CHAPTER 57-DECORATIONS AND AWARDS

        

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2022- Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title XV, §1531, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2900 , added item 1124a.

2019- Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title V, §582(a)(2), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1412 , added item 1136.

2014- Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title V, §571(a)(1)(B), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3387 , added item 1129a.

2013- Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title V, §563(a)(2), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 767 , added item 1134a.

2011- Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title V, §571(b), Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4223 , added item 1133 and struck out former item 1133 "Bronze star: limitation to members receiving imminent danger pay".

2008- Pub. L. 110–417, [div. A], title V, §571(b), Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4472 , added item 1135.

2004- Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title V, §561(b), Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 1918 , added item 1134.

2003- Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title X, §1031(a)(10)(B), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1597 , struck out "and recommendation" after "review" in item 1130.

2000- Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title V, §541(b)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654 , 1654A-114, added item 1133.

1998- Pub. L. 105–261, div. A, title V, §537(b), Oct. 17, 1998, 112 Stat. 2019 , added item 1132.

1997- Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title V, §571(a)(2), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1756 , added item 1131.

1996- Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title V, §526(b), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 314 , added item 1130.

1993- Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title XI, §1141(b), Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1757 , added item 1129.

1985- Pub. L. 99–145, title V, §532(a)(2), title XII, §1225(a)(2)(B), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 634 , 730, inserted "disclosures," and substituted "and" for "or" in item 1124, and added item 1128.

1984- Pub. L. 98–525, title V, §553(b), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2532 , added item 1127.

1966- Pub. L. 89–718, §9, Nov. 2, 1966, 80 Stat. 1117 , redesignated item 1124, added by Pub. L. 89–534, §1(2), Aug. 11, 1966, 80 Stat. 345 , as 1126.

Pub. L. 89–534, §1(2), Aug. 11, 1966, 80 Stat. 345 , added item 1124, relating to eligibility for and distribution of gold star lapel button.

Pub. L. 89–529, §1(2), Aug. 11, 1966, 80 Stat. 339 , added item 1125.

1965- Pub. L. 89–198, §1(2), Sept. 22, 1965, 79 Stat. 831 , added item 1124, relating to payment of cash awards for members of armed forces for suggestions, inventions, or scientific achievements.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Establishment of the Atomic Veterans Commemorative Service Medal

Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title V, §583, Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1757 , provided that:

"(a) Service Medal Required.-The Secretary of Defense shall design and produce a commemorative military service medal, to be known as the 'Atomic Veterans Commemorative Service Medal', to commemorate the service and sacrifice of veterans who were instrumental in the development of our nations [sic] atomic and nuclear weapons programs.

"(b) Eligibility Requirements.-(1) The Secretary of Defense shall, within 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 27, 2021], determine eligibility requirements for this medal.

"(2) Sixty days prior to publishing the eligibility requirements for this medal, the Secretary of Defense shall submit proposed eligibility criteria under paragraph (1) to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives for comment.

"(3) The Secretary of Defense may require persons to submit supporting documentation for the medal authorized in subsection (a) to determine eligibility under paragraph (1).

"(c) Distribution of Medal.-

"(1) Issuance to retired and former members.-At the request of an eligible veteran, the Secretary of Defense shall issue the Atomic Veterans Commemorative Service Medal to the eligible veteran.

"(2) Issuance to next-of-kin.-In the case of a veteran who is deceased, the Secretary may provide for issuance of the Atomic Veterans Commemorative Service Medal to the next-of-kin of the persons. If applications for a medal are filed by more than one next of kin of a person eligible to receive a medal under this section, the Secretary of Defense shall determine which next-of-kin will receive the medal.

"(3) Application.-The Secretary shall prepare and disseminate as appropriate an application by which veterans and their next-of-kin may apply to receive the Atomic Veterans Service Medal.

"(d) Authorization of Appropriations.-There is authorized to be appropriated such sum as may be necessary to carry out this section."

Development of Guidelines for Use of Unofficial Sources of Information To Determine Eligibility of Members and Former Members of the Armed Forces for Decorations When the Service Records Are Incomplete Because of Damage to the Official Record

Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title V, §528, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1357 , provided that:

"(a) Guidelines Required.-The Secretary of Defense shall develop guidelines regarding the use by the Secretaries of the military departments of unofficial sources of information, including eyewitness statements, to determine the eligibility of a member or former member of the Armed Forces for decorations when the service records of the member are incomplete because of damage to the records as a result of the 1973 fire at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, Missouri, or any subsequent incident while the records were in the possession of the Department of Defense.

"(b) Time for Completion.-The Secretary of Defense shall complete development of the guidelines not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 20, 2019]."

