medal of Freedom
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is considered the highest civilian award of the United States government. President Truman first awarded the Medal of Freedom to reward war-connected acts or services performed during World War II. It was later re-established by President Kennedy in Executive Order 11085 of February 22, 1963, to recognize persons who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States; to world peace; meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States; to world peace;
or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors. There are two degrees of the Medal, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors. There are two degrees of the Medal,
the higher being the Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction. the higher being the Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction.
Honorees are selected solely by the President, either acting on his own initiative or based on
Honorees are selected solely by the President, either acting on his own initiative or based on
recommendations made to him. As such, recipients tend to reflect the personal and political recommendations made to him. As such, recipients tend to reflect the personal and political
interests of the President. The accomplishments of past recipients have been in wide-ranging interests of the President. The accomplishments of past recipients have been in wide-ranging
fields, including public service, journalism, business, sports, and entertainment.fields, including public service, journalism, business, sports, and entertainment.
14 The award is The award is
presented by the President, generally at a White House ceremony, and may be awarded presented by the President, generally at a White House ceremony, and may be awarded
posthumously.posthumously.
15 Lists of Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients are available online and in Lists of Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients are available online and in
several books, such as the annual several books, such as the annual
Time Almanac and and
The Presidential Medal of Freedom..
Presidential Citizens Medal
In Executive Order 11494 of November 13, 1969, President Nixon established the Presidential In Executive Order 11494 of November 13, 1969, President Nixon established the Presidential
Citizens Medal to recognize U.S. citizens who have performed exemplary deeds of service for Citizens Medal to recognize U.S. citizens who have performed exemplary deeds of service for
their country or fellow citizens. It is generally considered the second highest civilian award of our their country or fellow citizens. It is generally considered the second highest civilian award of our
government. The Presidential Citizens Medal is bestowed at the sole discretion of the President government. The Presidential Citizens Medal is bestowed at the sole discretion of the President
and is usually presented by the President. Past recipients were recognized for their contributions and is usually presented by the President. Past recipients were recognized for their contributions
in a variety of areas, including human rights, the civil rights movement, national security, space in a variety of areas, including human rights, the civil rights movement, national security, space
exploration, religion, government service, and the environment. The Medal may be awarded exploration, religion, government service, and the environment. The Medal may be awarded
posthumously. To make a nomination for either the Presidential Medal of Freedom or the posthumously. To make a nomination for either the Presidential Medal of Freedom or the
Presidential Citizens Medal, a letter detailing the accomplishments of the nominee may be sent to Presidential Citizens Medal, a letter detailing the accomplishments of the nominee may be sent to
the following: the following:
Executive Office of the President
Executive Office of the President
The White House The White House
ATTN: Executive Clerk’s Office ATTN: Executive Clerk’s Office
Washington, DC 20502 Washington, DC 20502
https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/
Additional Awards and Medals Other
https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodm/134833_Vol1.PDF.
19 See 38 CFR §3.802 Medal of Honor for information on benefits; and the 2022 Medal of Honor pension rate as of December 21, 2021, at https://www.va.gov/disability/compensation-rates/special-benefit-allowance-rates/.
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Additional Awards and Medals
Other presidential awards include the following: awards include the following:
Enrico Fermi Award recognizing contributions in the field of nuclear energy
Enrico Fermi Award recognizing contributions in the field of nuclear energy
(Department of Energy) at https://science.osti.gov/fermi;
(Department of Energy) at https://science.osti.gov/fermi;
“E” and “E Star” Awards recognizing contributions to export expansion efforts
“E” and “E Star” Awards recognizing contributions to export expansion efforts
(Department of Commerce) at https://www.commerce.gov/tags/e-awards;
(Department of Commerce) at https://www.commerce.gov/tags/e-awards;
Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award recognizing organizations for their
Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award recognizing organizations for their
achievements in quality and business performance (National Institute of
achievements in quality and business performance (National Institute of
Standards and Technology) at https://www.nist.gov/baldrigeStandards and Technology) at https://www.nist.gov/baldrige
;/baldrige-awardhttps://www.nist.gov/baldrige;
14 See information on recent recipients at “President Biden Announces Recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom,” The White House Briefing Room, July 1, 2022, at https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/07/01/president-biden-announces-recipients-of-the-presidential-medal-of-freedom/.
15 “Remarks by President Biden at Presentation of the Presidential Medal of Freedom,” The White House Briefing Room, July 7, 2022, at https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2022/07/07/remarks-by-president-biden-at-presentation-of-the-presidential-medal-of-freedom/.
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Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching
Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching
PAEMST (National Science Foundation) at https://www.paemst.org/;
PAEMST (National Science Foundation) at https://www.paemst.org/;
Presidential Rank Award and President’s Award for Distinguished Federal
Presidential Rank Award and President’s Award for Distinguished Federal
Civilian Service (Office of Personnel Management) at
Civilian Service (Office of Personnel Management) at
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/performance-https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/performance-
management/performance-management-cycle/rewarding/the-presidents-award-management/performance-management-cycle/rewarding/the-presidents-award-
for-distinguished-federal-civilian-service/for-distinguished-federal-civilian-service/
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/performance-management/performance-management-cycle/rewarding/the-presidents-award-for-distinguished-federal-civilian-service/; ; and and
President’s Environmental Youth Award (Environmental Protection Agency) at
President’s Environmental Youth Award (Environmental Protection Agency) at
https://www.epa.gov/education/presidents-environmental-youth-award.
https://www.epa.gov/education/presidents-environmental-youth-award.
