DoDI 1348.33, "DoD Military Decorations and Awards Programs" Originial Publication: December 21, 2016, Change date: March 26, 2021

DOD INSTRUCTION 1348.33

OD MILITARY DECORATIONS AND AWARDS PROGRAM

Originating Component: Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness

Effective: December 21, 2016

Change 6 Effective: July 23, 2024

Releasability: Cleared for public release. Available on the Directives Division Website

at https://www.esd.whs.mil/DD/.

Reissues and Cancels: DoD Instruction 1348.33, “Military Awards Program,” July 1, 2004

Incorporates and Cancels: Deputy Secretary of Defense Memorandum, “Policy and Procedures for

Award of the Legion of Merit to Foreign Personnel,” June 9, 2017

Deputy Secretary of Defense Memorandum, “Responsibility for the

Atomic Veterans Service Certificate Program,” April 16, 2019

Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Memorandum,

“Military Working Dog Handler Certificate of Commendation,” March 7,

2019

Approved by: Peter Levine, Performing the Duties of the Under Secretary of Defense for

Personnel and Readiness

Change 6 Approved by: Ann Y. Lee, Executive Director of the Under Secretary of Defense for

Personnel and Readiness

Purpose: In accordance with the authority in DoD Directive (DoDD) 5124.02, this issuance establishes

policy, assigns responsibilities, and provides procedures for administering the DoD Military Decorations

and Awards Program.

DoDI 1348.33, December 21, 2016

Change 6, July 23, 2024

SECTION 1: GENERAL ISSUANCE INFORMATION 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1: GENERAL ISSUANCE INFORMATION .............................................................................. 5

1.1. Applicability. .................................................................................................................... 5

1.2. Policy. ............................................................................................................................... 5

1.3. Summary of Change 6. ..................................................................................................... 6

SECTION 2: RESPONSIBILITIES ......................................................................................................... 7

2.1. Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manpower and Reserve Affairs (ASD(M&RA)). ..... 7

2.2. Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs. ........................................................... 7

2.3. Performance Improvement Officer and Director of Administration and Management

(PIO/DA&M). ..................................................................................................................... 8

2.4. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy (USD(P))............................................................. 8

2.5. Director, DIA. ................................................................................................................... 9

2.6. Director, Defense Logistics Agency. ................................................................................ 9

2.7. Director, Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA). .................................................... 9

2.8. DoD Component Heads. ................................................................................................... 9

2.9. Secretaries of the Military Departments. .......................................................................... 9

2.10. Secretary of the Army. .................................................................................................. 10

2.11. CJCS. ............................................................................................................................ 10

SECTION 3: AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS ............................................................. 12

3.1. PMDs; CE&S Medals; and Unit Awards........................................................................ 12

3.2. Requirements for Reviewing Recommendations............................................................ 15

3.3. DoD Joint PMDs and the JMUA. ................................................................................... 16

SECTION 4: VALOR RECOGNITION ................................................................................................. 19

4.1. General Information. ....................................................................................................... 19

4.2. Decorations for Individual Valor. ................................................................................... 19

4.3. Multi-Purpose PMDs Used to Recognize Valor. ............................................................ 19

4.4. Valor Decoration Timeliness. ......................................................................................... 19

4.5. Premature Disclosure of MoH Recommendations. ........................................................ 20

4.6. Minimum Requirements for Valor Award Recommendations. ...................................... 20

4.7. Mandatory Review of Valor Decorations. ...................................................................... 21

SECTION 5: RECOGNITION FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICE OR ACHIEVEMENT UNDER COMBAT

CONDITIONS ................................................................................................................................... 22

5.1. General Information. ....................................................................................................... 22

5.2. “C” Device. ..................................................................................................................... 22

SECTION 6: RECOGNITION FOR MERITORIOUS ACHIEVEMENT HAVING REMOTE IMPACT ON

COMBAT OPERATIONS ................................................................................................................... 23

6.1. General Information. ....................................................................................................... 23

6.2. “R” Device. ..................................................................................................................... 23

SECTION 7: DOD CE&S MEDALS ................................................................................................. 24

7.1. Award Procedures. .......................................................................................................... 24

7.2. Categories of CE&S Medals. .......................................................................................... 24

7.3. Tiers of CE&S Medal Recognition for Major GWOT Combat Operations. .................. 25

SECTION 8: REQUIREMENT FOR HONORABLE SERVICE .................................................................. 26

DoDI 1348.33, December 21, 2016

Change 6, July 23, 2024

SECTION 1: GENERAL ISSUANCE INFORMATION 3

SECTION 9: AWARD OF U.S. MILITARY DECORATIONS TO FOREIGN MILITARY PERSONNEL OR

UNITS ............................................................................................................................................. 27

9.1. Introduction. .................................................................................................................... 27

9.2. Decorations for Valor. .................................................................................................... 27

9.3. Decorations for Non-Combat Heroism. .......................................................................... 28

9.4. Decorations for Achievement or Meritorious Service. ................................................... 29

9.5. Unit Awards Authorized for Award to Foreign Units or Personnel. .............................. 32

9.6. Procedures for U.S. Awards to Foreign Military Personnel. .......................................... 33

SECTION 10: RECEIPT OF FOREIGN DECORATIONS AND AWARDS BY SERVICE MEMBERS ............. 36

10.1. Introduction. .................................................................................................................. 36

10.2. Specific Provisions........................................................................................................ 36

10.3. Procedures. .................................................................................................................... 37

10.4. Authorized Foreign Service Awards and Decorations.................................................. 38

a. UNM and Service Ribbon. ........................................................................................... 38

b. NATO Campaign and Service Medals (excludes the NATO MSM). ......................... 40

c. Inter-American Defense Board (IADB) Medal and Ribbon. ....................................... 41

d. Multinational Force and Observers Medal. ................................................................. 41

e. Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia). ................................................................... 41

f. Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait). ............................................................................. 42

g. Prior Statutory Authority. ............................................................................................ 43

SECTION 11: U.S. NON-MILITARY DECORATIONS AND SERVICE AWARDS ................................... 45

a. U.S. Non-military Valor Decorations. ......................................................................... 45

b. CE&S Medals .............................................................................................................. 45

c. Military Society Decorations and Medals. ................................................................... 45

e. Federal Agency Decorations and Service Medals. ...................................................... 45

f. Other U.S. Non-military Decorations. .......................................................................... 46

g. Wearing of U.S. Non-military Decorations. ................................................................ 46

SECTION 12: REPLACEMENT OF MILITARY DECORATIONS ............................................................ 47

SECTION 13: MILITARY AWARDS TO COMMISSIONED OFFICERS OF THE USPHS .......................... 48

13.1. General Information. ..................................................................................................... 48

13.2. Procedures for Processing Awards to USPHS Officers. ............................................... 48

SECTION 14: DOD VALOR WEBSITE .............................................................................................. 51

SECTION 15: CONGRESSIONAL NOTIFICATION OF VALOR AWARDS .............................................. 53

SECTION 16: COLD WAR CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION .............................................................. 55

SECTION 17: AVSC....................................................................................................................... 56

SECTION 18: MILITARY WORKING DOG HANDLER (MWDH) CERTIFICATE OF COMMENDATION

(COC) ............................................................................................................................................ 58

SECTION 19: USE OF UNOFFICIAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY FOR

MILITARY DECORATIONS ............................................................................................................... 59

GLOSSARY ..................................................................................................................................... 61

G.1. Acronyms. ...................................................................................................................... 61

G.2. Definitions. ..................................................................................................................... 63

REFERENCES .................................................................................................................................. 66

DoDI 1348.33, December 21, 2016

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SECTION 1: GENERAL ISSUANCE INFORMATION 4

TABLES

Table 1. PMDs and Authorized Uses. .......................................................................................... 13

Table 2. CE&S Medals. ............................................................................................................... 14

Table 3. Unit Awards ................................................................................................................... 15

Table 4. Valor Decorations Authorized for Award to Foreign Military Personnel. .................... 28

Table 5. Non-Combat Heroism Decorations Authorized for Award to Foreign Military

Personnel. ...................................................................................................................................... 28

Table 6. Achievement or Meritorious Service Decorations for Foreign Military Members. ...... 29

Table 7. LOM Degree, Eligibility, and Award Authority............................................................ 30

Table 8. Recommended 8.5 x 11 inch Cardstock for the DD Form 3065 and DD Form 3059. .. 57

DoDI 1348.33, December 21, 2016

Change 6, July 23, 2024

SECTION 1: GENERAL ISSUANCE INFORMATION 5

SECTION 1: GENERAL ISSUANCE INFORMATION

1.1. APPLICABILITY. This issuance applies to OSD, the Military Departments, the Office of

the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS) and the Joint Staff, the Combatant Commands

(CCMDs), the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Defense, the Defense Agencies,

the DoD Field Activities, and all other organizational entities within the DoD (referred to

collectively as the “DoD Components”).

1.2. POLICY. It is DoD policy that:

a. Service members serving in a DoD Component, through the DoD Military Decorations

and Awards Program:

(1) Will be recognized with the applicable personal military decorations (PMDs) for

qualifying acts of valor, non-combat heroism, or meritorious service or achievement. Eligibility

criteria for DoD-wide PMDs and DoD joint decorations and awards are specified in Volumes 1,

3, and 4 of DoD Manual (DoDM) 1348.33.

(2) Will be recognized with the applicable DoD-wide campaign, expeditionary, or

service (CE&S) medal for qualifying service in military campaigns, expeditions, or other

significant military operations, and for otherwise meritorious military service. Eligibility criteria

for CE&S medals are specified in Volume 2 of DoDM 1348.33.

b. Military units, through the DoD Military Decorations and Awards Program, will be

recognized with the applicable unit award for qualifying meritorious combat service or specific

achievements.

c. No PMD, medal, or device in place thereof, may be awarded or presented to a person

whose service after they distinguished themself has not been honorable in accordance with

Section 1136 of Title 10, United States Code (U.S.C.), and Section 8 of this issuance.

d. Individual members and units of the armed forces of friendly foreign nations may be

recognized with a PMD or valorous unit award, respectively, in accordance with Section 9 of this

issuance provided the valorous acts, non-combat heroism, extraordinary achievement, or

meritorious service:

(1) Were of significant benefit to the United States; or

(2) Materially contributed to the successful prosecution of a DoD military operation or

campaign.

e. Decorations and awards proffered to members of the military services or military units by

foreign governments may be accepted only in recognition of combat service, or outstanding or

unusually meritorious performance. Activities normally undertaken by the Military Services in

support of a friendly foreign nation during peacetime are not considered sufficient to merit

DoDI 1348.33, December 21, 2016

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SECTION 1: GENERAL ISSUANCE INFORMATION 6

foreign individual or unit decorations. Refer to Section 10 of this issuance for additional

information regarding acceptance of foreign decorations and awards.

f. Military decorations and awards:

(1) May be awarded posthumously in accordance with applicable statute, Executive

orders (E.O.s), or policy for the specific decoration or award. Refer to Volumes 1 through 4 of

DoDM 1348.33 for additional guidance for specific awards.

(2) Will be replaced in accordance with Sections 1135, 7277, 7281, 8303, and 9281 of

Title 10, U.S.C., and Section 12 of this issuance.

g. Commissioned officers of the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) may be

awarded military ribbons, decorations, and service medals in accordance with Section 213 of

Title 42, U.S.C., the December 30, 1992 Presidential memorandum on awarding military

decorations to commissioned officers of the USPHS, and Section 13 of this issuance.

h. The Institute of Heraldry, Department of the Army, establishes regulations and standards

governing control in the manufacture and quality assurance of U.S. military medals and ribbons.

U.S. medals and ribbons will only be produced by manufacturers certified by the Institute of

Heraldry.

(1) With the exception of the Medal of Honor (MOH), all full-size and miniature military

medals may be sold commercially in accordance with Parts 507.6 through 507.9 of Title 32,

Code of Federal Regulations.

(2) The MOH and all accessories of the MOH are controlled items and not authorized for

commercial sale.

i. Recipients of the MOH, Distinguished Service Cross (DSC), Navy Cross (NX), Air Force

Cross (AFC), and Silver Star Medal (SSM) will be added to the DoD Valor Website (located at

https://valor.defense.gov/) in accordance with Section 14 of this issuance unless national security

or privacy considerations preclude such publicity. The appropriate member of Congress (MOC)

will be notified regarding awards of the MOH, DSC, NX, AFC, and SSM in accordance with

Section 15 of this issuance.

1.3. SUMMARY OF CHANGE 6.

This administrative change updates the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) e-mail address and

corrects acronym establishment and use in accordance with DoD issuance standards.

DoDI 1348.33, December 21, 2016

Change 6, July 23, 2024

SECTION 2: RESPONSIBILITIES 7

SECTION 2: RESPONSIBILITIES

2.1. ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR MANPOWER AND RESERVE

AFFAIRS (ASD(M&RA)). Under the authority, direction, and control of the Under Secretary

of Defense for Personnel and Readiness (USD(P&R)), the ASD(M&RA):

a. Oversees the:

(1) DoD Military Decorations and Awards Program.

(2) Management of the DoD Valor Website located at https://valor.defense.gov.

b. Ensures the DoD Components’ implementing guidance adheres to pertinent statute, E.O.s,

Federal regulations, and DoD policy.

c. Adjudicates exception to policy (ETP) requests not specifically delegated to personnel in

Paragraphs 2.2. through 2.11.

d. Establishes policy and procedures regarding the acceptance, retention, and authority to

wear decorations proffered by foreign governments.

e. Approves:

(1) United Nations Medals (UNM) for specific United Nations (UN) missions and

actions for acceptance and wear by Service members.

(2) North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) campaign and service medals for

specific NATO operations and actions.

(3) Regulations and instructions submitted by the Military Departments regarding award

and eligibility criteria for the SSM, Legion of Merit (LOM), Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC),

Purple Heart (PH), Bronze Star Medal (BSM), or the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) in

accordance with E.O.s 13830, 11016, 11046, and 11448.

(4) Requests from DoD Component heads, who are also Service members, to accept

decorations or awards from foreign governments.

f. Requests annual CJCS review of DoD CE&S medals for currency to ensure that CE&S

medals continue to appropriately recognize Service members pursuant to applicable statutes,

E.O.s, Federal regulations, and DoD policy.

2.2. ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR HEALTH AFFAIRS. Under the

authority, direction, and control of the USD(P&R), the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health

Affairs acts as the awarding authority for DoD CE&S medals to USPHS officers assigned,

attached, or detailed for full-time duty to:

DoDI 1348.33, December 21, 2016

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SECTION 2: RESPONSIBILITIES 8

a. OSD.

b. DoD Field Activities.

c. Defense Agencies.

d. Joint duty activities that report directly to OSD Principal Staff Assistants.

e. The Joint Staff or agencies and activities reporting through the CJCS, including the

CCMDs.

2.3. PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT OFFICER AND DIRECTOR OF

ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT (PIO/DA&M). The PIO/DA&M:

a. Processes all individual DoD joint PMD recommendations not administered by the CJCS

or Combatant Commanders (CCDRs), including all Defense Distinguished Service Medals

(DDSMs), and other DoD joint PMDs originating from within OSD, the Defense Agencies, and

the DoD Field Activities.

b. Adjudicates:

(1) Individual ETP requests for all DoD joint PMD recommendations not managed by

the CJCS. This authority may be delegated to the Director, Washington Headquarters Services

(WHS), but may not be delegated further.