Atomic Veterans Service Certificate

Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title V, §581, Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1787 , provided that:

"(a) Service Certificate Required.-The Secretary of Defense shall design and produce a military service certificate, to be known as the 'Atomic Veterans Service Certificate', to honor retired and former members of the Armed Forces who are radiation-exposed veterans (as such term is defined in section 1112(c)(3) of title 38, United States Code).

"(b) Distribution of Certificate.-

"(1) Issuance to retired and former members.-At the request of a radiation-exposed veteran, the Secretary of Defense shall issue the Atomic Veterans Service Certificate to the veteran.

"(2) Issuance to next-of-kin.-In the case of a radiation-exposed veteran who is deceased, the Secretary may provide for issuance of the Atomic Veterans Service Certificate to the next-of-kin of the person."

Award of Medals or Other Commendations to Handlers of Military Working Dogs

Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title V, §582, Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1787 , provided that:

"(a) Program of Award Required.-Each Secretary of a military department shall carry out a program to provide for the award of one or more medals or other commendations to handlers of military working dogs under the jurisdiction of such Secretary to recognize valor or meritorious achievement by such handlers and dogs.

"(b) Medals and Commendations.-Any medal or commendation awarded pursuant to a program under subsection (a) shall be of such design, and include such elements, as the Secretary of the military department concerned shall specify. The Secretary concerned may use an existing award to carry out such program.

"(c) Presentation and Acceptance.-Any medal or commendation awarded pursuant to a program under subsection (a) may be presented to and accepted by the handler concerned on behalf of the handler and the military working dog concerned.

"(d) Regulations.-Medals and commendations shall be awarded under programs under subsection (a) in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense for purposes of this section."

Promotional Materials and Recognition Items for Participants in Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom

Pub. L. 110–116, div. A, title VIII, §8099, Nov. 13, 2007, 121 Stat. 1337 , provided that: "Hereafter, the Secretary of Defense may present promotional materials, including a United States flag, to any member of an Active or Reserve component under the Secretary's jurisdiction who, as determined by the Secretary, participates in Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom, along with other recognition items in conjunction with any week-long national observation and day of national celebration, if established by Presidential proclamation, for any such members returning from such operations."

Report on Department of Defense Process for Awarding Decorations

Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title V, §557, Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2219 , provided that:

"(a) Review.-The Secretary of Defense shall conduct a review of the policy, procedures, and processes of the military departments for awarding decorations to members of the Armed Forces.

"(b) Time Periods.-As part of the review under subsection (a), the Secretary shall compare the time frames of the awards process between active duty and reserve components-

"(1) from the time a recommendation for the award of a decoration is submitted until the time the award of the decoration is approved; and

"(2) from the time the award of a decoration is approved until the time when the decoration is presented to the recipient.

"(c) Reserve Components.-If the Secretary, in conducting the review under subsection (a), finds that the timeliness of the awards process for members of the reserve components is not the same as, or similar to, that for members of the active components, the Secretary shall take appropriate steps to address the discrepancy.

"(d) Report.-Not later than August 1, 2007, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives a report containing the Secretary's findings as a result of the review under subsection (a), together with a plan for implementing whatever changes are determined to be appropriate to the process for awarding decorations in order to ensure that decorations are awarded in a timely manner, to the extent practicable."

Separate Military Campaign Medals To Recognize Service in Operation Enduring Freedom and Service in Operation Iraqi Freedom

Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title V, §576, Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3274 , provided that: "For purposes of eligibility for the campaign medal for Operation Enduring Freedom established pursuant to Public Law 108–234 (10 U.S.C. 1121 note), the beginning date of Operation Enduring Freedom is September 11, 2001."

Pub. L. 108–234, §1, May 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 655 , provided that:

"(a) Requirement.-The President shall establish a campaign medal specifically to recognize service by members of the uniformed services in Operation Enduring Freedom and a separate campaign medal specifically to recognize service by members of the uniformed services in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

"(b) Eligibility.-Subject to such limitations as may be prescribed by the President, eligibility for a campaign medal established pursuant to subsection (a) shall be set forth in regulations to be prescribed by the Secretary concerned (as defined in section 101 of title 10, United States Code). In the case of regulations prescribed by the Secretaries of the military departments, the regulations shall be subject to approval by the Secretary of Defense and shall be uniform throughout the Department of Defense."

Commendation of Members of Armed Forces and Government Civilian Personnel Who Served During Cold War

Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title X, §1084, Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1919 , provided that:

"(a) Findings.-The Congress finds the following:

"(1) During the period of the Cold War, from the end of World War II until the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the United States and the Soviet Union engaged in a global military rivalry.

"(2) This rivalry, potentially the most dangerous military confrontation in the history of mankind, has come to a close without a direct superpower military conflict.

