Military valor awards recognize extraordinary acts of courage performed under hostile conditions. Unlike service or achievement medals, these decorations are awarded only after a detailed review confirms that the service member’s actions met strict military standards. Every recommendation is carefully investigated to ensure the award accurately reflects the heroism demonstrated.
Understanding how military valor awards are approved helps explain why these honors carry such prestige. The process involves eyewitness statements, command reviews, legal verification, and approval by senior military leaders. Depending on the award, the final approval may come from a military service secretary or even the President of the United States.
What Are Military Valor Awards?
Valor awards recognize acts of heroism performed while facing enemy forces or hostile action. They differ from awards given for long service, professional achievement, or meritorious performance.
Examples include:
- Medal of Honor
- Distinguished Service Cross
- Navy Cross
- Air Force Cross
- Silver Star
- Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device (or equivalent valor device where applicable)
- Soldier’s Medal (heroism not involving conflict with an enemy)
- Airman’s Medal
- Coast Guard Medal
Each military branch follows Department of Defense regulations while also maintaining its own administrative procedures.
Why the Approval Process Is So Thorough
Valor awards become a permanent part of military history. Because they recognize exceptional courage, every recommendation must be supported by substantial evidence.
The review process helps ensure:
- Awards are fair and consistent.
- Heroic actions are accurately documented.
- Fraudulent claims are prevented.
- Historical records remain reliable.
- Similar acts receive similar recognition.
This careful review protects the integrity of the entire military awards system.
Step 1: The Heroic Action Occurs
The process begins when a service member performs an act of exceptional bravery during combat or another qualifying situation.
Examples include:
- Rescuing wounded personnel under enemy fire
- Continuing a mission despite serious injuries
- Protecting fellow service members during an attack
- Destroying enemy positions while exposed to danger
- Risking one’s own life to save others
Many recipients never expect recognition, and recommendations are often initiated by commanders or fellow service members who witnessed the event.
Step 2: Recommendation Is Submitted
A formal recommendation must be prepared shortly after the incident whenever possible.
The recommendation generally includes:
- Date and location
- Unit information
- Description of events
- Specific heroic actions
- Proposed award level
- Supporting documentation
The recommendation explains why the individual’s actions exceeded normal expectations.
Step 3: Supporting Evidence Is Gathered
Evidence plays a critical role in determining whether a valor award is approved.
Common supporting documents include:
- Eyewitness statements
- Officer endorsements
- After-action reports
- Operational records
- Mission logs
- Intelligence reports
- Medical reports
- Maps and diagrams
- Video or photographic evidence when available
Investigators compare multiple sources to ensure the recommendation accurately reflects what occurred.
Step 4: Chain of Command Review
The recommendation moves through several levels of command.
Each reviewing commander evaluates:
- Accuracy
- Credibility
- Military regulations
- Recommended award level
- Supporting evidence
A commander may recommend:
- Approval
- Upgrade to a higher award
- Downgrade to a lower award
- Additional investigation
- Disapproval
Each endorsement becomes part of the permanent recommendation package.
Step 5: Military Awards Board Review
Higher-level awards normally receive review by an awards board consisting of experienced military officers and specialists.
The board examines:
- Official documentation
- Witness testimony
- Historical records
- Operational context
- Applicable award criteria
The board determines whether the actions satisfy the legal and regulatory standards for the proposed decoration.
Step 6: Final Approval Authority
Different awards require different approval authorities.
Lower-level decorations may be approved by senior commanders.
Higher awards require approval by:
- Service headquarters
- Secretary of the Army
- Secretary of the Navy
- Secretary of the Air Force
- Secretary of Homeland Security (for certain Coast Guard awards)
- President of the United States (Medal of Honor)
The higher the award, the more extensive the review process becomes.
Approval Levels for Major Valor Awards
Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor undergoes the most comprehensive review in the military.
The recommendation typically passes through:
- Unit commanders
- Intermediate commands
- Service headquarters
- Secretary of the military department
- Secretary of Defense review
- Presidential approval
- Congressional authorization requirements as provided by law
Only after every level confirms the evidence is the award presented.
Service Cross Awards
The:
- Distinguished Service Cross
- Navy Cross
- Air Force Cross
require extensive documentation and approval by the Secretary of the respective military department.
Silver Star
The Silver Star recognizes gallantry in action against an enemy.
Recommendations undergo multiple command reviews before approval by designated senior authorities.
Bronze Star Medal for Valor
When awarded for heroism, the Bronze Star Medal includes a valor device authorized by current regulations.
Approval still requires documented evidence and command endorsement, although the process is generally shorter than for higher decorations.
Can Valor Awards Be Upgraded?
Yes.
New evidence sometimes results in a recommendation being reconsidered.
Reasons include:
- Newly discovered eyewitnesses
- Declassified military records
- Administrative errors
- Lost documentation
- Congressional review requests
- Military records correction boards
Some Medal of Honor recipients initially received a lower award before later upgrades.
Why Some Recommendations Are Denied
Not every recommendation results in approval.
Common reasons include:
- Insufficient evidence
- Lack of eyewitness testimony
- Missing documentation
- Action did not meet award criteria
- Administrative deadlines
- Conflicting reports
A denial does not necessarily diminish the courage displayed. It may simply mean the available evidence does not meet the required standard.
How Long Does Approval Take?
The timeline varies considerably.
Lower-level awards may take several months.
Higher valor awards often require:
- Extensive investigations
- Legal review
- Historical verification
- Senior command approval
Some cases take years, particularly when involving historical reviews or posthumous recognition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can recommend a valor award?
Typically, commanders or individuals who directly witnessed the heroic act initiate the recommendation.
Can civilians receive military valor awards?
Most military valor awards are limited to members of the U.S. Armed Forces, although a few exceptions have existed under specific circumstances.
Are posthumous awards common?
Yes. Many valor awards are presented posthumously when a service member sacrifices their life during the heroic action.
Can an award recommendation be appealed?
In certain situations, recommendations may be reconsidered through military review boards or correction of military records processes when new evidence becomes available.
Final Thoughts
Military valor awards represent some of the highest honors a service member can receive. Their approval process is intentionally rigorous to ensure every decoration reflects genuine heroism supported by credible evidence. From the initial recommendation through command endorsements, awards board reviews, and final authorization, every step protects the integrity of the military honors system. While the process can be lengthy, it helps ensure that acts of extraordinary courage are recognized with the respect and historical accuracy they deserve.