(2) Joint Meritorious Unit Award (JMUA) recommendations for joint duty activities that

do not report directly to or through the CJCS, including ETP requests. This authority may be

delegated to the Director, WHS, but may not be delegated further.

(3) Requests for award authority delegation for DoD joint PMDs based on existing

policy for joint duty activities that do not report directly to or through the CJCS.

c. Provides guidance governing issuance of the OSD Identification Badge.

d. Procures, administers, and issues the OSD Identification Badge.

2.4. UNDER SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR POLICY (USD(P)). The USD(P):

a. Processes LOM recommendations for foreign personnel requiring Secretary of State

concurrence in accordance with E.O. 13830 and to that end will:

(1) Obtain a statement of concurrence from the Secretary of State, or the Secretary’s

designated representative, for each award recommendation.

(2) Request that the Department of State (DoS) get the applicable foreign country’s

clearance for the United States to award the PMD to the nominee, if necessary.

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SECTION 2: RESPONSIBILITIES 9

b. Provides, upon the ASD(M&RA)’s request, a recommendation regarding the merit of

DoD approving any foreign CE&S medals offered for award to Service members by a foreign

country, government, or organization (excluding the UN and NATO).

2.5. DIRECTOR, DIA. Under the authority, direction, and control of the Under Secretary of

Defense for Intelligence and Security and in addition to the responsibilities in Paragraph 2.8., the

Director, DIA, reviews recommendations and provides statements of concurrence for award of

U.S. military decorations to foreign personnel in accordance with procedures in Section 9 of this

issuance.

2.6. DIRECTOR, DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY. Under the authority, direction, and

control of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and in addition to the

responsibilities in Paragraph 2.8., the Director, Defense Logistics Agency procures and stocks

DoD joint PMDs for procurement by the DoD Components.

2.7. DIRECTOR, DEFENSE THREAT REDUCTION AGENCY (DTRA). Under the

authority, direction, and control of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and

Sustainment, and in addition to the responsibilities in Paragraph 2.8., the Director, DTRA is

responsible for establishing and managing the DoD’s Atomic Veterans Service Certificate

(AVSC) Program in accordance with guidance contained in Section 17 of this issuance.

2.8. DOD COMPONENT HEADS. The DoD Component heads:

a. Approve or deny acceptance of decorations or awards from foreign governments for

Service members, military units, or activities of their components. If the recipient of the foreign

decoration or award is a Service member and a DoD Component head, the request for acceptance

must be forwarded to the ASD(M&RA).

b. Develop Component procedures to comply with Section 10 of this issuance for the

acceptance, retention, and wearing of decorations offered by foreign governments.

2.9. SECRETARIES OF THE MILITARY DEPARTMENTS. In addition to the

responsibilities in Paragraph 2.8., the Secretaries of the Military Departments:

a. Personally endorse their Department’s MOH recommendations to the Secretary of

Defense.

b. Establish policies and procedures in their respective Departments to ensure compliance

with pertinent statutes, E.O.s, Federal regulations, and the policies and procedures outlined in

this instruction.

c. Ensure Military Department and Service award guidance (e.g., regulations, instructions,

manuals) specifically references this issuance and any supporting guidance.

DoDI 1348.33, December 21, 2016

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SECTION 2: RESPONSIBILITIES 10

d. Submit any proposed changes to internal Military Department guidance regarding criteria

and eligibility for the SSM, LOM, DFC, PH, BSM, or the MSM for approval to the

ASD(M&RA), in accordance with E.O.s 11016, 11046, 11448, and 13830.

e. Ensure approved decorations and awards are recorded in official military personnel files.

f. Establish means to measure valor award timeliness in comparison to goals and standards

outlined in Section 4.

g. Provide updates to the ASD(M&RA) through the Director, Officer and Enlisted Personnel

Management (OEPM), for the DoD Valor Website in accordance with Section 14 of this

issuance.

h. Comply with the provisions of Section 1130 of Title 10, U.S.C., regarding proposals for

the award or presentation of a decoration (or the upgrading of a decoration), either for an

individual or unit, that is not otherwise authorized to be presented or awarded due to limitations

established by law or policy.

i. Enforce the DoD’s rights to prevent the unauthorized incorporation of designs or

likenesses of approved designs in commercial articles of all DoD medals, decorations, and the

Gold Star Lapel Button by third parties.

2.10. SECRETARY OF THE ARMY. In addition to the responsibilities in Paragraphs 2.8.

and 2.9., the Secretary of the Army:

a. Prescribes regulations governing control, manufacture, and quality of heraldic items

authorized by Section 7594 of Title 10, U.S.C., and advises other Federal departments and

agencies on matters of heraldry.

b. Administers the Cold War Certificate of Recognition (CWCR) Program in accordance

with the June 18, 1998 Secretary of Defense Memorandum that designated the Secretary of the

Army as the Executive Agent for the CWCR.

2.11. CJCS. In addition to the responsibilities in Paragraph 2.8., the CJCS:

a. Processes all DoD joint PMD and JMUA recommendations for Service members and

units assigned to the Office of the CJCS and the Joint Staff in accordance with procedures

outlined in Volumes 2 through 4 of DoDM 1348.33.

b. Adjudicates individual ETP requests regarding:

(1) Award of the Defense Superior Service Medal (DSSM) and below to Service

members assigned to joint commands or organizations reporting to or through the CJCS, to

include the CCMDs.

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SECTION 2: RESPONSIBILITIES 11

(2) Award of JMUAs to joint commands or organizations reporting to or through the

CJCS, to include the CCMDs.

c. Recommends to the Secretary of Defense, through the USD(P&R), the establishment of

new campaign medals and designation of military operations for award of the Armed Forces

Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) Expeditionary Medal, GWOT Service

Medal, and Armed Forces Service Medal.

d. Upon the ASD(M&RA)’s request, annually reviews CE&S medals for currency and

makes recommendations to the ASD(M&RA) whether:

(1) Any new campaign medals should be created.

(2) Any existing campaign medals should be terminated or transitioned to an

expeditionary medal.

(3) Any new campaign phases are warranted for existing campaign medals.

(4) Any existing expeditionary medals should be terminated or transitioned to the Armed

Forces Service Medal.

(5) The periods of award are correct for any military operation associated with a CE&S

medal.

(6) The geographic areas of eligibility and military operation(s) associated with CE&S

medals are correct and still meet applicable medal eligibility criteria.

DoDI 1348.33, December 21, 2016

Change 6, July 23, 2024

SECTION 3: AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS 12

SECTION 3: AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS

3.1. PMDS; CE&S MEDALS; AND UNIT AWARDS.

a. Overall Restrictions.

(1) In general, only one decoration or service medal of the same type (PMD, CE&S

medal, or unit award) is authorized for the same act, achievement, or period of service.

(a) A PMD for valor, heroism, or specific achievement within a longer period of

meritorious service is not considered duplication, provided the citation for the meritorious

service or the accompanying documentation justifying the award does not cite any of the actions

for which the valor, heroism, or specific achievement PMD was awarded.

(b) A PMD for deployed meritorious service (e.g., BSM) within a longer period of

service is not considered duplication, provided the citation or the accompanying documentation

justifying an award for the longer period of meritorious service does not cite any of the actions

for which the deployed meritorious service PMD was awarded.

individual from receiving a PMD for the same period.

(2) Typically the most appropriate means to recognize Service members serving in any

capacity with the DoD Components, including those assigned to non-military organizations, is

through the DoD Military Decorations and Awards Program. Service members:

(a) Must be recognized for acts of valor with a military decoration for valor. Service

members are not authorized to wear non-military decorations or awards specifically intended to

recognize valorous actions on their military uniform.

(b) Are not authorized to wear non-military decorations or awards specifically

intended to recognize participation in campaigns, expeditions, or fulfillment of specific service

requirements on their military uniform.

procedures outlined in Section 11 of this issuance.

(3) The decision to recommend an individual for a PMD must be performance-based. It

must not be based solely on the completion of a tour of duty or deployment, nor based solely on

the individual’s grade.

b. PMDs and the PH.

(1) PMDs include individual awards for valor, meritorious service or achievement under

combat conditions, remote impacts on combat operations, non-combat heroism, and non-combat

meritorious service or achievement. Table 1 lists the PMDs and their authorized uses.

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SECTION 3: AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS 13

Table 1. PMDs and Authorized Uses.

Title of Decoration

Valor Only

Valor

“ V” Device

Meritorious Service or

Achievement Under

Combat Conditions. “ C”

Remote Combat Impacts

“ R” Device

Non-

Combat Heroism

Other Specific Achievement

Other Meritorious Service

MOH

•

DSC (Army)

•

AFC

•

DDSM

•

Distinguished Service Medal

•

SSM

•

DSSM

•

LOM

•

DFC

•

Soldier’s Medal

•

Navy and Marine Corps Medal

•

Airman’s Medal

•

BSM

•

Defense Meritorious Service Medal

(DMSM)

•

• •

MSM

•

Air Medal

•

Joint Service Commendation Medal (JSCM)

•

Military Department-specific Commendation

Medals

• • • • • •

Joint Service Achievement Medal (JSAM)

•

Military Department-specific Achievement

Medals

6, 7

• •

Each Military Department has its own distinct design of this medal.

The “V” and “C” devices are not authorized; these PMDs are awarded for non-combat heroism. If the heroism to be

recognized was performed under combat conditions, a PMD for valor is the appropriate award. This determination must be

made solely on the specific circumstances of the event. The fact that the heroic act occurred within a combat zone, a

combat zone tax exclusion area, or an area designated for imminent danger pay (IDP), hostile fire pay (HFP), or hazardous

duty pay (HDP) does not satisfy the definition of “under combat conditions”.

The “C” device is not authorized. All awards for non-valorous achievement or service must satisfy the requirements for

personal exposure to hostile action or significant risk of exposure to hostile action.

The “V” and “C” devices are not authorized. These medals are of equivalent level to the BSM. Accordingly, if the

achievement or service was performed under combat conditions, the BSM is the appropriate award.

Includes Army Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and Air Force Commendation

Medal.

Achievement medals are not authorized for award to recognize combat valor.

Includes Army Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and Air Force Achievement Medal.

DoDI 1348.33, December 21, 2016

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SECTION 3: AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS 14

(a) Refer to Section 4 for information on PMDs for individual acts of valor.

(b) Refer to Section 5 for information on PMDs for meritorious service or

achievement under combat conditions.

(d) Refer to Volumes 1, 3, and 4 of DoDM 1348.33 for additional guidance regarding

specific PMDs.

(2) Eligibility for the PH differs from other PMDs. Service members are entitled to the

PH upon determination by the Military Department Secretary concerned that the award criteria

were met. Refer to Volume 3 of DoDM 1348.33 for additional information regarding the PH.

c. CE&S Medals. CE&S medals (Table 2) recognize Service members for participation in

military campaigns, expeditions, or other significant military operations, and for otherwise

meritorious military service. Section 7 of this issuance provides additional information

regarding CE&S medals. Unless otherwise stated, eligibility for CE&S medals differs from

PMDs in that Service members are not recommended for DoD CE&S medals, but are authorized

award based on confirmation that eligibility criteria were met through service record verification.

Eligibility criteria for CE&S medals are specified in Volume 2 of DoDM 1348.33.

Table 2. CE&S Medals.

Title of Decoration

Sub-category of CE&S Medals

Southwest Asia Service Medal

Campaign Medal

Kosovo Campaign Medal

Campaign Medal

Afghanistan Campaign Medal

Campaign Medal

Iraq Campaign Medal

Campaign Medal

Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal

Campaign Medal

Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal

Expeditionary Medal

GWOT Expeditionary Medal

Expeditionary Medal

Antarctic Service Medal

Deployed Service Medal

Armed Forces Service Medal

Deployed Service Medal

Korea Defense Service Medal

Deployed Service Medal

National Defense Service Medal

Individual Service Medal

Armed Forces Reserve Medal

Individual Service Medal

Humanitarian Service Medal

Individual Service Medal

Prisoner of War Medal

Individual Service Medal

Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal

Individual Service Medal

GWOT Service Medal

Individual Service Medal

This list is not all inclusive. Military Departments also have CE&S medals (e.g., Navy Expeditionary Medal; Air Force

Expeditionary Service Ribbon).

Before DoD established comprehensive CE&S medal policy, the naming conventions for DoD CE&S medals was

inconsistent. This resulted in several medals with names and eligibility criteria that do not match the CE&S medal

category to which they are assigned.

DoDI 1348.33, December 21, 2016

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SECTION 3: AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS 15

d. Unit Awards. Unit awards (Table 3) must not be awarded based on the actions of a few

individuals or subordinate units within the larger unit. Refer to Volumes 3 and 4 of DoDM

1348.33 for additional information regarding unit awards.

Table 3. Unit Awards

Title of Decoration

Category of Award

Presidential Unit Citation

DoD-wide unit award

Joint Meritorious Unit Award

DoD joint unit award

This list is not all inclusive. The Military Departments also have unit awards (e.g., Valorous Unit Award–Army; Navy

Unit Commendation; Air Force Gallant Unit Citation).

Each Military Department has a distinct design of the Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon.

3.2. REQUIREMENTS FOR REVIEWING RECOMMENDATIONS.

a. Recommendations for decorations and awards must be reviewed if they are placed into

official channels in accordance with the statute, Executive order, and regulatory guidance for that

particular award.

b. The Secretary of the Military Department concerned must, upon a MOC request in

accordance with Section 1130 of Title 10, U.S.C., review a proposal for the award or upgrade of

a previously awarded decoration, either for an individual or a unit, that is not otherwise

authorized to be presented or awarded due to time limitations established by law or policy.

(1) Determinations under this section must be made in accordance with the same

procedures applicable to recommendations submitted in a timely manner as prescribed by law or

regulation. Refer to Volumes 1, 3, and 4 of DoDM 1348.33 for information regarding specific

military decorations.

(2) The Secretary of the Military Department concerned must make a determination as to

the merits of approving the award. Upon making a determination, the Secretary concerned must

submit a detailed discussion of the rationale supporting the determination to the Senate Armed

Services Committee, House of Representatives Armed Services Committee, and requesting

MOC. If the determination includes a favorable recommendation for the award of the MOH, the

Secretary of Defense, instead of the Secretary of the Military Department concerned, submits the

rationale to the Senate Armed Services Committee, House of Representatives Armed Services

Committee, and requesting MOC.

c. Recommendations requesting the upgrade or revocation of a previously approved award,

or reconsideration of a previously reviewed award recommendation, require:

(1) Presentation of new, substantive, and relevant material evidence that was not

available or known at the time the original recommendation was considered. For upgrade

requests, the information forming the basis for upgrade must have been previously unknown and

not considered by the awarding authority. New information that merely adds details to what was

previously provided in the original award recommendation will not meet the “new and relevant”

requirement; or

DoDI 1348.33, December 21, 2016

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SECTION 3: AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS 16

(2) Evidence of material error or impropriety in the processing or adjudication of the

original award recommendation. Examples might include loss of accompanying or

substantiating documents or witness statements during the original routing of the

recommendation; clearly incorrect application of official policy; or substantiated gender,

religious, or racial discrimination.