"(3) Military and civilian personnel of the Department of Defense, personnel in the intelligence community, members of the foreign service, and other officers and employees of the United States faithfully performed their duties during the Cold War.

"(4) Many such personnel performed their duties while isolated from family and friends and served overseas under frequently arduous conditions in order to protect the United States and achieve a lasting peace.

"(5) The discipline and dedication of those personnel were fundamental to the prevention of a superpower military conflict.

"(b) Congressional Commendation.-The Congress hereby commends the members of the Armed Forces and civilian personnel of the Government who contributed to the historic victory in the Cold War and expresses its gratitude and appreciation for their service and sacrifices.

"(c) Certificates of Recognition.-The Secretary of Defense shall prepare a certificate recognizing the Cold War service of qualifying members of the Armed Forces and civilian personnel of the Department of Defense and other Government agencies contributing to national security, as determined by the Secretary, and shall provide the certificate to such members and civilian personnel upon request."

Executive Documents

Ex. Ord. No. 8809. Good Conduct Medal

Ex. Ord. No. 8809, June 28, 1941, 6 F.R. 3209, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 9323, Mar. 31, 1943, 8 F.R. 4225; Ex. Ord. No. 10444, Apr. 10, 1953, 18 F.R. 2069; Ex. Ord. No. 14085, §2, Oct. 3, 2022, 87 F.R. 60541, provided:

By virtue of the authority vested in me as President of the United States and as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the United States, it is ordered as follows:

There is hereby established the Good Conduct Medal, which shall include suitable appurtenances. Such medal may be awarded for exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity, under such regulations as the Secretary of the Army and the Secretary of the Air Force shall severally prescribe, to those enlisted members of the Army of the United States and the United States Air Force who on or after August 27, 1940, and on or after December 20, 2019, in the case of the United States Space Force, had or shall have honorably completed three years of active Federal military service, or who after December 7, 1941, and on or after December 20, 2019, in the case of the United States Space Force, have or shall have honorably served one year of active Federal military service while the United States is at war, or who at the time of the termination of their active Federal military service have not previously been awarded a Good Conduct Medal and have completed a period of honorable service of less than three years if any part of that period of service has been performed after June 27, 1950, and on or after December 20, 2019, in the case of the United States Space Force: Provided, that no persons, except persons separated from the active Federal military service by reason of physical disability incurred in line of duty, shall be awarded such medal for a period of service of less than one year.

Ex. Ord. No. 9158. Air Medal

Ex. Ord. No. 9158, May 11, 1942, 7 F.R. 3541, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 9242–A, Sept. 11, 1942, 7 F.R. 7874; Ex. Ord. No. 14085, §1, Oct. 3, 2022, 87 F.R. 60541, provided:

By virtue of the authority vested in me as President of the United States and as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the United States, it is hereby ordered that an Air Medal, with accompanying ribbons, be established for award to those individuals who, while serving in any capacity in or with the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, or Coast Guard of the United States, subsequent to September 8, 1939, distinguish, or have distinguished, themselves by meritorious achievement while participating in an aerial flight.

The Air Medal and appurtenances thereto shall be of appropriate design approved by the Secretary of Defense and, under such regulations as the Secretaries of the military departments may prescribe, may be awarded by the Secretary of the Army, the Secretary of the Navy, the Secretary of the Air Force, or the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy, or by such commanding officers of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, or Coast Guard as the said Secretaries may respectively designate. Awards to personnel of the Coast Guard when serving under the jurisdiction of the Navy shall be made by or under the direction of the Secretary of the Navy.

No more than one Air Medal shall be awarded to any one person, but for each succeeding meritorious achievement justifying such an award a suitable bar or other device may be awarded to be worn with the medal as prescribed by appropriate regulations. In the event of a posthumous award the medal, bar, or device may be presented to such representative of the deceased as may be designated in the award.

The regulations of the Secretaries of the military departments concerned with respect to the award of the Air Medal shall, so far as practicable, be uniform and shall be subject to the approval of the Secretary of Defense.

Ex. Ord. No. 10694. Authorizing the Secretaries of the Army, Navy, and Air Force to Issue Citations in the Name of the President of the United States to Military and Naval Units for Outstanding Performance in Action

Ex. Ord. No. 10694, Jan. 10, 1957, 22 F.R. 253, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 13286, §74, Feb. 28, 2003, 68 F.R. 10631; Ex. Ord. No. 14085, §3, Oct. 3, 2022, 87 F.R. 60542, provided:

By virtue of the authority vested in me as President of the United States and as Commander in Chief of the armed forces of the United States, it is hereby ordered as follows:

1. The Secretaries of the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force, respectively, are hereby authorized to issue a citation in the name of the President of the United States, as public evidence of deserved honor and distinction, to any organization, detachment, installation, ship, aircraft, or other unit for outstanding performance in action on or after October 16, 1941, in the case of the Navy or Marine Corps, and on or after December 7, 1941, in the case of the Army or the Air Force, and on or after December 20, 2019, in the case of the Space Force. Such citations may also be issued to units of armed forces of cobelligerent nations serving with the armed forces of the United States for outstanding performance in action on or after December 7, 1941; provided that such units shall meet the standards established for the armed forces of the United States.

