About Valor
Definition
Valor - An act of heroism above what is normally expected while engaged in direct combat with an enemy with exposure to enemy hostilities and personal risk.
Gallantry - Nobility of behavior or spirit. Heroic courage.
Intrepid - Not afraid; bold, fearless, dauntless, very brave.
Valor-Specific Decorations
The United States Armed Forces awards the following valor-specific decorations:
- Medal of Honor
- Service Crosses
- Distinguished Service Cross (Army)
- Navy Cross (Navy and Marine Corps)
- Air Force Cross (Air Force)
- Silver Star
Dual-Purpose Decorations
There are also numerous dual-purpose decorations that are used to recognize valor below the Silver Star level. These medals are awarded with a "V" device to indicate that the Service member performed a valorous act in combat to earn the decoration. The United States Armed Forces awards the following dual-purpose decorations with "V" device:
- Distinguished Flying Cross
- Bronze Star
- Air Medal
- Joint Service Commendation Medal
- Army Commendation Medal
- Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal
- Air Force Commendation Medal
- Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal
- Air Force Achievement Medal
Award Criteria
Medal of Honor
Awarded to Service members who, while a member of the Army, Naval Service, or Air Force, distinguished himself/herself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his/her life above and beyond the call of duty:
(1) while engaged in action against an enemy of the United States;
(2) while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or
(3) while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the U.S. is not a belligerent party.
Service Crosses (Distinguished Service Cross - Army; Navy Cross - Navy and Marine Corps; Air Force Cross - Air Force)
Awarded to a person serving in any capacity with the Army, Navy or Marine Corps, or Air Force, who distinguishes himself/herself by extraordinary heroism not justifying the award of a Medal of Honor:
(1) while engaged in action against an enemy of the United States;
(2) while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or
(3) while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the U.S. is not a belligerent party.
Silver Star
Awarded to a person serving in any capacity with the Army, Navy or Marine Corps, or Air Force who is cited for gallantry in action that does not warrant a Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, or Air Force Cross:
(1) while engaged in action against an enemy of the United States;
(2) while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or
(3) while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing force in which the U.S. is not a belligerent party.