(a) Any conclusion that material error or impropriety occurred must be supported by

a preponderance of the evidence.

(b) For MOH nominations previously considered by the Secretary of Defense or

Secretary of a Military Department:

1. The Secretary of Defense determines whether material error or impropriety

existed in any prior award case adjudicated within OSD.

2. The Secretary of the Military Department concerned determines whether

material error or impropriety existed in any case previously adjudicated within their Department.

This authority must not be delegated.

3.3. DOD JOINT PMDS AND THE JMUA.

a. Unless otherwise stated, only Service members assigned to a joint duty activity (JDA) or

joint task force (JTF) headquarters, are eligible for the DoD joint PMDs. The DoD joint PMDs

are the DDSM, DSSM, DMSM, JSCM, and JSAM.

(1) For JTF headquarters, DoD joint PMD eligibility is limited to the JTF commander,

members of the JTF commander’s staff, and members assigned, attached, or detailed to the JTF

headquarters as individuals (not as members of a Service unit).

(2) Individual mobilization augmentees assigned to a JDA or JTF headquarters are

eligible for DoD joint PMDs.

(3) Service members attached, detailed, or assigned on temporary orders to a JDA or JTF

as individuals are eligible for DoD joint PMDs for outstanding achievement. Such impact

awards, also referred to as meritorious achievement awards, should be rare and only awarded for

truly outstanding achievement.

(4) Service members permanently assigned to staff or faculty positions of joint Service

schools are eligible for DoD joint PMDs; students of joint Service or Service-specific schools are

not.

(5) Members of the armed forces of friendly foreign nations assigned, detailed, or

attached to a JDA or JTF are eligible for the DMSM, JSCM, and JSAM. See Section 9 of this

issuance for further guidance on awards to members of foreign militaries.

(6) Being under the operational control of a JDA or JTF does not constitute eligibility for

a DoD joint PMD or the JMUA.

DoDI 1348.33, December 21, 2016

Change 6, July 23, 2024

SECTION 3: AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS 17

(7) Members of Military Service-specific units (i.e., Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air

Force, and Space Force) assigned or attached to a JDA or JTF, or under the operational control

of a JDA or JTF, are not eligible for DoD joint PMDs or the JMUA, but retain eligibility for

PMDs and unit awards from their respective parent Military Service.

(a) Personnel assigned to Military Service Components that are subsequently

attached to a JDA or JTF for administrative or exercise purposes are not eligible for DoD joint

PMDs or the JMUA.

(b) Individual Service members performing as part of a unit whose mission is

Military Service-specific (e.g., mobile training teams) are not eligible for DoD joint PMDs or the

JMUA.

b. Eligibility for DoD joint PMDs or the JMUA does not constitute eligibility for joint duty

assignment credit in accordance with Section 668 of Title 10, U.S.C.

c. DoD joint PMDs are typically awarded for meritorious service, recognizing an

individual’s entire period of assignment to a JDA or JTF headquarters. Under exceptional

circumstances DoD joint PMDs may be awarded as impact awards to recognize a specific act or

outstanding achievement separate and distinct from regularly assigned duties.

(1) Impact award recommendations should be submitted only when the achievement is

of such magnitude that delaying such recognition until completion of the individual’s tour of

duty would diminish the significance of the recognition.

(2) Only under the most unusual circumstances will the DDSM, DSSM, or DMSM be

awarded as an impact award for outstanding achievement to members temporarily assigned to a

JDA or JTF headquarters. The DDSM, DSSM, and DMSM are intended to recognize an

individual’s accomplishments over a sustained period.

d. DoD joint PMDs may not be awarded to any Service member for an act, achievement, or

period of service for which a Service-specific PMD has been awarded. Likewise, no Service-

specific PMD may be awarded to a Service member for an act, achievement, or period of service

for which a DoD joint PMD has been awarded.

e. Service members who meet DoD joint PMD eligibility criteria may be awarded a DoD

joint PMD upon separation or retirement.

(1) Retirement must not be used to justify a higher level decoration than the actual

Service member’s service or achievement in the JDA or JTF assignment supports.

(a) The period of award must only cover the member’s tenure in the joint assignment.

(b) Award recommendations must be based purely on the nominee’s achievements or

service during their current joint tour, and not on the nominee’s previous assignments or entire

career.

DoDI 1348.33, December 21, 2016

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SECTION 3: AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS 18

(2) In lieu of a DoD joint PMD, a Service member may be awarded a PMD from their

parent Military Service if the Service member’s retirement from military service coincides with

the conclusion of their JDA or JTF assignment. However, this exception does not permit a

Service member to receive multiple PMDs for the same period of service.

f. Unless otherwise stated, a Service member who is individually assigned, detailed, or

attached to a JDA or JTF will not be recommended for a PMD through their parent or a sister

Service unless an appropriate DoD joint PMD does not exist.

(1) DoD joint PMDs will not be used to recognize valorous acts meriting recognition

above the JSCM-level. Members assigned to JDAs or JTFs who perform valorous acts

warranting recognition above the JSCM-level will be recommended for the appropriate PMD for

valor through their respective parent Service. Refer to Section 4 of this instruction for

information regarding valor recognition.

(2) In accordance with E.O. 12019, the DMSM is awarded for “non-combat meritorious

service or achievement.” The DMSM will not be used to recognize meritorious service or

achievement under combat conditions. The BSM is the appropriate PMD to recognize

meritorious service or achievement under combat conditions at the DMSM level. Such BSM

recommendations will be submitted through the Service member’s parent Service. Refer to

Section 5 of this instruction for additional information regarding recognition for meritorious

service or achievement under combat conditions.

g. ETP requests for award of the DSSM, DMSM, JSCM, or JSAM should be limited to those

Service members who, in the opinion of the award authority, are performing joint duties in

accordance with the definition of joint matters contained in Section 668 of Title 10, U.S.C.

h. Refer to Volume 4 of DoDM 1348.33 for additional guidance regarding criteria,

eligibility, authorization to award, and preparation and submission of DoD joint PMD and

JMUA recommendations.

DoDI 1348.33, December 21, 2016

Change 6, July 23, 2024

SECTION 4: VALOR RECOGNITION 19

SECTION 4: VALOR RECOGNITION

4.1. GENERAL INFORMATION. Providing distinctive recognition to Service members for

acts of valor is the top priority of the DoD Military Decorations and Awards Program.

a. Valor is an act or acts of heroism by an individual above what is normally expected while

engaged in direct combat with an enemy of the United States, or an opposing foreign or armed

force, with exposure to enemy hostilities and personal risk.

b. A Service member who performs an act(s) of valor will be accorded appropriate

recognition based solely on the merits of their actions.

c. The Service member’s grade will not be a factor in determining the type or level of valor

recognition accorded, nor will any quotas be established limiting the number of valor decorations

that may be recommended or approved.

4.2. DECORATIONS FOR INDIVIDUAL VALOR. The five PMDs that solely recognize

valor are the MOH, DSC, NX, AFC, and SSM. The MOH, the highest-precedence and most

prestigious U.S. military PMD, is normally awarded by the President of the United States.

4.3. MULTI-PURPOSE PMDS USED TO RECOGNIZE VALOR.

a. Several multi-purpose PMDs are also used to recognize valor. When these medals are

used to recognize valor, they are awarded with the “V” device. The multi-purpose PMDs that

may be used to recognize valor with the “V” device are the DFC, BSM, Air Medal, JSCM, Army

Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and the Air Force

Commendation Medal.

b. Any use of the “V” device other than to denote valor is prohibited in accordance with the

January 7, 2016 Secretary of Defense Memorandum that standardized the use of the “V” device

as a valor-only device.

4.4. VALOR DECORATION TIMELINESS.

a. Each valor decoration recommendation will be acted on within 20 work days of receipt at

each echelon in the review process.

b. DoD goals for initiating and processing valor decoration recommendations:

(1) Initiate valor decoration recommendations within 90 days of the act justifying award.

Timely initiation helps ensure witness statements and other evidence justifying the decoration is

collected as close to the date of the combat action as possible.

DoDI 1348.33, December 21, 2016

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SECTION 4: VALOR RECOGNITION 20

(2) Military Departments forward endorsed MOH recommendations to the Secretary of

Defense within 12 months of decoration initiation.

(3) The award authority concerned take final action on recommendations for Military

Service Cross, SSM, and lower-level valor decorations within 12 months of award initiation.

c. Valor decoration authorities must establish means to measure valor decoration timeliness

in relation to the DoD goals in accordance with the aforementioned January 7, 2016 Secretary of

Defense Memorandum.

d. Though better decoration initiation and processing timeliness are desired, the

Department’s preeminent goal is that all Service members who perform valorous acts receive

appropriate recognition. The goals stated above must not be used to avoid processing any

recommendation that is initiated within statutory or regulatory time limits. Whether an

individual decoration recommendation meets the DoD timeliness goals must not be a factor in

determining the level of the decoration approved. The level of the decoration approved must be

based solely on the merits of the act(s).

4.5. PREMATURE DISCLOSURE OF MOH RECOMMENDATIONS.

a. The President is the MOH approval authority and normally presents the MOH at a formal

ceremony in Washington, District of Columbia (D.C.). The White House makes the initial

public announcement of an approved MOH.

(1) Premature public disclosure of information concerning MOH recommendations,

processing, and approval or disapproval actions is a potential source of embarrassment to those

recommended and the U.S. Government.

(2) In the case of approved recommendations, premature disclosure of MOH awards

could diminish the impact of Presidential notification or official MOH presentation.

b. To prevent premature disclosure, public comments must not be made on any MOH case

under consideration. The processing of MOH recommendations will be handled on a “FOR

OFFICIAL USE ONLY” basis until the awards are announced officially by the White House.

c. Pending MOH recommendations are deliberative, pre-decisional and are exempt from

public release in accordance with Section 552(b)(5) of Title 5, U.S.C., also known as the

“Freedom of Information Act.”

4.6. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR VALOR AWARD RECOMMENDATIONS.

a. Valor award recommendations must, at a minimum, contain:

(1) Award recommendation form. Forms vary by Military Service, but all contain vital

information about the nominee, the command making the nomination, and the place and time of

the action.

DoDI 1348.33, December 21, 2016

Change 6, July 23, 2024

SECTION 4: VALOR RECOGNITION 21

(2) Narrative or summary of action.

(3) Proposed citation.

(4) Sworn statement(s) detailing the nominee’s valorous act(s).

(5) Other evidence that provides necessary context or supports the veracity of the

recommendation (e.g., maps, drawings, photographs, or video).

(6) Copies of any investigations related to the combat engagement during which the

valorous actions were performed, for instance an Army Regulation 15-6 investigation, Judge

Advocate General Manual investigation, or after-action report.

b. Further guidance regarding submission of valor awards is contained in Volumes 1, 3, and

4 of DoDM 1348.33.

4.7. MANDATORY REVIEW OF VALOR DECORATIONS. To ensure consistent and

appropriate recognition of Service members who perform acts of valor:

a. All DSC, NX, and AFC medals awarded by an authority other than the Secretary of the

Military Department concerned will be reviewed against MOH award criteria by the applicable

Military Department’s higher headquarters organization that is responsible for the final

processing of MOH recommendations. The review will be accomplished within 120 days of

award to ensure the Service member’s extraordinary combat heroism does not justify award of

the MOH pursuant to Sections 7272, 8292, or 9272 of Title 10, U.S.C.

b. All SSMs awarded by an authority other than the Secretary of the Military Department

concerned will be reviewed against MOH and Service Cross award criteria by the applicable

Military Department's higher headquarters organization that is responsible for the final

processing of Service Cross recommendations. The review will be accomplished within 120

days of award to ensure the Service member’s gallantry in action does not warrant award of the

MOH or pertinent Service Cross pursuant to Sections 7272, 7276, 8292, 8294, 9272, or 9276 of

Title 10, U.S.C.

c. If the Military Department’s higher headquarters review, in accordance with Paragraph

4.7.a. or 4.7.b., results in a recommendation to upgrade the originally awarded valor decoration,

then the basis for the upgrade request may be based solely on the merit of the original

recommendation (i.e., there is no requirement for new and substantive material information, or

an error or injustice with processing of the original award recommendation). In such cases, the

initially approved valor decoration will be considered an interim award.

DoDI 1348.33, December 21, 2016

Change 6, July 23, 2024

SECTION 5: RECOGNITION FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICE OR ACHIEVEMENT UNDER COMBAT

CONDITIONS 22

SECTION 5: RECOGNITION FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICE OR

ACHIEVEMENT UNDER COMBAT CONDITIONS

5.1. GENERAL INFORMATION. Service members will receive appropriate recognition for

qualifying meritorious service or achievement performed under combat conditions. Although

such performance does not rise to the level of valor, it deserves to be distinguished from

performance in peacetime or other situations where Service members are not directly exposed to

hostile action or the significant risk of hostile action.

5.2. “C” DEVICE.

a. The “C” device is placed on multi-purpose PMDs to denote the award recognizes

meritorious service or achievement under combat conditions. The “C” device is only authorized

if the service or achievement was performed while the Service member was personally exposed

to hostile action, or was at significant risk of exposure to hostile action:

(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 United States is not a belligerent party.

b. Table 1 lists, in order of precedence, the multi-purpose PMDs that may be awarded with

the “C” device.

c. The “C” device is not authorized for wear on the BSM, as each award is understood to

have occurred while the awardee was exposed to hostile action, or was at significant risk of

exposure to hostile action.

d. Award of the “C” device is determined solely on the specific circumstances under which

the service or achievement was performed. The award is not determined by geographic location.

(1) The fact that the service was performed in a combat zone, a combat zone tax

exclusion area, or an area designated for IDP, HDP, or HFP is not sufficient to qualify for the

“C” device.

(2) The Service member must have been personally exposed to hostile action, or was at

significant risk of exposure to hostile action.

e. The Service member’s grade must not be a factor in determining whether award of the

“C” device is warranted, nor will any quotas, official or unofficial, be established limiting the

number of “C” devices authorized for a given combat engagement, a given operation, or

cumulatively within a given expanse of area or time.

DoDI 1348.33, December 21, 2016

Change 6, July 23, 2024

SECTION 6: RECOGNITION FOR MERITORIOUS ACHIEVEMENT HAVING REMOTE IMPACT ON

COMBAT OPERATIONS 23

SECTION 6: RECOGNITION FOR MERITORIOUS ACHIEVEMENT

HAVING REMOTE IMPACT ON COMBAT OPERATIONS

6.1. GENERAL INFORMATION. Service members will receive appropriate recognition for

qualifying exceptional achievements that have a direct and immediate impact on the outcome of

a combat engagement or other military operation, albeit from a location where the Service

member was neither personally exposed to hostile action, nor at significant risk of exposure to

hostile action.