2. Appropriate insignia of such form and design as may be determined by the Secretary concerned may be displayed by any organization, detachment, installation, ship, aircraft, or other unit to which such citation is issued.

3. After any unit is cited pursuant to paragraph 1 hereof for outstanding performance in action, a ribbon identifying such citation shall be issued and shall become a permanent part of the uniform of those persons assigned or attached thereto who were actually present and participated in the action for which the unit was cited, or in one of the actions if more than one action is mentioned in the citation, whether they thereafter serve with such unit or with a different unit. Such persons are authorized to wear an appropriate additional device for any subsequent citation for which they are eligible, made either to the same unit or to a unit to which they are subsequently assigned. If authorized by the Secretary concerned, persons assigned to a unit subsequent to an action for which it was cited, may wear the citation ribbon while so assigned.

4. This order supersedes Executive Orders No. 9050 of February 6, 1942, and No. 9396 of November 22, 1943.

5. The Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating may exercise the same authority with respect to the Coast Guard under this order as the Secretary of the Navy may exercise with respect to the Navy and the Marine Corps under this order.

Ex. Ord. No. 11448. Meritorious Service Medal

Ex. Ord. No. 11448, Jan. 16, 1969, 34 F.R. 915, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 12312, July 2, 1981, 46 F.R. 35251; Ex. Ord. No. 13286, §61, Feb. 28, 2003, 68 F.R. 10629, provided:

By virtue of the authority vested in me as President of the United States and as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the United States, it is ordered as follows:

Section 1. There is hereby established a Meritorious Service Medal, with accompanying ribbons and appurtenances, for award by the Secretary of a Military Department or the Secretary of Homeland Security with regard to the Coast Guard when not operating as a service in the Navy, or by such military commanders or other appropriate officers as the Secretary concerned may designate, to any member of the armed forces of the United States, or to any member of the armed forces of a friendly foreign nation, who has distinguished himself by outstanding meritorious achievement or service.

Sec. 2. The Meritorious Service Medal and appurtenances thereto shall be of appropriate design approved by the Secretary of Defense, and shall be awarded under such regulations as the Secretary concerned may prescribe. Such regulations shall, so far as practicable, be uniform, and those of the military departments shall be subject to the approval of the Secretary of Defense.

Sec. 3. No more than one Meritorious Service Medal shall be awarded to any one person, but for each succeeding outstanding meritorious achievement or service justifying such an award a suitable device may be awarded to be worn with the medal as prescribed by appropriate regulations.

Sec. 4. The Meritorious Service Medal or device may be awarded posthumously and, when so awarded, may be presented to such representative of the deceased as may be deemed appropriate by the Secretary of the department concerned.

Executive Order No. 11544

Ex. Ord. No. 11544, July 8, 1970, 35 F.R. 11115, which established a Vice Presidential Service Certificate and a Vice Presidential Service Badge, was superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 11926, July 19, 1976, 41 F.R. 29805, set out below.

Ex. Ord. No. 11904. Defense Superior Service Medal

Ex. Ord. No. 11904, Feb. 6, 1976, 41 F.R. 5625, provided:

By virtue of the authority vested in me as President of the United States of America, and as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. There is hereby established a Defense Superior Service Medal with accompanying ribbons and appurtenances for award by the Secretary of Defense to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who has rendered superior meritorious service in a position of significant responsibility with the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a specified or unified command, a Defense agency, or such other joint activity as may be designated by the Secretary of Defense.

Sec. 2. The Defense Superior Service Medal and appurtenances thereto shall be of appropriate design approved by the Secretary of Defense and shall be awarded under such regulations as he shall prescribe. These regulations shall place the Defense Superior Service Medal in an order of precedence after the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Distinguished Service Medal and the Silver Star Medal, but before the Legion of Merit.

Sec. 3. No more than one Defense Superior Service Medal shall be awarded to any one person, but for each succeeding period of superior meritorious service justifying such an award, a suitable device may be awarded to be worn with that Medal as prescribed by appropriate regulations of the Department of Defense.

Sec. 4. The Defense Superior Service Medal or device may be awarded posthumously, and when so awarded, may be presented to such representative of the deceased as may be deemed appropriate by the Secretary of Defense.