In addition, special awards may be established to grant presidential recognition to persons or
In addition, special awards may be established to grant presidential recognition to persons or
organizations for whom other categories of awards are not appropriate. Numerous other awards organizations for whom other categories of awards are not appropriate. Numerous other awards
are authorized and may be presented by the President. See selected medals summarized below. are authorized and may be presented by the President. See selected medals summarized below.
Table 1. Selected Medals
Award or Medal
Contact Information
Purpose
Congressional Space
Congressional Space
Administrator of the National Aeronautics
Administrator of the National Aeronautics
Awarded to astronauts “whose
Awarded to astronauts “whose
Medal of Honor
Medal of Honor
and Space Administration (NASA)
and Space Administration (NASA)
particular efforts and meritorious
particular efforts and meritorious
(P.L. 91-76)
(P.L. 91-76)
https://history.nasa.gov/spacemedal.htm
https://history.nasa.gov/spacemedal.htm
contributions to the welfare of the
contributions to the welfare of the
nation and mankind have been nation and mankind have been
51 U.S.C. §30901
51 U.S.C. §30901
Email: hq-histinfo@nasa.gov
Email: hq-histinfo@nasa.gov
exceptional.” Recommendations are
exceptional.” Recommendations are
made by the administrator of NASA made by the administrator of NASA
to the President, who may award to the President, who may award
and present the award in the name and present the award in the name
of Congress. of Congress.
National Medal of Science National Medal of Science
National Medal of Science National Medal of Science
Awarded to individuals whose
Awarded to individuals whose
(Public Law 86-209)
(Public Law 86-209)
https://www.nsf.gov/od/nms/medal.jsp
https://www.nsf.gov/od/nms/medal.jsp
accumulated work has had a
accumulated work has had a
42 U.S.C. §1881
42 U.S.C. §1881
particularly significant impact on the
particularly significant impact on the
Nominations may be submitted through an
Nominations may be submitted through an
present state of the physical,
present state of the physical,
online portal at:
online portal at:
https://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/
biological, mathematical, engineering,
biological, mathematical, engineering,
https://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/honawards/ honawards/
or social and behavioral sciences or
or social and behavioral sciences or
Email: nms@nsf.gov
Email: nms@nsf.gov
that is deemed likely to strongly
that is deemed likely to strongly
influence the future development of influence the future development of
scientific thought.scientific thought.
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Individuals are nominated by their peers, with each nomination requiring a completed nomination form and three letters of support.
National Medal of
National Medal of
National Medal of Technology and Innovation Awarded to individuals, teams, or
National Medal of Technology and Innovation Awarded to individuals, teams, or
Technology
Technology
(NMTI)
(NMTI)
companies for accomplishments in
companies for accomplishments in
(P.L. 96-480)Sec.12. National
https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-
https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-
the innovation, development,
the innovation, development,
Technology Medal (P.L.
resources/ip-programs-and-awards/national-resources/ip-programs-and-awards/national-
commercialization, and management
commercialization, and management
96-480)
medal-technology-and-innovation-nmti medal-technology-and-innovation-nmti
of technology, as evidenced by the
of technology, as evidenced by the
Email: nmti@uspto.gov
Email: nmti@uspto.gov
establishment of new or significantly
establishment of new or significantly
improved products, processes, or improved products, processes, or
services. services.
For the latest information on the nomination process, see https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/documents/NMTI-Nomination-Guidelines-2023.pdf.
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National Security Medal
National Security Medal
Executive Secretary of the National Security
Executive Secretary of the National Security
Recognizes exceptionally
Recognizes exceptionally
(Executive Order 10431)
(Executive Order 10431)
Council
Council
meritorious service performed in a
meritorious service performed in a
http://www.whitehouse.gov/nsc
http://www.whitehouse.gov/nsc
position of high responsibility or an
position of high responsibility or an
act of valor requiring personal act of valor requiring personal
courage of a high degree and courage of a high degree and
complete disregard of personal complete disregard of personal
safety. Any individual may safety. Any individual may
recommend a potential recipient as a recommend a potential recipient as a
candidate for the award to the candidate for the award to the
Executive Secretary of the National Executive Secretary of the National
Security Council. Security Council.
Public Safety Officer
Public Safety Officer
U.S. Department of Justice
U.S. Department of Justice
Awarded to public safety officers
Awarded to public safety officers
Medal of Valor Act of
Medal of Valor Act of
https://bja.ojp.gov/program/medalofvalor
https://bja.ojp.gov/program/medalofvalor
judged to have shown extraordinary
judged to have shown extraordinary
2001
2001
valor above and beyond the call of
valor above and beyond the call of
(P.L. 107-12)
(P.L. 107-12)
duty in the exercise of their official
duty in the exercise of their official
duties. Nominations must be duties. Nominations must be
submitted through the online Medal
submitted through the online Medal
of Valor Nomination System. of Valor Nomination System.
Sources: Official websites of selected federal agencies and Congress.gov. Official websites of selected federal agencies and Congress.gov.
Author Information
Barbara Salazar Torreon Barbara Salazar Torreon
Senior Research Librarian
Senior Research Librarian
Disclaimer
This document was prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS). CRS serves as nonpartisan
This document was prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS). CRS serves as nonpartisan
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