6.2. “R” DEVICE.

a. The “R” device is placed on multi-purpose PMDs to denote the decoration was awarded

for the direct hands-on employment of a weapon system or other warfighting activities that had a

direct and immediate impact on a combat operation or other military operation (i.e., outcome of

an engagement or specific effects on a target). Other military operations include Title 10,

U.S.C., support of non-Title 10, U.S.C., operations, and operations authorized by an approved

execute order.

b. The action must have been performed through any domain, in circumstances that did not

expose the individual to hostile action, or place them at significant risk of exposure to hostile

action:

(1) While engaged in military operations against an enemy of the United States;

(2) While engaged in military operations involving conflict against an opposing foreign

force; or

(3) While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in military operations with an

opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.

c. The “R” device is only authorized on PMDs awarded for specific meritorious

achievement. The “R” device is not authorized on medals awarded for sustained meritorious

service (e.g., end-of-tour or retirement decorations). Table 1 lists, in order of precedence, the

PMDs authorized the “R” device.

DoDI 1348.33, December 21, 2016

Change 6, July 23, 2024

SECTION 7: DOD CE&S MEDALS 24

SECTION 7: DOD CE&S MEDALS

7.1. AWARD PROCEDURES.

a. CE&S medals distinctly recognize Service members for qualifying participation in

military campaigns, expeditions, and significant military operations, or for other qualifying

military service.

b. Eligibility criteria for CE&S medals, as outlined in Volume 2 of DoDM 1348.33, are

based on a Service member’s:

(1) Degree of personal risk;

(2) Degree of personal hardship;

(3) Degree of participation in designated military operations; and

(4) Extent of military service during specified periods or types of duty.

c. In general, CE&S medals differ from PMDs in that Service members are not

recommended for CE&S medals, but are entitled to them based on service record verification

that the eligibility requirements were met. Unless otherwise stated, eligibility determinations are

processed by the individual’s respective Military Service.

d. Service members are not authorized award of more than one DoD CE&S medal for the

same act or period of service, except as authorized in Volume 2 of DoDM 1348.33.

7.2. CATEGORIES OF CE&S MEDALS. Table 2 lists the CE&S medals and their

associated categories. The four DoD CE&S medal categories are:

a. Campaign Medals. Campaign medals recognize deployed participation in large-scale or

long-duration combat operations. Campaign medals are associated with the highest level of

personal risk and hardship. They are awarded to Service members who are deployed to the

geographic areas where the combat is actually occurring. Service members deployed to areas

where combat is occurring as a result of prolonged or large-scale military combat operations

should be recognized with a separate and distinct campaign medal.

b. Expeditionary Medals. Expeditionary medals recognize deployed participation in small-

scale or short-duration combat operations or military operations where there is an imminent

threat of hostilities. Expeditionary medals are also awarded to Service members deployed in

support of combat operations, but who are not in the geographic area where the actual combat is

occurring. Expeditionary medals are associated with high levels of personal risk and hardship.

c. Deployed Service Medals. Deployed Service medals recognize deployment or

assignment to a designated area of eligibility to participate in, or directly support, a designated

DoDI 1348.33, December 21, 2016

Change 6, July 23, 2024

SECTION 7: DOD CE&S MEDALS 25

military operation where there is no foreign armed opposition or imminent threat of hostile

action.

d. Individual Service Medals. Individual Service medals recognize individual merit; direct

participation in a DoD approved military activity, undertaking, event, or operation; or service

during a specified period. Some individual service medals, such as the Prisoner of War Medal,

may recognize service involving significant personal risk and hardship, while others recognize

active military service during a particular period of time.

7.3. TIERS OF CE&S MEDAL RECOGNITION FOR MAJOR GWOT COMBAT

OPERATIONS. CE&S medal categories provide three tiers of recognition:

a. Tier 1. Campaign medals recognize Service members who are deployed to the

geographic area where major GWOT combat is actually occurring. Members awarded campaign

medals have the highest degree of personal risk and hardship as they are conducting the combat

operations and are deployed to the area where the combat is actually occurring.

b. Tier 2. The GWOT Expeditionary Medal recognizes Service members deployed to areas

supporting the major GWOT combat operations. Expeditionary medals recognize the personal

hardship and risk associated with deployment to a potentially hostile foreign environment;

however, the personal hardship and risk is less than that incurred by members deployed to the

area where the combat is actually occurring.

c. Tier 3. Service medals (e.g., GWOT Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal)

recognize members supporting GWOT combat operations from locations where the level of

personal hardship and risk differs little from that endured in normal military service.

DoDI 1348.33, December 21, 2016

Change 6, July 23, 2024

SECTION 8: REQUIREMENT FOR HONORABLE SERVICE 26

SECTION 8: REQUIREMENT FOR HONORABLE SERVICE

In accordance with Section 1136 of Title 10, U.S.C., no military decoration, including a medal,

cross, or bar, or an associated emblem or insignia (e.g., device), may be awarded or presented to

any person, or to a representative of the person, if the service of the person after the person

distinguished themself has not been honorable.

a. The determination that a person’s service has not been honorable should be limited to

those cases where the person’s actions:

(1) Are not compatible with continued military service (e.g., dismissal of a commission

officer from military service);

(2) Result in criminal convictions;

(3) Result in determinations that the person did not serve satisfactorily in a specific grade

or position; or

(4) Result in a discharge from military service that is characterized as “Other Than

Honorable,” “Bad Conduct,” or “Dishonorable.”

b. PMDs should be revoked if subsequently determined facts would have prevented the

original approval or presentation of the award.

c. The revocation of PMDs under the “Honorable” service requirement should be limited to

those cases where the Service member’s actions are not compatible with continued military

service (e.g., dismissal of a commissioned officer from military service), result in criminal

convictions, result in determinations that the Service member did not serve satisfactorily in a

specific grade or position, result in a discharge from military service that is characterized as

“Other Than Honorable,” “Bad Conduct,” or “Dishonorable.”

DoDI 1348.33, December 21, 2016

Change 6, July 23, 2024

SECTION 9: AWARD OF U.S. MILITARY DECORATIONS TO FOREIGN MILITARY

PERSONNEL OR UNITS 27

SECTION 9: AWARD OF U.S. MILITARY DECORATIONS TO FOREIGN

MILITARY PERSONNEL OR UNITS

9.1. INTRODUCTION.

a. In accordance with Paragraph 1.2.d. of this instruction, individual members and units of

the armed forces of friendly foreign nations may be recognized with a PMD or valorous unit

award if the valorous acts, non-combat heroism, extraordinary achievement, or meritorious

service:

(1) Were of significant benefit to the United States; or

(2) Materially contributed to the successful prosecution of a DoD military operation or

campaign.

b. CE&S medals, including Military Department-specific CE&S medals, are not authorized

for award to foreign nationals except for the Antarctica Service Medal.

c. Members of friendly foreign armed forces assigned, attached, or detailed to a U.S. military

unit are eligible for a unit decoration on the same basis as U.S. military personnel assigned to the

unit, unless prohibited by statute, E.O., or policy.

d. The provisions of this section do not apply to:

(1) Emblems, badges, or trophies awarded for the attainment of a prescribed degree of

skill, proficiency, or excellence of performance.

(2) Other recognition awarded in accordance with the DoD Incentive Awards Program

outlined in Volume 451 of DoD Instruction (DoDI) 1400.25.

e. Unless otherwise stated, the Secretary of Defense approves all proposals to award U.S.

military decorations to foreign nationals.

9.2. DECORATIONS FOR VALOR.

a. Members of the armed forces of friendly foreign nations who perform valorous or heroic

acts in combat in direct support of U.S. military operations may be awarded the PMDs listed in

Table 4.

b. The BSM may only be awarded, in accordance with Section 1133 of Title 10, U.S.C., for

actions or events that occurred in an area where:

(1) HFP or IDP is authorized in accordance with Section 310 of Title 37, U.S.C.; or

(2) HDP is authorized in accordance with Paragraph (1) or (3) of Section 351(a) of Title

37, U.S.C.

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SECTION 9: AWARD OF U.S. MILITARY DECORATIONS TO FOREIGN MILITARY

PERSONNEL OR UNITS 28

Table 4. Valor Decorations Authorized for Award to Foreign Military Personnel.

DSC

AFC

SSM

DFC with “V”

BSM with “V”

Air Medal with “V”

JSCM with “V”

Military Department-specific Commendation Medal with “V”

c. Decorations listed in Table 4 will only be awarded to foreign military personnel for

valorous acts that would justify award of the same decoration to a U.S. Service member.

d. Approval authorities and procedures:

(1) The Secretary of Defense must approve an ETP before any valor award listed in

Table 4 may be awarded to foreign general and flag officers in equivalent U.S. pay grades of O-7

and above. Submit ETP requests to the Secretary of Defense in accordance with procedures in

Paragraph 9.6.b.

(2) For the Service Crosses, SSM, DFC, BSM, Air Medal, and Military Department-

specific commendation medals (MDSCM) the Secretary of the Military Department concerned

may approve awards for foreign personnel in the equivalent U.S. pay grade of O-6 and below.

Award recommendation requirements are contained in Paragraph 9.6.a.

(3) For the JSCM, approval authorities and procedures are contained in

Paragraph 9.4.e.(5).

9.3. DECORATIONS FOR NON-COMBAT HEROISM.

a. Members of the armed forces of friendly foreign nations who perform acts of non-combat

heroism while in direct support of U.S. military operations may be awarded the PMDs listed in

Table 5.

Table 5. Non-Combat Heroism Decorations Authorized for Award to Foreign Military

Personnel.

DFC

Soldier’s Medal (Army)

Navy and Marine Corps Medal

Airman’s Medal (Air Force)

Air Medal

JSCM

MDSCMs

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b. Awards will only be made in recognition of heroic acts that would justify award of the

same decoration to a U.S. Service member.

c. Approval authority and procedures.

(1) The Secretary of Defense must approve an ETP before any non-combat heroism

award listed in Table 5 may be awarded to foreign general or flag officers in equivalent U.S. pay

grades of O-7 and above. Submit ETP requests to the Secretary of Defense in accordance with

procedures in Paragraph 9.6.b.

(2) For the DFC, Soldier’s Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Medal, Airman’s Medal, Air

Medal, and MDSCMs, the Secretary of the Military Department concerned may approve awards

for foreign personnel in the equivalent U.S. pay grade of O-6 and below. Award

recommendation requirements are contained in Paragraph 9.6.a.

(3) For the JSCM, approval authorities and procedures are contained in

Paragraph 9.4.e.(5).

9.4. DECORATIONS FOR ACHIEVEMENT OR MERITORIOUS SERVICE.

a. General. Members of the armed forces of friendly foreign nations who distinguish

themselves by meritorious conduct in performance of outstanding services to the United States

may be awarded the PMDs listed in Table 6.

Table 6. Achievement or Meritorious Service Decorations for Foreign Military Members.

LOM

DFC

BSM

DMSM

MSM

Air Medal

JSCM

MDSCM

JSAM

Military Department-specific achievement medals (MDSAMs)

The LOM is awarded to eligible foreign personnel in the following

degrees: Chief Commander; Commander; Officer; and, Legionnaire.

b. LOM. The LOM is the highest U.S. military decoration that may be awarded to eligible

foreign military personnel in recognition for achievement or meritorious service.

(1) In accordance with Section 1121 of Title 10, U.S.C., as governed by E.O. 13830, the

LOM may be awarded to members of the armed forces of friendly foreign nations who, after

September 8, 1939, have distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious conduct in

performing outstanding services to the United States.

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(2) The LOM for foreign personnel is awarded in four degrees. Eligibility and approval

authority for each degree is based on the grade and position of the nominee (see Table 7).

(3) An example LOM award recommendation staff package with award citation and

certificate requirements can be found at: https://prhome.defense.gov/M-RA/Inside-M-

RA/MPP/OEPM/.

Table 7. LOM Degree, Eligibility, and Award Authority.

Degree Type

Award Authority

Eligible Nominees

Procedures

Chief Commander

The President, upon the

recommendation of the

Secretary of Defense and

concurrence of the

Secretary of State

Foreign chiefs of state or

heads of government

Submit award

recommendations in

accordance with

procedures in Paragraph

9.6.b.

Commander

Secretary of Defense,

after concurrence by the

Secretary of State

Individuals holding a

position equivalent to a

member of the Joint

Chiefs of Staff, but not to

chiefs of state.

Submit award

recommendations in

accordance with

procedures in Paragraph

9.6.b.

Officer

Secretary of Defense,

after concurrence by

Secretary of State

1. General or flag grade

officers in equivalent

U.S. pay grades of O-7 or

above serving in

positions below the

equivalent of a U.S.

Military Service Chief of

Staff;

2. Officers in grades

equivalent to U.S. pay

grade of O-6 (e.g.,

colonel or captain), for

service in positions

comparable to those

normally held by general

or flag officers in the

Military Services; or

3. Foreign military

attachés.

Submit award

recommendations in

accordance with

procedures in Paragraph

9.6.b.

Legionnaire

Secretary of Defense,

after concurrence by

Secretary of State.

All other eligible

members of the armed

forces of friendly foreign

nations.

Submit award

recommendations in

accordance with

procedures in Paragraph

9.6.b.

Listed in order from highest to lowest degree.

c. DFC and Air Medal.

(1) The DFC and Air Medal may be awarded for extraordinary achievement while

participating in aerial flight.

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(2) Award will be based on an act or service that would justify award of the same

decoration to a U.S. Service member.

(3) Approval authority and procedures.

(a) The Secretary of Defense must approve an ETP before any DFC or Air Medal

may be awarded to foreign general and flag officers in equivalent U.S. pay grades of O-7 and

above. Submit ETP requests to the Secretary of Defense in accordance with procedures in

Paragraph 9.6.b.

(b) The Secretary of the Military Department concerned may approve awards for

foreign personnel in the equivalent U.S. pay grade of O-6 and below. Award recommendation

requirements are contained in Paragraph 9.6.a.

d. BSM, MSM, MDSCMs, and MDSAMs.

(1) The BSM, MSM, MDSCMs, and MDSAMs may be awarded to a member of the

armed forces of a friendly foreign nation who distinguishes themself by extraordinary

achievement or meritorious service.

(2) Award will be based on acts or service that would justify award of the same

decoration to a U.S. Service member.

(3) The BSM may only be awarded, in accordance with Section 1133 of Title 10, U.S.C.,

for actions or events that occurred in an area where:

(a) HFP or IDP is authorized in accordance with Section 310 of Title 37, U.S.C.; or

(b) HDP is authorized in accordance with Paragraphs (1) or (3) of Section 351(a) of

Title 37, U.S.C.

(4) MDSCMs and MDSAMs are not authorized for award to foreign general or flag

officers serving in equivalent U.S. pay grades of O-7 or above.

(5) The appropriate non-valorous award for a foreign general or flag officer serving in

equivalent U.S. pay grades of O-7 or above is the LOM of appropriate degree.

(6) Approval authority and procedures:

(a) The Secretary of Defense must approve an ETP before the BSM or MSM may be

awarded to a foreign general or flag officer in equivalent U.S. pay grade of O-7 and above.

Submit ETP requests to the Secretary of Defense in accordance with procedures in Paragraph

9.6.b.