Gerald R. Ford.      

Ex. Ord. No. 11926. Vice Presidential Service Badge

Ex. Ord. No. 11926, July 19, 1976, 41 F.R. 29805, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 13286, §56, Feb. 28, 2003, 68 F.R. 10629; Ex. Ord. No. 13373, §1, Mar. 10, 2005, 70 F.R. 12579, provided:

By virtue of the authority vested in me as President of the United States of America, and as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the United States, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. There is established a Vice Presidential Service Badge to be awarded in the name of the Vice President of the United States of America to members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, commissioned corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and commissioned corps of the Public Health Service who have been assigned to duty in the Office of the Vice President for a period of at least one year subsequent to December 19, 1974, or who have been assigned to perform duties predominantly for the Vice President for a period of at least one year subsequent to January 20, 2001, in the implementation of Public Law 93–346, as amended [3 U.S.C. 111 note], or in military units and support facilities to which section 1 of Executive Order 12793 of March 20, 1992, as amended [set out below], refers.

Sec. 2. The Vice Presidential Service Badge may be awarded, upon recommendation of the Vice President's designee (with the concurrence of the Director of the White House Military Office in the case of personnel in military units or support facilities to which section 1 of Executive Order 12793, as amended, refers), by the Secretary of the Army, the Secretary of the Navy, the Secretary of the Air Force, or, when the Coast Guard is not operating as a service in the Navy, the Secretary of Homeland Security, to military personnel of their respective services who have been assigned to duty in the Office of the Vice President and, in the case of members of the commissioned corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or the commissioned corps of the Public Health Service so assigned, by the Secretary of Commerce or the Secretary of Health and Human Services, respectively.

Sec. 3. The Vice Presidential Service Badge shall be accompanied by a certificate, the design of which is attached hereto and is made a part of this Order. The Vice Presidential Service Badge shall consist of a white enameled disc surrounded by 27 gold rays radiating from the center, 115/16 inches in diameter overall. Superimposed on the white disc shall be a gold color device taken from the seal of the Vice President of the United States. The overall design of the badge shall be as shown at the top of the certificate which accompanies the Badge and which is attached to this Order.

Sec. 4. Upon award, the Vice Presidential Service Badge may be worn as a part of the uniform of an individual both during and after his assignment to duty in the Office of the Vice President.

Sec. 5. Only one Vice Presidential Service Badge shall be awarded to an individual. It may be awarded posthumously. No award shall be made to an individual under this Order based on a period of service with respect to which, in whole or in part, the individual was awarded the Presidential Service Badge.

Sec. 6. Notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 1 and 2 of this Order, any member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, commissioned corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and commissioned corps of the Public Health Service, who has been assigned to duty in the Office of the Vice President, or who has been assigned to perform duties predominantly for the Vice President, in the implementation of Public Law 93–346, as amended, or in military units and support facilities to which section 1 of Executive Order 12793, as amended, refers,,[sic] is authorized, unless otherwise directed by the Director of the White House Military Office in the case of personnel in military units or support facilities to which section 1 of Executive Order 12793, as amended, refers, to wear the Vice Presidential Service Badge on his or her uniform commencing on the first day of such duty and thereafter while assigned to such duty.

Sec. 7. Executive Order No. 11544 of July 8, 1970, is hereby superseded; however, individuals previously awarded a Vice Presidential Service Badge under that Order are authorized to continue to wear such badge as part of their uniform.

Ex. Ord. No. 11965. Humanitarian Service Medal

Ex. Ord. No. 11965, Jan. 19, 1977, 42 F.R. 4329, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 13286, §55, Feb. 28, 2003, 68 F.R. 10629, provided:

By virtue of the authority vested in me as President of the United States of America, and as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. There is hereby established a Humanitarian Service Medal with accompanying ribbons and appurtenances for award by the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of Homeland Security with regard to the Coast Guard when not operating as a Service in the Navy. Individuals eligible for the medal are members of the Armed Forces of the United States (including Reserve Components) who, subsequent to April 1, 1975, distinguished themselves by meritorious participation in a military act or operation of a humanitarian nature. The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security for the Coast Guard will determine types of acts or operations that warrant award of the medal.

Sec. 2. The Humanitarian Service Medal and ribbons and appurtenances thereto shall be of appropriate design approved by the Secretary of Defense and shall be awarded by the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security for the Coast Guard under uniform regulations, as prescribed by the Secretary of Defense. The regulations shall place the Humanitarian Service Medal in an order of precedence immediately after the Vietnam Service Medal.

Sec. 3. No more than one Humanitarian Service Medal shall be awarded to any one person, but for each subsequent participation in a humanitarian act or operation justifying such an award, a suitable device may be awarded to be worn with that medal as prescribed by appropriate regulations of the Military Departments.

