Today, Secretary of Defense Medal for Valor is a topic of great interest and relevance in society. Over time, Secretary of Defense Medal for Valor has become a topic that arouses curiosity and debate in different areas. Whether in the scientific, social, political or cultural field, Secretary of Defense Medal for Valor has managed to capture the attention of people of all ages and professions. In this article, we will thoroughly explore the different aspects related to Secretary of Defense Medal for Valor, analyzing its importance, repercussions and possible implications for the future. From its origin to its evolution today, we will immerse ourselves in a deep analysis of Secretary of Defense Medal for Valor, with the aim of shedding light on this topic that continues to generate interest and controversy.
Office of the Secretary of Defense Medal for Valor | |
---|---|
Type | Civilian valor award |
Awarded for | An act of heroism or sacrifice, with voluntary risk of personal safety in the face of danger either on or off the job. |
Country | United States |
Presented by | the Office of the Secretary of Defense |
Eligibility | Department of Defense civilian employees and private individuals |
Status | Currently awarded |
Established | 2001 |
First awarded | 15 July 2002 |
Last awarded | 14 August 2018 |
Total | 17 |
Precedence | |
Equivalent | Distinguished Service Cross (U.S. Army) |
Related | Secretary of the Army Award for Valor |
The Office of the Secretary of the Defense Medal for Valor is the highest civilian award for valor presented by the United States Department of Defense. Created in 2001 in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, the medal recognizes government employees and private citizens who perform an act of heroism or sacrifice, with voluntary risk to their personal safety in the face of danger.
The medal was created in late 2001. The military equivalent of the medal for army soldiers is the Distinguished Service Cross.
The act of bravery is eligible for recognition if the act is:
The medal of the award is gold in color and 34.925 millimeters (1.3750 in) in diameter. The obverse depicts a five pointed star on top of a laurel wreath. At the top of the medal is inscribed "VALOR". The reverse of the medal has a small laurel wreath under a rectangular plate for engraving the recipient's name. The words “AWARDED TO” are inscribed above and parallel to the name plate. Below the plate are the words “FOR EXHIBITING BRAVERY”. The medal is suspended from a ribbon 35 mm in width in ultramarine blue. On either side of the ribbon are two stripes of old glory red, inside the red are two thin stripes of white.