(b) The Secretary of the Military Department concerned may approve awards for

foreign personnel in the equivalent U.S. pay grades of O-6 and below. Award recommendation

requirements are contained in Paragraph 9.6.a.

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e. DMSM, JSCM, and JSAM.

(1) The DMSM, JSCM, or JSAM may be awarded to a member of the armed forces of a

friendly foreign nation assigned, attached, or detailed to the Joint Staff, CCMDs, or other JDA or

JTF, who distinguishes themself by meritorious achievement or service. The DDSM and DSSM

are not authorized for award to foreign personnel.

(2) Award will be based on acts or service that would justify award of the same

decoration to a Service member.

(3) The DMSM and JSCM are not authorized for award to foreign general or flag

officers serving in equivalent U.S. pay grades of O-7 or above.

(4) The JSAM is not authorized for award to foreign military personnel serving in

equivalent U.S. pay grades of O-6 or above.

(5) Approval authority and procedures:

(a) The CJCS is the award authority for foreign military personnel assigned to the

Joint Staff. This authority may be delegated no lower than the Vice Director of the Joint Staff.

Award recommendation requirements are contained in Paragraph 9.6.a.

(b) The applicable CCDR is the award authority for foreign military personnel

assigned to their respective headquarters or to JDAs directly under their control. This authority

may be delegated in writing to the CCDR’s chief of staff and to subordinate operational

commanders in the pay grades of O-8 and above. Award recommendation requirements are

contained in Paragraph 9.6.a.

OSD or Defense Agencies and DoD Field Activities reporting to or through the OSD. Award

recommendation requirements are contained in Paragraph 9.6.a. Forward award

recommendations for PIO/DA&M approval to the Assistant Director, Military Personnel, Human

Resources Directorate, WHS.

9.5. UNIT AWARDS AUTHORIZED FOR AWARD TO FOREIGN UNITS OR

PERSONNEL.

a. The Presidential Unit Citation and Military Department unit awards may be awarded to

units of friendly foreign nations for qualifying combat action in direct support of U.S. military

operations.

b. Award will be based on unit actions that would justify award of the same decoration to a

U.S. Service unit.

c. Approval authority is the Secretary of the Military Department concerned.

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9.6. PROCEDURES FOR U.S. AWARDS TO FOREIGN MILITARY PERSONNEL.

a. Awards Approved by Secretaries of Military Departments, the CJCS, CCDRs, or

PIO/DA&M. The following procedures do not apply to LOMs. Follow procedures in

Paragraph 9.6.b. for LOM recommendations. Before award, the Secretary of the Military

Department, CJCS, CCDR, or OSD Principal Staff Assistant initiating the award will, at a

minimum:

(1) Provide the full name of the nominee in all award recommendation correspondence.

(2) Obtain a statement of concurrence from the U.S. Defense Attaché from the

nominee’s home country to ensure award of the U.S. military decoration is consistent with U.S.

interests.

(3) Obtain a counterintelligence record check on the award nominee to ensure they have

not committed an act, or engaged in any activity that would cause embarrassment to the U.S.

Government were a U.S. military decoration to be presented. The organization performing the

check will provide a statement of concurrence or non-concurrence with the award

recommendation.

(a) Military Departments obtain the counterintelligence record check from the

pertinent military counterintelligence organization.

(b) All organizations, other than the Military Departments, must obtain the required

counterintelligence record check from DIA. The DIA requires 30 calendar days to process

reviews.

6 months before the award approval date.

b. Awards Requiring Presidential or Secretary of Defense Approval. The Secretary of

the Military Department, CJCS, CCDR, or OSD Principal Staff Assistant initiating the award

will:

(1) Provide a fully staffed and coordinated award recommendation package to the WHS,

Executive Services Directorate (ESD), Correspondence Management Division (CMD), within 6

months of the date of the action or period of service justifying award. LOM recommendations

for foreign personnel will be formatted in accordance with the example at

https://prhome.defense.gov/M-RA/Inside-M-RA/MPP/OEPM/. Incomplete recommendations

will be returned without action.

(2) Award recommendation packages will contain, at a minimum:

(a) A signed action memorandum to the Secretary of Defense written in accordance

with Volume 1 of DoDM 5110.04, that:

1. Recommends award or ETP approval.

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2. Justifies why award approval is in the best interest of the U.S. Government and

DoD.

3. Explains why the award is late (required if over 6 months from the date of the

distinguishing act or period of meritorious service).

(b) For actions requiring Secretary of Defense endorsement to the President, a

memorandum from the Secretary of Defense to the President recommending award approval.

1. The nominee’s full name.

2. The period of award.

3. The nominee’s duty position(s) or title(s) during the period of award.

4. The nominee’s accomplishments justifying award.

(d) For LOM recommendations, an award citation and certificate printed on official

award cardstock.

1. Prepare the LOM citation and certificate in accordance with procedures

outlined in the example LOM recommendation at https://prhome.defense.gov/M-RA/Inside-M-

RA/MPP/OEPM/.

2. WHS/ESD/CMD provides blank LOM certificates to organizations initiating

the award recommendation, but will not provide medal sets. It is the submitting organization’s

responsibility to obtain the medal set.

(e) A brief biography of the award nominee.

(f) A memorandum from the DIA concurring with award based on the results of its

counterintelligence check.

1. Request the DIA counterintelligence check via a memorandum to DIA. A

template request memorandum is at https://prhome.defense.gov/M-RA/Inside-M-

RA/MPP/OEPM/. E-mail a copy of the request memorandum to [email protected].

2. The DIA requires 30 calendar days to complete the required

counterintelligence check. The DIA concurrence memorandum expires 6 months from the date

of issue.

(g) USD(P) and DoS concurrence. The USD(P) obtains DoS concurrence required

by E.O. 13830.

1. Following DIA concurrence, forward a copy of the complete nomination

package via the Correspondence and Task Management System (CATMS) to the USD(P) for

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coordination (CATMS trigraph “USP”). Organizations without access to CATMS must e-mail

the nomination package to [email protected].

2. The USD(P) requires 30 calendar days to provide required coordination.

USD(P) and DoS concurrences expire 6 months from the date of issue.

(3) Following DIA, USD(P), and DoS concurrence, forward the hard copy of the fully

staffed and coordinated award recommendation to WHS/ESD/CMD, Pentagon, Room 3C843.

(a) For organizations:

1. With access to CATMS, upload the award recommendation and associated

attachments to the tasker assigned to the USD(P) and copy WHS/ESD/CMD (CATMS trigraph

“CMD”). Upload the award citation in Microsoft Word document format.

2. Without access to CATMS, e-mail a Microsoft Word version of the award

citation to whs.pentagon.esd.mbx.cmd-correspondence@mail.mil.

(b) CCDRs will forward award recommendations to their respective Pentagon liaison

office for review and delivery to WHS/ESD/CMD. CCDRs will provide an information copy of

the award recommendation to the CJCS.

recommendation. Verbal award approvals are not authorized or provided. Presentation

ceremonies and public announcements are prohibited until after the Secretary of Defense has

signed and approved the award recommendation.

(d) Upon Secretary of Defense approval, WHS/ESD/CMD will:

1. Notify the originating organization to pick up the signed award certificate and

citation.

2. Provide a color electronic version of the signed certificate and citation to the

action officer identified on the action memorandum.

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SECTION 10: RECEIPT OF FOREIGN DECORATIONS AND AWARDS BY

SERVICE MEMBERS

10.1. INTRODUCTION.

a. Foreign governments or multilateral organizations on occasion proffer foreign military

CE&S medals to the U.S. Government or the DoD. Foreign governments or multilateral

organizations also occasionally proffer foreign PMDs to Service members for specific individual

actions or service.

b. Section 7342 of Title 5, U.S.C., allows employees of the U.S. Government, including

Service members, to accept awards or decorations from a foreign government under certain

conditions.

(1) The provisions of this instruction will apply to all DoD employees as defined in

DoDD 1005.13.

(2) Service members may not request, or otherwise encourage, the offer of an award or

decoration from a foreign government.

(3) Whenever possible, foreign awards or decorations not approved in advance by the

recipient’s DoD Component will be refused. When it appears that refusal of the gift or

decoration may offend or embarrass the donor, or could affect adversely the foreign relations of

the United States, the gift or decoration may be accepted on behalf of the United States. The gift

or decoration then becomes the property of the United States and will be deposited with the

employing DoD Component in accordance with the procedures set forth in DoDD 1005.13.

Before returning to the original donor a foreign decoration that has been accepted, the DoD

Component will consult with the DoS.

(4) Refer to DoDD 1005.13 for further guidance regarding the acceptance of gifts from

foreign governments.

10.2. SPECIFIC PROVISIONS.

a. The provisions of Section 7342 of Title 5, U.S.C., do not apply to:

(1) Foreign awards presented or awarded posthumously to a deceased former Service

member, or to their next of kin (NOK).

(2) Foreign awards for services performed while the recipient was a member of the

armed forces of a friendly foreign nation, provided the award was made before their U.S.

military or civilian employment by the U.S. Government.

(3) Foreign awards in the nature of individual skill badges, awards, or similar devices

presented as a result of exemplary participation in official military exchange programs.

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(4) Awards for service in the Republic of Vietnam accepted on or after March 1, 1961,

but no later than March 28, 1974.

b. Service medals from a multilateral organization other than the UN may be accepted only

with the concurrence of the Secretary of State, in accordance with E.O. 11446.

c. An award accepted without the approval of the Service member’s DoD Component

becomes the property of the United States and must be reported as a gift. Awards that become

U.S. property and are not retained by the Service member’s DoD Component must be reported to

the General Services Administration as excess personal property under the procedures

established in Section 7342 of Title 5, U.S.C.

10.3. PROCEDURES.

a. Foreign Decorations or Awards Offered to Individual Service Members.

(1) Foreign government representatives typically notify senior U.S. Government

representatives in advance of the intent to proffer an award or decoration to an individual Service

member.

(a) Upon such notification, the DoD employing Component must determine whether

the Service member is authorized to accept the award.

(b) If the intended recipient receives the initial notification, they must notify their

DoD Component to determine whether acceptance is authorized.

(2) Circumstances may arise where advance authorization to accept the award cannot be

made. In such cases:

(a) Service members may make token acceptance of the award presented by or for a

friendly foreign government or multilateral organization.

(b) Token acceptance does not constitute an official acceptance, which may only be

authorized by the Service member’s DoD Component.

Paragraph 10.3.c. to their DoD Component for permission to accept the award.

(d) Failure to request permission to accept and retain the award will result in the

award becoming U.S. property, requiring the recipient to provide the award to their employing

DoD Component for disposal, as prescribed by law.

(3) Requests to accept and retain a foreign award will, at a minimum, contain:

(a) Full name, grade, and Military Service of the applicant.

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(b) Title of the foreign award, country proffering it, date and place of award

presentation, and the name and title of the person presenting the award.

assignment during the period of award.

(d) A copy of the award citation, translated to English if necessary. If no citation

accompanied the award, the applicant should state so and include a brief description of the

service or actions that justified the award.

b. Foreign CE&S Medals.

(1) Foreign government or multilateral organizational representatives typically notify

senior U.S. Government representatives in advance of the intent to proffer a foreign campaign,

expeditionary, or service medal (e.g., Kuwait Liberation Medal, Korea War Service Medal) to

the U.S. Government or the DoD.

(2) Procedures for processing requests to accept UNMs and NATO medals are contained

in Paragraphs 10.4.a. and 10.4.b., respectively. For all other such requests, the receiving

organization, upon notification, should notify the ASD(M&RA), who will work to obtain

detailed information (e.g., name of the medal, medal design and physical description, reason for

award, award criteria, estimated number of qualifying Service members, number of medals being

provided by the foreign government or multilateral organization) regarding the foreign CE&S

medal being proffered by the foreign government or multilateral organization.

(3) The ASD(M&RA) will work with the USD(P) and the DoS to determine if

acceptance of the CE&S medal is in the best interest of the U.S. Government. The DoD will not

approve foreign CE&S medals for acceptance and wear by Service members unless the medal(s)

are fully funded and provided by the proffering foreign government or multilateral organization.

c. Foreign Unit Awards.

(1) Foreign government or multilateral organizational representatives typically notify

senior U.S. Government representatives in advance of the intent to proffer a foreign unit award

(e.g., Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation).

(2) The Secretaries of the Military Departments are authorized to establish procedures

for accepting foreign unit awards for the military units of their respective Military Departments

in accordance with this issuance. If the foreign unit award includes Service members from more

than one Military Department, the Secretaries of the Military Departments concerned will jointly

determine if the foreign unit award will be approved for acceptance and wear by Service

members.

10.4. AUTHORIZED FOREIGN SERVICE AWARDS AND DECORATIONS. These non-

U.S. service medals have been authorized for acceptance as indicated:

a. UNM and Service Ribbon.

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(1) Authorized by the UN Secretary General for specific UN missions and actions.

(2) The Secretary of Defense, in accordance with E.O. 11139, approves the UNM and

service ribbon for acceptance and wear by Service members who meet award criteria specified

by the UN Secretary General.

(3) UNM is an all-encompassing term used to describe the basic bronze medallion, with

the UN emblem and the letters UN on the obverse, suspended from a ribbon.

(a) Each UN mission, or action for which a UNM is awarded, is commemorated by a

suspension and service ribbon of unique colors and design.

(b) The ribbon and medallion combination take on the name of the specific operation

for which the combination was created.

specific UN missions and actions is at: https://prhome.defense.gov/M-RA/Inside-M-

RA/MPP/OEPM/.

(4) Service members are only authorized to wear a UNM and service ribbon approved

for acceptance and wear by the ASD(M&RA).

(a) Service members only wear the initial UNM and associated service ribbon

awarded.

(b) Subsequent UNMs awarded for separate UN missions or actions are denoted by

wearing a bronze service star on the suspension and service ribbon of the initial UNM awarded.

(5) ASD(M&RA) approval of a UNM for acceptance and wear by Service members does

not constitute authority for U.S. personnel to award UNMs on behalf of the UN.

(a) UNMs will normally be awarded by the chief of the UN mission to qualifying

Service members before their departure from service with the UN.

(b) U.S. personnel are not authorized to award a UNM to Service members without a

specific by-name authorization from the chief of the UN mission.

(6) Procedures for requesting DoD approval of a UNM and service ribbon for acceptance

and wear.

(a) The Secretary of the Army is the DoD Executive Agent for DoD Support to UN

Missions in accordance with DoDD 2065.01E. The U.S. Military Observer Group-Washington,

the Secretary of the Army’s staff agent responsible for military personnel assigned to UN

missions, upon assignment of U.S. personnel to a UN mission for which a UNM has been

authorized, initiates a request to the ASD(M&RA) for DoD approval of the UNM and associated

service ribbon.

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(b) The Office of the ASD(M&RA) staffs the UNM request and obtains the DoS

concurrence required by E.O. 11139 by forwarding the request to the Assistant Secretary of

State, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, DoS.

b. NATO Campaign and Service Medals (excludes the NATO MSM).

(1) Authorized by the NATO Secretary General to recognize qualifying participation in

specific NATO operations and actions.