Sec. 4. The Humanitarian Service Medal or device may be awarded posthumously, and when so awarded, may be presented to such representative of the deceased as may be deemed appropriate by the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of Homeland Security.

Ex. Ord. No. 12019. Defense Meritorious Service Medal

Ex. Ord. No. 12019, Nov. 3, 1977, 42 F.R. 57945, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 13666, Apr. 18, 2014, 79 F.R. 22591, provided:

By virtue of the authority vested in me as President of the United States of America, and as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. There is hereby established a Defense Meritorious Service Medal, with accompanying ribbons and appurtenances, for award by the Secretary of Defense to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States, or to any member of the armed forces of a friendly foreign nation, who has rendered outstanding non-combat meritorious achievement or service while assigned to the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a specified or unified command, a Defense agency, or other such joint activity as may be designated by the Secretary of Defense.

Sec. 2. The Defense Meritorious Service Medal, with accompanying ribbons and appurtenances, shall be of appropriate design approved by the Secretary of Defense and shall be awarded under such regulations as the Secretary of Defense may prescribe. These regulations shall place the Defense Meritorious Service Medal in an order of precedence after the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Distinguished Service Medal, the Silver Star Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit Medal, and the Bronze Star Medal, but before the Meritorious Service Medal.

Sec. 3. No more than one Defense Meritorious Service Medal shall be awarded to any one person, but for each succeeding outstanding meritorious achievement or service justifying such an award a suitable device to be worn with that medal may be awarded under such regulations as the Secretary of Defense may prescribe.

Sec. 4. The Defense Meritorious Service Medal or device may be awarded posthumously and, when so awarded, may be presented to such representative of the deceased as may be deemed appropriate by the Secretary of Defense.

Ex. Ord. No. 12793. Presidential Service Certificate and Presidential Service Badge

Ex. Ord. No. 12793, Mar. 20, 1992, 57 F.R. 10281, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 13286, §31, Feb. 28, 2003, 68 F.R. 10625, provided:

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the United States, it is ordered of follows:

Section 1. Presidential Service Certificate. The Presidential Service Certificate ("Certificate") is hereby continued, the design of which accompanies and is hereby made a part of this order. The Certificate shall be awarded in the name of the President of the United States by the Secretary of the Army, the Secretary of the Navy, the Secretary of the Air Force, or, when the Coast Guard is not operating as a service in the Navy, the Secretary of Homeland Security. It shall be awarded by the appropriate Secretary to members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard, respectively, who have been assigned to the White House Office; to military units and support facilities under the administration of the White House Military Office; or to other direct support positions within the Executive Office of the President ("EOP"). The Certificate shall not be issued to any member who is issued a Vice Presidential Certificate, or similar EOP Certificate, for the same period of service. Such assignment must be for a period of at least one year, subsequent to January 21, 1989.

Sec. 2. Presidential Service Badge. The Presidential Service Badge ("Badge") is hereby continued, the design of which accompanies and is hereby made a part of this order. The Badge shall be awarded to those members of the Armed Forces who have been granted the Certificate and shall be awarded in the same manner in which the Certificate has been given. The Badge shall be worn as a part of the uniform of those individuals under such regulations as their respective Secretaries may severally prescribe.

Sec. 3. Only one Certificate may be awarded to an individual.

Sec. 4. The Certificate and the Badge may be granted posthumously.

Sec. 5. This order shall supersede Executive Order No. 10879 of June 1, 1960, as amended.

Ex. Ord. No. 12830. Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal

Ex. Ord. No. 12830, Jan. 9, 1993, 58 F.R. 4061, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 13286, §28, Feb. 28, 2003, 68 F.R. 10625, provided:

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. There is hereby established a Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, with accompanying ribbons and appurtenances, for award by the Secretary of Defense or, with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy, the Secretary of Homeland Security. Members of the Armed Forces of the United States (including Reserve components) who perform outstanding volunteer service to the civilian community of a sustained, direct, and consequential nature are eligible for the medal.

Sec. 2. The Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal and ribbons and appurtenances thereto shall be of appropriate design approved by the Secretary of Defense. The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe regulations to govern the award and wear of the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal. The regulations shall place the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal in order of precedence immediately after the Humanitarian Service Medal.

Sec. 3. No more than one award of the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal may be made to any one person, but for each subsequent act justifying such an award, a suitable device may be awarded to be worn with that medal as prescribed by appropriate regulations issued by the Secretary of Defense.

Sec. 4. The Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal may be awarded posthumously, and when so awarded, may be presented to such representatives of the deceased as may be deemed appropriate by the Secretary of Defense or, in the case of a member of the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy, the Secretary of Homeland Security.

Ex. Ord. No. 12985. Establishing Armed Forces Service Medal

Ex. Ord. No. 12985, Jan. 11, 1996, 61 F.R. 1209, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 13286, §20, Feb. 28, 2003, 68 F.R. 10624, provided:

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including my authority as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the United States, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Establishment. There is hereby established the Armed Forces Service Medal with accompanying ribbons and appurtenances, for award to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, on or after June 1, 1992, in the opinion of the Joint Chiefs of Staff: (a) Participate, or have participated, as members of United States military units in a United States military operation in which personnel of any Armed Force participate that is deemed to be significant activity; and

(b) Encounter no foreign armed opposition or imminent hostile action.

Sec. 2. Approval and Award. The medal, with ribbons and appurtenances, shall be of an appropriate design approved by the Secretary of Defense and shall be awarded by the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy, under uniform regulations, as prescribed by the Secretary of Defense. The regulations shall place the Armed Forces Service Medal in an order of precedence immediately before the Humanitarian Service Medal.

Sec. 3. Criteria. The medal shall be awarded only for operations for which no other United States service medal is approved. For operations in which personnel of only one Military Department or the Coast Guard participate, the medal shall be awarded only if there is no other suitable award available to the department or the Coast Guard. No more than one medal shall be awarded to any one person, but for each succeeding operation justifying such award a suitable device may be awarded to be worn on the medal or ribbon as prescribed by appropriate regulations.

Sec. 4. Posthumous Provision. The medal may be awarded posthumously and, when so awarded, may be presented to such representative of the deceased as may be deemed appropriate by the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of Transportation [sic].

Ex. Ord. No. 13306. Establishing the Bob Hope American Patriot Award

Ex. Ord. No. 13306, May 28, 2003, 68 F.R. 33337, provided:

By the authority vested in me as President and as Commander in Chief by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is ordered as follows:

Section 1. Establishment of the Award. In order to encourage love of country, service to the people of the United States, and support for our Armed Forces, and in order to recognize the unique and lifelong service of Bob Hope to the United States Armed Forces and to the Nation through his unwavering patriotism and dedication to maintaining the morale of the troops he entertained for nearly six decades, and on the occasion of his 100th birthday, there is hereby established the Bob Hope American Patriot Award (Award).

Sec. 2. Granting and Presentation of the Award.

(a) The Award may be granted by the President, in his sole discretion, to any civilian individual who has demonstrated extraordinary love of country and devotion to the personnel of the United States Armed Forces, in the form of true patriotism. The Award may also be granted by the President to an organization that meets the same criteria.

(b) Other than in exceptional circumstances, no more than one Award may be granted in any given year.

(c) The presentation of the Award may take place at any time during the year.

(d) Subject to the provisions of this order, the Award may be conferred posthumously.

George W. Bush.      

Ex. Ord. No. 13830. Delegation of Authority To Approve Certain Military Decorations

Ex. Ord. No. 13830, Apr. 20, 2018, 83 F.R. 18191, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 14085, §5, Oct. 3, 2022, 87 F.R. 60542, provided:

For the purpose of carrying into effect the provisions of sections 1121, 7272, 7273, 7276, 7279, 7280, 8292, 8293, 8294, 8295, 8296, 9272, 9273, 9276, 9279, 9280, and 9280a of title 10, and sections 2735, 2736, 2737, 2738, and 2739 of title 14, United States Code, the following rules and regulations pertaining to the award of the Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, Air Force Cross, Coast Guard Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star Medal, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Soldier's Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Medal, Airman's Medal, and Coast Guard Medal are promulgated:

Section 1. Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, Air Force Cross, and Coast Guard Cross. The Secretary of the military department concerned, or the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy, may award the Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, Air Force Cross, and Coast Guard Cross in the name of the President to those individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, or Coast Guard, as the case may be, distinguish themselves by extraordinary heroism not justifying award of the Medal of Honor:

(a) while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States;

(b) while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force or, with respect to the Coast Guard, an international terrorist organization; or

(c) while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.

Sec. 2. Distinguished Service Medal. The Secretary of the military department concerned, or the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy, may award the Distinguished Service Medal of each of the respective Armed Forces of the United States in the name of the President to those individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, or Coast Guard, as the case may be, distinguish themselves by exceptionally meritorious service to the United States in a duty of great responsibility.

Sec. 3. Silver Star Medal. The Secretary of the military department concerned, or the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy, may award the Silver Star Medal in the name of the President to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, or Coast Guard, as the case may be, is cited for gallantry in action that does not warrant award of the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, Air Force Cross, or Coast Guard Cross:

(a) while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States;

(b) while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force or, with respect to the Coast Guard, an international terrorist organization; or

(c) while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.