(2) The Secretary of Defense, in accordance with E.O. 11446, approves NATO medals

for acceptance and wear by Service members who meet award criteria specified by the NATO

Secretary General.

(3) Service members are only authorized to wear a NATO medal awarded for actions or

operations approved by the ASD(M&RA).

(a) Service members only wear the initial NATO medal awarded.

(b) Service members are not authorized to wear any ribbon clasps on the NATO

medal suspension ribbon.

denoted by wearing a bronze service star on the suspension and service ribbon of the initial

NATO medal awarded.

(d) The list of DoD approved NATO medals and service ribbons associated with

specific NATO operations and actions is at: https://prhome.defense.gov/M-RA/Inside-M-

RA/MPP/OEPM/.

(4) ASD(M&RA) approval of a NATO medal for acceptance and wear by Service

members does not constitute authority for U.S. personnel to award the NATO medal on behalf of

NATO.

(a) NATO medals are normally awarded to qualifying Service members before their

departure from service with NATO by a theater commander who has been delegated NATO

medal award authority by NATO.

(b) U.S. personnel are not authorized to award a NATO medal to Service members

unless specifically delegated award authority by the NATO Secretary General or NATO

Supreme Allied Commander Europe.

to Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe J-1 for approval through the Service member’s

Military Service Component to U.S. European Command and the NATO military representative.

(5) The NATO Medal ranks immediately after the UNM and before the Multinational

Force and Observers Medal in order of precedence.

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(6) Procedures for requesting DoD approval of a NATO medal for acceptance and wear:

(a) The U.S. military representative to the NATO Military Committee initiates a

request to the ASD(M&RA) for DoD approval of that NATO medal, once U.S. Service members

are assigned to a NATO operation or action for which a NATO medal has been authorized.

(b) The Office of the ASD(M&RA) staffs the NATO medal request, including

obtaining DoS concurrence required by E.O. 11446, by forwarding the request to the Assistant

Secretary of State, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, DoS.

(7) The NATO MSM is a personal award and is not covered under this section. Requests

for acceptance and wear of NATO MSMs must be processed individually by each Military

Department following policy guidance in Paragraph 10.3.a.

c. Inter-American Defense Board (IADB) Medal and Ribbon.

(1) The IADB medal and ribbon is authorized for acceptance and wear by Service

members.

(2) The IADB medal and ribbon is awarded permanently to Service members who have

served on the IADB for at least 1 year, as the chair of the board, delegates, advisors, officers of

the staff, officers of the secretariat, or officers of the Inter-American Defense College.

(3) The IADB ribbon must have the same precedence as the UNM, but the IADB ribbon

will rank below the UNM when the wearer has been awarded both awards.

(4) The IADB medal or badge is worn in accordance with Military Service policy. For

each 5 years of service to the IADB, a gold star will be worn.

d. Multinational Force and Observers Medal.

(1) Awarded to Service members who served with the Multinational Force and

Observers for at least 90 cumulative days after August 3, 1981.

(2) Service members are authorized to accept and wear the Multinational Force and

Observers Medal.

(3) Award is not authorized for service in Lebanon.

e. Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia).

(1) Authorized by the government of Saudi Arabia to members of the Coalition Forces

who participated in Operation DESERT STORM. Service members are authorized to accept and

wear the Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia).

(2) To be eligible, U.S. Service members must:

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(a) Have served in support of Operation DESERT STORM between January 17 and

February 28, 1991, in one or more of these areas:

1. The Persian Gulf;

2. The Red Sea;

3. The Gulf of Oman;

4. That portion of the Arabian Sea that lies north of 10 degrees north latitude and

west of 68 degrees east longitude;

5. The Gulf of Aden; or

6. The total land areas of Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Omar, Bahrain, Qatar, and

the United Arab Emirates.

(b) Have been:

1. Attached to or regularly serving for 1 or more days with an organization

participating in ground or shore operations;

2. Attached to or regularly serving for 1 or more days aboard a naval vessel

directly supporting military operations;

3. Actually participating as a crew member in 1 or more aerial flights supporting

military operations in the areas designated in Paragraph 10.4.e.(2)(a); or

4. Serving on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days during this period. That

time limitation may be waived for people participating in actual combat operations.

(3) The Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia) may be awarded posthumously.

(4) The Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia) will follow the Republic of Vietnam

Campaign Medal in order of precedence.

(5) The Military Departments will prescribe appropriate regulations for the

administrative processing, awarding, and wearing of the Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi

Arabia), ribbon, and appurtenances.

f. Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait).

(1) Authorized by the government of Kuwait to Service members who participated in

Operations DESERT SHIELD, DESERT STORM, and the Cease Fire Campaign. Service

members are authorized to accept and wear the Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait).

(2) To be eligible, U.S. Service members must:

DoDI 1348.33, December 21, 2016

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SECTION 10: RECEIPT OF FOREIGN DECORATIONS AND AWARDS BY SERVICE MEMBERS 43

(a) Have served in support of Operations DESERT SHIELD, DESERT STORM or

the Cease Fire Campaign between August 2, 1990, and August 31, 1993, in one or more of these

areas:

1. The Arabian Gulf.

2. The Red Sea.

3. The Gulf of Oman.

4. That portion of the Arabian Sea that lies north of 10 degrees north latitude and

west of 68 degrees east longitude.

5. The Gulf of Aden.

6. The total land areas of Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Omar, Bahrain, Qatar, and

the United Arab Emirates.

(b) Have been:

1. Attached to or regularly serving for 1 or more days with an organization

participating in ground or shore operations;

2. Attached to or regularly serving for 1 or more days aboard a naval vessel

directly supporting military operations;

3. Actually participating as a crew member in 1 or more aerial flights directly

supporting military operations in the areas designated above; or

4. Serving on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days

during this period. That time limitation may be waived for people participating in actual combat

operations.

(3) The Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait) may be awarded posthumously.

(4) The Deputy Chief of Staff, Personnel, of each Service, and the Director, Joint Staff,

for the CJCS, are authorized to grant ETPs for award of the Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait).

However, since the eligibility period and geographic boundaries were specified by the

government of Kuwait, those criteria may not be waived.

(5) The Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait) will follow the Kuwait Liberation Medal

(Saudi Arabia) in order of precedence.

(6) The Military Departments will prescribe appropriate regulations for the

administrative processing, awarding, and wearing of the medal, ribbon, and appurtenances.

g. Prior Statutory Authority. The statutes below authorize Service members to accept

awards proffered by friendly foreign governments in recognition of service performed during the

DoDI 1348.33, December 21, 2016

Change 6, July 23, 2024

SECTION 10: RECEIPT OF FOREIGN DECORATIONS AND AWARDS BY SERVICE MEMBERS 44

periods indicated in Paragraphs 10.4.g.(1) through 10.4.g.(4). However, the awards must have

been presented and accepted by the intended recipient before the expiration date of the applicable

law.

(1) World War II – December 7, 1941, through July 24, 1948, authorized by Public Law

(P.L.) 80-314.

(2) Berlin Airlift – June 26, 1948, through September 20, 1951, authorized by P.L. 81-

503.

(3) Korean Conflict – June 27, 1950, through July 27, 1955, authorized by P.L. 83-354.

(4) Vietnam Era – March 1, 1961, through March 28, 1974, authorized by P.L. 89-257.

DoDI 1348.33, December 21, 2016

Change 6, July 23, 2024

SECTION 11: U.S. NON-MILITARY DECORATIONS AND SERVICE AWARDS 45

SECTION 11: U.S. NON-MILITARY DECORATIONS AND SERVICE

AWARDS

This section provides guidance specific to U.S. non-military decorations and awards. In

accordance with Paragraph 1.2., the appropriate means to recognize a Service member serving

with the DoD Components is through the DoD Military Decorations and Awards Program.

a. U.S. Non-military Valor Decorations. DoD personnel are not authorized to wear any

U.S. non-military decoration or award specifically intended to recognize valor. The appropriate

means to recognize a Service member’s valorous act(s) is with a military decoration. The

individual having knowledge of the member’s valorous act(s) should contact the applicable

Military Department to initiate a recommendation for a military valor decoration.

b. CE&S Medals. DoD personnel are not authorized to wear any U.S. non-Military Service

award specifically intended to recognize participation in campaigns, expeditions, or fulfillment

of specific service requirements.

c. Military Society Decorations and Medals. Service members of military societies

recognized in accordance with Section 1123 of Title 10, U.S.C., may, on occasions of public

ceremony, wear the distinctive decorations and awards of that society.

d. State Decorations and Awards. Service members on Federal active duty status may not

wear decorations or service medals issued by any of the 50 States or any other territorial, local,

or municipal government or entity within the United States.

e. Federal Agency Decorations and Service Medals. Service members may accept

personal decorations proffered by Federal agencies. The Secretary of the Military Department

concerned will determine if the Service member is authorized to wear the Federal agency

personal decoration on their uniform, except for valor and CE&S decorations that are prohibited

from wear by Paragraphs 11.a. and 11.b. of this section. This includes, but is not limited to, the

awards of the:

(1) National Intelligence Community.

(2) Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

(3) Commissioned Corps of the USPHS.

(4) Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

(5) Central Intelligence Agency.

(6) Department of Commerce.

(7) DoS.

DoDI 1348.33, December 21, 2016

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SECTION 11: U.S. NON-MILITARY DECORATIONS AND SERVICE AWARDS 46

(8) National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

(9) Department of Homeland Security.

(10) Department of Transportation.

f. Other U.S. Non-military Decorations. The Secretary of the Military Department

concerned will establish policies for determining if Service members in their respective

Department may accept and wear other U.S. non-military decorations and service medals not

specifically addressed in this section.

g. Wearing of U.S. Non-military Decorations. U.S. non-military personal decorations

approved for wear will be worn immediately preceding the Prisoner of War Medal.

(1) When approved for wear, such decorations will be worn in the order of date of

acceptance.

(2) When two or more decorations from the same U.S. non-military organization or

society are worn, the order will be in accordance with the precedence established by the

awarding organization or society, regardless of the date of acceptance.

DoDI 1348.33, December 21, 2016

Change 6, July 23, 2024

SECTION 12: REPLACEMENT OF MILITARY DECORATIONS 47

SECTION 12: REPLACEMENT OF MILITARY DECORATIONS

12.1. In accordance with Section 1135 of Title 10, U.S.C., and in addition to other authorities

available to the Military Department Secretary concerned to replace a military decoration, the

Military Department Secretary concerned will replace, on a one-time basis and without charge, a

military decoration upon the request of the recipient of the military decoration or the immediate

NOK, of a deceased recipient.12.2. Upon request for a replacement military decoration in

accordance with Sections 1135, 7277, 7281, 8303, 9277, or 9281 of Title 10, U.S.C., the Military

Department Secretary concerned:a. Ensures all actions to be taken with respect to the request,

including verification of the service record of the recipient of the military decoration, are

completed within 1 year.

b. Ensures the replacement military decoration is mailed to the person requesting

replacement within 90 days after verification of the service record.

12.3. In accordance with Sections 7277 and 9277 of Title 10, U.S.C., the Departments of the

Army and Air Force will replace, free of charge, any MOH, DSC, AFC, Distinguished Service

Medal, or SSM, or any bar, ribbon, rosette, or other device issued for wear with or in place of

these medals, that is stolen, lost, or destroyed, or becomes unfit for use, without fault or neglect

of the person to whom it was awarded.12.4. In accordance with Section 8303 of Title 10,

U.S.C., the Secretary of the Navy may replace, free of charge, any MOH, NX, Distinguished

Service Medal, SSM, or Navy and Marine Corps Medal, or any bar, ribbon, rosette, or other

device issued for wear with or in place of any of these medals, that is stolen, lost, or destroyed,

or becomes unfit for use, without fault or neglect of the person to whom it was awarded.12.5.

Requests for replacement decorations must be submitted in accordance with the procedures

established by the Military Department concerned. The National Archives website provides

information on requesting replacement decorations (see https://www.archives.gov/personnel-

records-center/awards-and-decorations).

12.6. The DoD only replaces U.S. military decorations originally provided to the member or

their immediate NOK. Military decorations not replaced by DoD include miniature medals,

foreign decorations, and the decorations of multilateral organizations.

12.7. If a replacement DoD joint decoration or award is unavailable through normal supply

channels, the Military Department concerned should request it from WHS. The request must

include supporting documents (e.g., DD Form 214, “Certificate of Release or Discharge from

Active Duty”; or orders). Send replacement medal requests to:

Assistant Director, Military Personnel, Room 2D523

Human Resources Directorate

Washington Headquarters Services

1155 Defense Pentagon

Washington, D.C. 20301-1155

DoDI 1348.33, December 21, 2016

Change 6, July 23, 2024

SECTION 13: MILITARY AWARDS TO COMMISSIONED OFFICERS OF THE USPHS 48

SECTION 13: MILITARY AWARDS TO COMMISSIONED OFFICERS OF

THE

USPHS

13.1. GENERAL INFORMATION.

a. In accordance with Section 213 of Title 42, U.S.C., and the December 30, 1992

Presidential Memorandum, the President or Secretary of Defense may prescribe the conditions

under which commissioned officers of the USPHS may be awarded military ribbons, medals, and

decorations. In accordance with the December 30, 1992 Presidential Memorandum, no military

ribbon, medal, or decoration may be awarded to a USPHS officer without the approval of the

Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS).

b. On or after August 2, 1990, USPHS officers assigned, attached, or detailed for full-time or

part-time duty to DoD and any of its components are eligible for U.S. military ribbons, medals,

and decorations on the same basis as officers of the Military Services.

c. DoD policy precludes duplicate recognition for the same act or service. U.S. military

ribbons, medals, or decorations are not authorized for award to USPHS officers who have been

recognized for the same act or service through award of a USPHS ribbon, medal, or decoration,

or by any other Federal agency award.

d. U.S. military ribbons, medals, or decorations are not authorized for award to USPHS

officers without the concurrence of the Secretary of HHS. The concurrence of the Secretary of

HHS must include confirmation that the USPHS officer did not or will not receive a USPHS

ribbon, medal, or decoration for the same act or service for which the U.S. military ribbon,

medal, or decoration is being proffered or awarded. The single point of contact for obtaining

Secretary of HHS concurrence is:

DoD/DHHS Commissioned Corps Liaison Program Office

Defense Health Agency

7700 Arlington Boulevard, Suite 5101

Falls Church, VA 22042

13.2. PROCEDURES FOR PROCESSING AWARDS TO USPHS OFFICERS.

a. PMDs. USPHS officers assigned, attached, or detailed for full-time or part-time duty to:

(1) A Military Department will be processed for a PMD under the policy and procedures

established by the respective Military Department. Before award of a PMD, the award authority

must obtain concurrence from the Secretary of HHS for the USPHS officer to accept and wear

the award.

(2) The OSD, DoD Field Activities, Defense Agencies, or joint DoD activities that report

directly to an OSD Principal Staff Assistant, the Joint Staff or those agencies and activities

reporting through the CJCS, including the CCMDs will be processed for PMDs in accordance

DoDI 1348.33, December 21, 2016

Change 6, July 23, 2024

SECTION 13: MILITARY AWARDS TO COMMISSIONED OFFICERS OF THE USPHS 49

with the policy and procedures established for the PMD in the applicable volume of DoDM

1348.33 and implemented by the applicable organization (e.g., Joint Staff, CCMDs, WHS), with

the exception of the PH medal.