Sec. 4. Legion of Merit.

(a) The Secretary of the military department concerned, or the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy, may award the Legion of Merit, without degree, in the name of the President to members of the Armed Forces of the United States, who, after September 8, 1939, distinguish themselves by exceptionally meritorious conduct in performing outstanding services.

(b) The Secretary of Defense, after concurrence by the Secretary of State, may award the Legion of Merit, in the degrees of Commander, Officer, and Legionnaire, to a member of the armed forces of friendly foreign nations.

(c) The Secretary of Defense, after concurrence by the Secretary of State, shall submit to the President for approval, recommendations for award of the Legion of Merit, in the degree of Chief Commander, to a member of the armed forces of friendly foreign nations.

Sec. 5. Distinguished Flying Cross.

(a) The Secretary of the military department concerned, or the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy, may award the Distinguished Flying Cross in the name of the President to eligible persons identified in subsection (b) who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Coast Guard, distinguish themselves by heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight aboard an aircraft or spacecraft.

(b)(i) Any member of the Armed Forces of the United States, including a member not on active duty, who, while participating in an aerial flight aboard an aircraft or spacecraft, performs official duties incident to such membership is eligible for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.

(ii) Any member of the armed forces of a friendly foreign nation who, while serving with the Armed Forces of the United States, participates in an aerial flight aboard an aircraft or spacecraft and performs official duties incident to such membership is eligible for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.

(iii) Civilians are not eligible for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.

(c) No Distinguished Flying Cross may be awarded or presented to any person, or to that person's representative, if the person's service after the qualifying act or achievement has not been honorable.

(d) With regard to the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for a qualifying act or achievement performed:

(i) on or before July 2, 1926, no award shall be made after July 2, 1929, unless the award recommendation was made on or before July 2, 1928, in which case the award may be made;

(ii) between December 7, 1941, and September 2, 1945, no award shall be made after May 2, 1952, unless the award recommendation was made on or before May 2, 1951, in which case the award may be made;

(iii) between September 3, 1945, and twelve o'clock noon on December 31, 1946 (the date and time World War II hostilities were terminated pursuant to Proclamation 2714 of December 31, 1946 [50 U.S.C. note prec. 1]), no award shall be made unless the award recommendation was made on or before June 30, 1947;

(iv) between July 2, 1926, and September 10, 2001, with the exception of a qualifying act or achievement authorized pursuant to paragraphs (ii) or (iii) of this subsection, no award shall be made more than 3 years after the date of the qualifying act or achievement unless the award recommendation was made within 2 years of the qualifying act or achievement; or

(v) on or after September 11, 2001, no award shall be made except in accordance with any time limitations established in regulations by the Secretary of the military department concerned or by the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy.

(e) The Distinguished Flying Cross may be awarded posthumously. When so awarded, it may be presented to such representative of the deceased as may be deemed appropriate by the Secretary of the military department concerned, or the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy.

(f) Not more than one Distinguished Flying Cross may be awarded to any one person. For each succeeding act of heroism or extraordinary achievement justifying such an award, a suitable bar or other device may be awarded to be worn with the medal.

Sec. 6. Soldier's Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Medal, Airman's Medal, and Coast Guard Medal.

(a) The Secretary of the military department concerned, or the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy, may award the Soldier's Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Medal, Airman's Medal, and Coast Guard Medal in the name of the President to those individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Coast Guard, as the case may be, distinguish themselves by heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy.

(b) The Secretary of the Navy may award the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to any person to whom the Secretary of the Navy, before August 7, 1942, awarded a letter of commendation for heroism, and who applies for that medal, regardless of the date of the act of heroism.

(c) Not more than one Soldier's Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Medal, Airman's Medal, or Coast Guard Medal may be awarded to any one person. For each succeeding act of heroism justifying such an award, a suitable bar or other device may be awarded to be worn with the medal.

Sec. 7. Regulations. The Secretary of the military department concerned, and the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy, may prescribe such regulations as they may deem appropriate to carry out this order. The regulations of the Secretaries of the military departments concerned with respect to the award of the Silver Star Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, and Legion of Merit shall, so far as practicable, be uniform and shall be subject to the approval of the Secretary of Defense.

Sec. 8. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(c) This order supersedes Executive Order 4601 of March 1, 1927, as amended, and Executive Order 9260 of October 29, 1942, as amended. However, existing regulations prescribed pursuant to those orders, shall, so far as they are not inconsistent with this order, remain in effect until modified or revoked by regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the military department concerned, or the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy, under this order.

(d) This order is not intended to, and does not, invalidate any award of military decorations covered by this order made prior to the effective date of this order.

(e) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.