(a) Before award of a PMD, the award approval authority must obtain concurrence

from the Secretary of HHS for the USPHS officer to accept and wear the award.

(b) The determination as to whether a USPHS officer is entitled to a PH medal will

be made by the Secretary of the Navy. USPHS officers who believe they are entitled to a PH

should forward documentation to:

Secretary of the Navy

Board of Decorations and Medals

2000 Navy Pentagon

Washington, D.C. 20350-2000

b. DoD CE&S Medals. A USPHS officer assigned, attached, or detailed for full-time duty:

(1) To a Military Department must have their eligibility for DoD CE&S medals verified

by the applicable Military Department. Upon verification of eligibility, the Military Department

concerned must forward documented eligibility for the applicable CE&S medal to the Secretary

of HHS for concurrence before the USPHS officer may accept and wear the award.

(2) To the OSD, DoD Field Activities, Defense Agencies, joint DoD activities that report

directly to an OSD Principal Staff Assistant, the Joint Staff or those agencies and activities

reporting through the CJCS, including the CCMDs, must have their eligibility for DoD CE&S

medals verified by the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs.

(a) Specific eligibility for the DoD CE&S medals is contained in Volume 2 of

DoDM 1348.33.

(b) Upon verification of eligibility, the applicable organization must forward

documented eligibility for the CE&S medal to the Secretary of HHS for concurrence before the

USPHS officer may accept and wear the award.

c. Unit Awards. A USPHS officer assigned, attached, or detailed for full or part-time duty

to:

(1) A Military Department must have their eligibility for unit awards verified by the

applicable Military Department. Upon verification of eligibility, the Military Department

concerned must forward documented eligibility for the applicable unit award to the Secretary of

HHS for concurrence before the USPHS officer may accept and wear the award.

(2) The OSD, DoD Field Activities, Defense Agencies, joint DoD activities that report

directly to an OSD Principal Staff Assistant, the Joint Staff, or those agencies and activities

reporting through the CJCS (including the CCMDs) must have their eligibility for unit awards

verified by the applicable organization. Upon verification of eligibility, the award approval

DoDI 1348.33, December 21, 2016

Change 6, July 23, 2024

SECTION 13: MILITARY AWARDS TO COMMISSIONED OFFICERS OF THE USPHS 50

authority must forward documented eligibility to the Secretary of HHS for concurrence before

the USPHS officer may accept and wear the award.

DoDI 1348.33, December 21, 2016

Change 6, July 23, 2024

SECTION 14: DOD VALOR WEBSITE 51

SECTION 14: DOD VALOR WEBSITE

14.1. The publically accessible DoD valor awards website, https://valor.defense.gov/, identifies

MOH and Military Service Cross recipients. The website also identifies recipients awarded the

SSM for actions on or after September 11, 2001. Information on the website includes the name,

grade and conflict or campaign of each recipient. The ASD(M&RA) maintains the website with

input from the Military Department Secretaries. The Military Departments are responsible for

the currency and accuracy of the names and information associated with the medal recipients

contained on the website.

14.2. The Military Departments will notify the Director, OEPM, of MOH, Military Service

Cross, and SSM recipients for addition to the website.

a. Each Military Department will designate a single, specific organization (e.g., Office of the

Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Military Personnel) authorized to provide website

updates to OEPM. The name, grade, and conflict or campaign of recipients will be provided as:

(1) MOHs and Military Service Crosses within 5 workdays of award presentation.

(2) SSMs not later than on the first duty day of the month following award presentation.

b. The website identifies award nominees based on their respective Military Service.

Individuals awarded a Military Service Cross from a sister Military Service will be included on

the parent Military Service’s Service Cross list. For example, a Marine awarded an Army DSC

will be identified on the Marine Corps’ NX list as a DSC recipient.

14.3. Security, privacy, and administrative reasons prevent the DoD from including all award

recipients on the website. Agencies with a requirement to verify valor award recipients should

contact the appropriate Military Department.

a. The Military Departments will establish procedures to annually review, each January, the

names of recipients excluded from publication on the website due to security or classification

reasons to determine if the earlier justification for exclusion is still relevant.

b. If the justification for not including a recipient on the website is no longer relevant, award

recipient names will be forwarded to OEPM for publication on the website.

14.4. The sole purpose of the information provided on the website is to publicly recognize

MOH, Military Service Cross, and SSM recipients. In making this information public, the DoD

does not represent that all persons who are entitled to wear these decorations are listed on the

website.

DoDI 1348.33, December 21, 2016

Change 6, July 23, 2024

SECTION 14: DOD VALOR WEBSITE 52

a. Due to privacy considerations, the DoD will not include certain information on the

website often used to definitively identify specific individuals (e.g., date of birth, Social Security

number).

b. Organizations or agencies with a requirement to verify whether a particular person

received a decoration should contact the appropriate Military Department.

DoDI 1348.33, December 21, 2016

Change 6, July 23, 2024

SECTION 15: CONGRESSIONAL NOTIFICATION OF VALOR AWARDS 53

SECTION 15: CONGRESSIONAL NOTIFICATION OF VALOR AWARDS

15.1. When a Service member is awarded a MOH, Military Service Cross, or SSM, the

Secretaries of the Military Departments will, subject to Paragraphs 15.2. through 15.4., provide

the Service member’s congressional representatives in the House and Senate the awardee’s:

a. Grade.

b. Name.

c. Title of award.

d. Legal residence or domicile (voting district and State, or city and State, as determined by

the Military Department concerned).

15.2. The information referred to in Paragraph 15.1. will be released:

a. When it will not compromise national security, ongoing military operations, or the overall

security of the DoD. The information will not be released without concurrence from the

appropriate Military Service intelligence or security office if the awardee is:

(1) Serving in an intelligence, counterintelligence, special mission or security position.

(2) Involved in sensitive programs or operations.

(3) In a unit or a position that frequently or regularly deploys overseas.

b. When it will not create an undue risk to the privacy and security of the awardees and their

families. The information may be denied when such a risk is possible.

c. Only after official announcement or presentation of the award occurs. This is to prevent

premature disclosure that could minimize the impact of ceremonies.

d. With this statement attached: “The information contained herein is provided to Congress

in the event members wish to convey congratulations for valorous service to our great Nation.

Geographic locations or units of assignment of awardees, while not classified, may potentially

expose the member to risk if the information is publicized openly, or released without attention

to purpose.”

15.3. The citation and certificate of the awards will not be forwarded to Congress unless

specifically requested by a MOC.

a. Upon receipt of a request for the award citation, the Military Departments must conduct a

security and privacy review in accordance with DoDI 5400.04 and obtain concurrence to release

from the appropriate Military Department’s intelligence or security officials, and privacy offices.

DoDI 1348.33, December 21, 2016

Change 6, July 23, 2024

SECTION 15: CONGRESSIONAL NOTIFICATION OF VALOR AWARDS 54

b. In those situations where there is a risk of compromising classified information, the

questionable information will be sanitized by removing or rewording the identifying particulars

or the release may be denied.

c. The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security is available to

assist Military Service intelligence and security officials in reviewing those releases where

security and the potential compromise of classified information are an issue.

d. The cover statement provided in Paragraph 15.2.d. must accompany all citation and

certificate information provided to Congress.

15.4. Ensure all personally identifying identification is collected, maintained, disseminated, and

used in accordance with DoD 5400.11-R and DoDI 5400.11.

DoDI 1348.33, December 21, 2016

Change 6, July 23, 2024

SECTION 16: COLD WAR CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION 55

SECTION 16: COLD WAR CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION

16.1. P.L. 105-85 authorizes the DoD to recognize Service members and qualified Federal

Government civilian personnel who faithfully served the United States during the Cold War era

from September 2, 1945, to December 26, 1991 with a CWCR. The Secretary of the Army

administers the CWCR program as the executive agent for the DoD in accordance with the June

18, 1998 Secretary of Defense Memorandum.

16.2. The DD Form 2774, “Cold War Certificate of Recognition,” (located at

https://www.esd.whs.mil/Directives/forms/DD2500_2999) will be provided upon request to

members who meet eligibility criteria. This includes military and civilian personnel of the DoD,

personnel in the intelligence community, members of the Foreign Service, and other officers and

employees of the U.S. Government contributing to the national security of the United States who

served during the period of September 2, 1945, to December 26, 1991.

16.3. Applicants must present documentation of service or employment, such as a copy of a

Discharge Certificate (DD Form 214) for Service members or a Standard Form 50, “Notification

of Personnel Action” (located at https://www.gsa.gov/forms) for civilian personnel.

a. One CWCR will be awarded per person.

b. An individual who served in both civilian and military capacities may choose if they want

to receive a certificate for service as a Service member or as a Federal civilian employee.

c. For more information go to the CWCR Program Webpage at:

https://www.hrc.army.mil/content/Awards%20and%20Decorations%20Branch%20-

%20Cold%20War%20Recognition%20Certificate%20Applications or write to:

U.S. Army Human Resources Command

Cold War Recognition Program

ATTN: AHRC-PDP-A, Department 480

1600 Spearhead Division Avenue

Fort Knox, KY 40122-5408

16.4. The DD Form 2774 is signed by the Secretary of Defense. CWRCs with obsolete

Secretary of Defense signatures will not be issued. Immediately upon the departure of a

Secretary of Defense, the Army will send a request to WHS/ESD/CMD for authorization to use

the new Secretary of Defense’s signature on the DD Form 2774. Once the new Secretary of

Defense authorizes use of their signature on the DD Form 2774, CWRCs may be issued.

DoDI 1348.33, December 21, 2016

Change 6, July 23, 2024

SECTION 17: AVSC 56

SECTION 17: AVSC

17.1. The Director, DTRA, manages the Nuclear Test and Personnel Review Program pursuant

to DoDD 5105.62. Determining eligibility for the AVSC, authorized by Section 581 of P.L. 115-

232, is consistent with the duties associated with managing the Nuclear Test and Personnel

Review Program.

17.2. The Director, DTRA, is responsible for establishing and managing the DoD’s AVSC

program. The Director, DTRA, will establish an AVSC program that:

a. Allows retired and former Service members (hereafter referred to as ‘veterans’) to apply

for the AVSC via an official DTRA form.

b. Publishes (e.g., publicly facing webpage, Federal Register) information on how a veteran

or, in the case of a deceased veteran, their NOK, may apply for the AVSC. This will include

information on how to obtain and submit the AVSC application form.

c. For each AVSC application form received:

(1) Makes a determination using the AVSC eligibility criteria as to whether the veteran’s

service qualifies for award of the DoD-approved AVSC.

(2) For each veteran whose service is deemed to meet AVSC eligibility criteria:

(a) Provides a DD Form 3065, “Atomic Veterans Service Certificate” (located at

https://www.esd.whs.mil/Directives/forms/DD3000_3499), to the veteran who submitted the

application, or, in the case of a deceased veteran, to the NOK who submitted the application.

Only one AVSC will be provided for each veteran.

(b) Ensures correspondence to the qualifying veteran states, “Award of the Atomic

Veterans Service Certificate is not intended to, and does not, confer any right or benefit,

substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States,

its departments, agencies, entities, or officers.”

(3) For veterans whose service is deemed not to meet AVSC eligibility criteria, notifies

the veteran who submitted the application, or in the case of a deceased veteran, the NOK who

submitted the application that the veteran’s service did not meet eligibility requirements.

d. The DD Form 3065 is signed by the Secretary of Defense. AVSCs with obsolete

Secretary of Defense signatures will not be issued. Immediately upon the departure of a

Secretary of Defense, USD(P&R) will send a request to WHS/ESD/CMD for authorization to

use the new Secretary of Defense’s signature on the DD Form 3065. Once the new Secretary of

Defense authorizes use of their signature on the DD Form 3065, AVSCs may be issued.

e. Maintains a historical record of the veterans whose military service met the AVSC

eligibility criteria and who were awarded the AVSC.

DoDI 1348.33, December 21, 2016

Change 6, July 23, 2024

SECTION 17: AVSC 57

17.3. AVSC Eligibility Criteria:

a. Pursuant to Section 581 of P.L. 115-232, the AVSC is awarded to ‘radiation-exposed

veterans’ as defined in Section 1112(c)(3) of Title 38, U.S.C.

b. For award of the AVSC, the term ‘radiation-exposed veteran’ is further clarified in

Section 3.309(d)(3) of Title 38, Code of Federal Regulations.

17.4. Instructions for completing the DD Form 3065 are:

a. In the space below the “TO” line on the AVSC, enter the recipient’s grade, first name,

middle initial, last name, and Military Service (e.g., CAPTAIN FIRST M. LAST, USN; Colonel

First M. Last, USAF). Grade may be abbreviated if necessary.

b. Print the AVSC in full-color on 8.5 x 11 inch cardstock (Note: Recommended cardstock

colors and weights are listed in Table 8). Forms will only be printed on recommended or similar

cardstock. Review the form to ensure it printed correctly and is suitable for signature and

presentation to the member.

Table 8. Recommended 8.5 x 11 inch Cardstock for the DD Form 3065 and DD Form 3059.

Cardstock Type

(Note 1)

Colors (Note 2)

Grams Per Square

Meter (GSM)

Weight (lbs)

Bristol

Ivory; Cream; Warm White; Natural; or other

similar off-white color

143 to 147 GSM 65 to 67 lbs

Index

Ivory; Cream; Warm White; Natural;

or other similar off-white color

163 to 167 GSM 90 lbs

Index

Ivory; Cream; Warm White; Natural;

or other similar off-white color

200 GSM 110 lbs

Cover

Ivory; Cream; Warm White; Natural;

or other similar off-white color

147 GSM 65 to 67 lbs

Cover

Ivory; Cream; Warm White; Natural;

or other similar off-white color

215 GSM 80 lbs

Note 1: Cardstocks

will

have a smooth surface.

Note 2: Only solid colors are authorized (i.e., no marbling or flecks).

DoDI 1348.33, December 21, 2016

Change 6, July 23, 2024

SECTION 18: MWDH COC 58

SECTION 18: MILITARY WORKING DOG HANDLER (MWDH)

CERTIFICATE OF COMMENDATION (COC)

18.1. Each Military Department will establish a program as authorized by Section 582 of P.L.

115-232 to award the DoD MWDH CoC to qualifying MWDHs.

18.2. The Military Department MWDH CoC programs will:

a. Provide for award of a DD Form 3059, “Military Working Dog Handler Certificate of

Commendation,” (hereafter referred to as “MWDH CoC,” and located at

https://www.esd.whs.mil/Directives/forms/dd3000_3499), to the handlers of military working

dogs under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Military Department concerned to recognize

acts of valor or meritorious achievement performed on or after August 13, 2018 by such handlers

and their military working dogs.

b. Allow for award of the MWDH CoC to the NOK in the event the handler of the military

working dog is deceased.

c. Ensure that award of a MWDH CoC does not preclude the handler of a military working

dog who is also a member of the Military Services from being recognized for their actions with a

PMD pursuant to guidance contained in Sections 1 through 8 of this issuance. Award of a PMD

to a MWDH will be based on the actions of the handler, not those of their military working dog.

18.3. Instructions for completing the DD Form 3059 are:

a. In the space below the “TO” line, enter the MWDH’s grade, first name, middle initial, last

name, and Military Service (e.g., SFC FIRST M. LAST, USA; TSGT FIRST M. LAST, USAF).

In the space below the “AND” line, enter the name and breed or type of the Military Working

Dog (e.g., BULLET, GERMAN SHEPHERD; REX, Patrol-Explosive Detector Dog).

b. Print the DD Form 3059 in full-color on 8.5 x 11 inch cardstock (Note: Recommended

cardstock colors and weights are listed in Table 8). CoCs will ONLY be printed on

recommended or similar cardstock. Review the DD Form 3059 to ensure it printed correctly and

is suitable for signature and presentation to the member.

c. Have the individual who has been delegated approval authority for the MWDH CoC sign

the DD Form 3059 on the signature line above their signature block.

DoDI 1348.33, December 21, 2016

Change 6, July 23, 2024

SECTION 19: USE OF UNOFFICIAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY

FOR MILITARY DECORATIONS 59

SECTION 19: USE OF UNOFFICIAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION TO

DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY FOR MILITARY DECORATIONS

19.1. As required by Section 528 of P.L. 116-92, the unofficial sources of information identified

in this section are authorized for use by the Military Departments and the Secretary of Defense in

determining eligibility for military decorations only in cases where the Service member’s records

containing official sources of information are incomplete due to the July 12, 1973 fire at the

National Personnel Records Center, or any subsequent incident while the Service member’s

records were in DoD possession.

19.2. To maintain the integrity and prestige of the DoD’s Military Decorations and Awards

Program, substantiating evidence (official or unofficial) must show that the Service member’s

service, actions, or condition met the applicable military decoration’s associated award criteria.

Determinations regarding decoration eligibility will be based on verifiable facts and not on

subjective opinions or hearsay.

19.3. Affidavits (sworn, signed, and notarized) sourced from outside the DoD are unofficial

sources of information authorized for use in determining eligibility for military decorations.

There are two categories of affidavits:

a. Primary Affidavits. Affidavits from individuals, other than the award nominee, who

personally witnessed (i.e., were with the Service member during the event and saw what the

Service member did), or have first-hand knowledge of (e.g., were communicating with the

Service member over the radio during the event) the Service member’s service, actions, or

condition.

(1) If the affidavit includes additional information that the individual did not personally

witness, the affidavit must clearly distinguish those things that were witnessed from those that

were not. For events or actions not personally witnessed, the affidavit must identify how the

individual became aware of such information.

(2) Affidavits from the intended recipient(s) cannot form the basis of any PMD, unit

decoration, or the PH, and will not be accepted and considered in making eligibility decisions

regarding such decorations. This does not prohibit the Military Departments from considering

affidavits from a Service member for purposes of determining eligibility for other CE&S awards.

b. Supporting Affidavits. Such affidavits are from subject matter experts (SMEs) who can

provide salient contextual information regarding the Service member’s service, actions, or

condition. Affidavits from SMEs will be limited to the SME’s area of expertise. Supporting

affidavits that express opinions as to whether the Service member should receive a decoration, or

which level of decoration, will not be accepted and not used to make any award determination.

Military decorations will not be approved if supporting affidavits are the only factual basis for

the award.19.4. Unofficial sources of primary information are limited to those items that

actually substantiate the Service member’s service, actions, or condition (e.g., video or audio

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SECTION 19: USE OF UNOFFICIAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY

FOR MILITARY DECORATIONS 60

recording of the event; photographs taken at the time and location of the event). Such

information must be accompanied by an affidavit from the person who provided it attesting to its

authenticity, as well as to the specific time and location and the things, persons, and actions

depicted.

19.5. Unofficial sources of secondary information include those items from secondary sources

that provide contextual information (e.g., newspaper and magazine articles; book excerpts;

diaries). Such information may be considered to provide context, but cannot form the factual

basis for approval of any military decoration. Such information, if provided, will clearly identify

the passages in the text that are relevant to the Service member’s service, actions, or condition.

Secondary information based solely on subjective opinions or hearsay will not be accepted.

19.6. The intended recipients of a PMD or unit decoration may not officially nominate

themselves for such decorations. Nominations may only be originated according to the policies

and procedures published by the Military Department concerned.

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GLOSSARY 61

GLOSSARY

G.1. ACRONYMS.

CRONYM

EANING

AFC

Air Force Cross

ASD(M&RA)

Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manpower and Reserve Affairs

AVSC

Atomic Veterans Service Certificate

BSM

Bronze Star Medal

CATMS

Correspondence and Task Management System

CCDR

Combatant Commander

CCMD

Combatant Command

CE&S

campaign, expeditionary, and service

CJCS

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

CMD

Correspondence Management Division

CoC

Certificate of Commendation

CWCR

Cold War Certificate of Recognition

D.C.

District of Columbia

DDSM

Defense Distinguished Service Medal

DFC

Distinguished Flying Cross

DHHS

Department of Health and Human Services

DIA

Defense Intelligence Agency

DMSM

Defense Meritorious Service Medal

DoDD

DoD directive

DoDI

DoD instruction

DoDM

DoD manual

DoS

Department of State

DSC

Distinguished Service Cross

DSSM

Defense Superior Service Medal

DTRA

Defense Threat Reduction Agency

E.O.

Executive order

ESD

Executive Services Directorate

ETP

exception to policy

GSM

grams per square meter

GWOT

Global War on Terrorism

HDP

hazardous duty pay

HFP

hostile fire pay

HHS

Health and Human Services

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GLOSSARY 62

IADB

Inter-American Defense Board

IDP

imminent danger pay

JDA

joint duty activity

JMUA

Joint Meritorious Unit Award

JSAM

Joint Service Achievement Medal

JSCM

Joint Service Commendation Medal

JTF

joint task force

lbs

pounds

LOM

Legion of Merit

MDSAMs

Military Department-specific achievement medals

MDSCMs

Military Department-specific commendation medals

MOC

member of Congress

MOH

Medal of Honor

MSM

Meritorious Service Medal

MWDH

military working dog handler

NATO

North Atlantic Treaty Organization

NOK

next of kin

Navy Cross

OEPM

Officer and Enlisted Personnel Management

Purple Heart

PIO/DA&M

Performance Improvement Officer and Director of Administration

and Management

P.L.

Public Law

PMD

personal military decoration

SSM

Silver Star Medal

SME

subject matter expert

United Nations

UNM

United Nations Medal

U.S.C.

United States Code

USD(P)

Under Secretary of Defense for Policy

USD(P&R)

Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness

USPHS

United States Public Health Service

WHS

Washington Headquarters Services

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GLOSSARY 63

G.2. DEFINITIONS. Unless otherwise noted, these terms and their definitions are for the

purpose of this issuance.

Armed Forces of the United States. Means the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space

Force, and Coast Guard.

“C” device. An appurtenance used to denote that a PMD was awarded for meritorious service or

achievement performed under combat conditions.

combat heroism. Synonymous with valor.

direct impacts. “Hands-on” employment of a weapons system or other activities that had direct,

immediate, and on-site effects on the outcome of an engagement or other operation intended to

have an effect upon the target.

DoD military decorations and awards. Includes the medals and ribbons that are common to

the Military Departments.

DoD joint decorations and awards. The subset of DoD-wide decorations and awards, which

includes the DoD joint PMDs and the JMUA.

DoD-wide CE&S medals. The subset of DoD decorations and awards used to recognize

participation in military campaigns, expeditions, or other significant military operations, and for

otherwise meritorious military service.

DoD-wide PMDs. The subset of DoD decorations and awards that include the PMDs that are

common to the Military Departments, including the MOH and Service Crosses.

domain. Described as air, land, maritime, space, and cyberspace domains in accordance with

the DoD Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms.

employee. Defined in DoDD 1005.13.

employing component. Defined in DoDD 1005.13.

foreign decoration. Foreign decoration will have the meaning defined in DoDD 1005.13.

Although a foreign government may label or consider an item to be a decoration, this designation

in itself does not mean the item will be considered a decoration by the U.S. Government. The

key factor is if the item is similar in nature to individual decorations awarded by the U.S.

Government.

foreign government. Defined in DoDD 1005.13.

impact award. An award that recognizes performance that exceeds that expected by virtue of

grade and experience, based on a single specific act or accomplishment that covers a short period of

time with definite beginning and ending dates

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GLOSSARY 64

JDA. For the eligibility of DoD joint decorations and awards, the term “joint duty” connotes

activities, operations, or organizations in which elements of more than one Military Service, as

reflected on joint manpower documents or joint duty assignment lists, perform joint missions

under the auspices of the OSD; the CJCS; or the CCDR.

joint matters. Defined in Section 668 of Title 10, U.S.C.

meritorious achievement award. Also known as an impact award. See impact award.

meritorious service. Individual performance that exceeds that expected by virtue of grade and

experience, based on accomplishments during an entire tour of duty.

meritorious service or achievement under combat conditions. Meritorious service or

achievement while personally exposed to hostile action or while at significant risk of exposure to

hostile action.

Military Services. Synonymous with the Armed Forces of the United States.

multi-purpose PMDs. The subset of PMDs that may be used to recognize valor, meritorious

service or achievement under combat conditions, remote impacts on combat operations, non-

combat heroism, or non-combat meritorious service or achievement.

NOK. In descending order, the surviving spouse; eldest surviving child (natural or adopted);

surviving father or mother, unless legal exclusive (sole) custody was granted to a person by

reason of a court decree or statutory provision; surviving blood or adoptive relative who was

granted legal custody of the person by a court degree or statutory provision; eldest surviving

brother or sister, eldest surviving half-brother or half-sister; eldest surviving grandparent; or

eldest surviving step-child.

official sources of information. Any information produced by the DoD, including, but not

limited to: affidavits; military assignment orders (temporary or permanent); pay documents;

investigation reports; briefings; surveillance videos; autopsies; photographs; records briefings;

audio recordings; unit logs; graphs; diagrams; situational reports; DoD or military forms; and,

medical records.

PMD. A military decoration bestowed upon an individual to recognize valor, meritorious

service or achievement under combat conditions, remote impacts on combat operations, non-

combat heroism, or non-combat meritorious service or achievement.

“R” device. An appurtenance used to denote that a PMD was awarded for hands-on

employment of a weapons system or other warfighting activities, performed remotely without

personal physical combat risk that had a direct and immediate effects on the outcome of an

engagement or specific effects on a target.

Service member. A member of the Military Services.

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GLOSSARY 65

unit award. An award bestowed on a military unit to recognize the meritorious combat service

or the specific achievements of the unit.

unofficial sources of information. Any information sourced from outside the DoD.

“V” device. An appurtenance used to denote that a multi-purpose PMD was awarded for valor.

valor. An act or acts of heroism by an individual above what is normally expected while

engaged in direct combat with an enemy of the United States, or an opposing foreign or armed

force, with exposure to enemy hostilities and personal risk.

weapons system. Defined in the DoD Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms.

DoDI 1348.33, December 21, 2016

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REFERENCES 66

REFERENCES

Code of Federal Regulations, Title 32

Code of Federal Regulations, Title 38, Section 3.309(d)(3)

DoD 5400.11-R, “Department of Defense Privacy Program,” May 14, 2007

DoD Directive 1005.13, “Gifts and Decorations from Foreign Governments,” February 19, 2002,

as amended

DoD Directive 2065.01E, “DoD Personnel Support to the United Nations,” March 17, 2017, as

amended

DoD Directive 5105.62, “Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA),” April 24, 2013, as

amended

DoD Directive 5124.02, “Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness

(USD(P&R)),” June 23, 2008

DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 451, “DoD Civilian Personnel Management System:

Awards,” November 4, 2013, as amended

DoD Instruction 5400.04, “Provision of Information to Congress,” March 17, 2009

DoD Instruction 5400.11, “DoD Privacy and Civil Liberties Programs,” January 29, 2019, as

amended

DoD Manual 1348.33, Volume 1, “Manual of Military Decorations and Awards: Medal of

Honor,” December 21, 2016, as amended

DoD Manual 1348.33, Volume 2, “Manual of Military Decorations and Awards: DoD Service

Awards - Campaign, Expeditionary, and Service Medals,” December 21, 2016, as amended

DoD Manual 1348.33, Volume 3, “Manual of Military Decorations and Awards: DoD-Wide

Personal Performance and Valor Decorations,” December 21, 2016, as amended

DoD Manual 1348.33, Volume 4, “Manual of Military Decorations and Awards: DoD Joint

Decorations and Awards,” December 21, 2016, as amended

DoD Manual 5110.04, Volume 1, “Manual for Written Material: Correspondence

Management,” June 16, 2020, as amended

Executive Order 11016, “Authorizing award of the Purple Heart,” April 25, 1962, as amended

Executive Order 11046, “Authorizing award of the Bronze Star Medal,” August 24, 1962, as

amended

Executive Order 11139, “Authorizing acceptance of the United Nations Medal and Service

Ribbon,” January 7, 1964

Executive Order 11446, “Authorizing the Acceptance of Service Medals and Ribbons from

Multilateral Organizations Other than the United Nations,” January 16, 1969

Executive Order 11448, “Establishing the Meritorious Service Medal,” January 16, 1969, as

amended

Executive Order 12019, “Establishing the Defense Meritorious Service Medal,” November 3,

1977, as amended

Executive Order 13830, “Delegation of Authority to Approve Certain Military Decorations,”

April 20, 2018

DoDI 1348.33, December 21, 2016

Change 6, July 23, 2024

REFERENCES 67

Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, “DoD Dictionary of Military and Associated

Terms,” current edition

Presidential Memorandum, “Prescription of the Conditions Under Which Commissioned

Officers for the Public Health Service May Be Awarded Military Ribbons, Medals, and

Decorations.” December 30, 1992

Public Law 80-314, “An Act authorizing the acceptance of decorations, orders, medals and

emblems by officers and enlisted men of the armed forces of the United States tendered them

by governments of cobelligerent nations, neutral nations, or other American Republics,”

August 1, 1947

Public Law 81-503, “An Act authorizing the acceptance of foreign decorations for participation

in the Berlin Airlift,” May 5, 1950

Public Law 83-354, “An Act authorizing certain members of the Armed Forces to accept and

wear decorations of certain foreign nations,” May 8, 1954

Public Law 89-257, “An Act authorizing certain members of the Armed Forces to accept and

wear decorations of certain foreign nations,” October 19, 1965

Public Law 105-85, “National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998,”

November 18, 1997

Public Law 115-232, “John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year

2019,” August 13, 2018

Public Law 116-92, “National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020,”

December 20, 2019

Secretary of Defense Memorandum, “Cold War Certificate of Recognition,” June 18, 1998

Secretary of Defense Memorandum, “Results of Comprehensive Military Decorations and

Awards Review,” January 7, 2016

United States Code, Title 5

United States Code Title 10

United States Code, Title 37

United States Code, Title 38, Section 1112(c)(3)

United States Code, Title 42, Section 213