America’s Highest Military Decorations for Heroism
Valor awards recognize extraordinary courage, heroism, and sacrifice by members of the United States Armed Forces. These decorations honor service members who risk their lives in combat, often while protecting fellow service members or accomplishing critical military missions.
Some valor awards recognize acts of exceptional bravery under enemy fire, while others recognize those who have been wounded or killed in action. Together, these decorations represent the highest traditions of military service and are among the most respected awards in the United States.
Whether you are researching a family member’s military history, learning about military honors, or replacing lost medals, this guide explains the most important U.S. valor awards and where they fit within the military awards system.
What Are Valor Awards?
Valor awards are military decorations presented for heroic actions performed during combat or hostile military operations. Unlike service medals, campaign medals, or achievement awards, valor decorations recognize exceptional courage while facing an enemy.
Many valor awards require eyewitness statements, detailed documentation, and approval through multiple levels of command before they can be awarded.
These awards are presented by the President of the United States, the Secretary of Defense, or the respective military service depending on the decoration.
Order of Major U.S. Valor Awards
Although each military branch has unique decorations, the major valor awards generally include:
- Medal of Honor
- Distinguished Service Cross
- Navy Cross
- Air Force Cross
- Silver Star
- Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device
- Purple Heart
Each award has its own eligibility requirements and approval process.
Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States.
It is presented to service members who distinguish themselves through conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of their own lives above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in combat with an enemy.
Because of its exceptionally high standard, relatively few Medals of Honor have been awarded throughout American history.
Learn more: Medal of Honor
Distinguished Service Cross
The Distinguished Service Cross is the United States Army’s second-highest award for extraordinary heroism.
It recognizes acts of valor that are extraordinary but do not meet the requirements for the Medal of Honor.
Recipients demonstrate exceptional courage while engaged in combat operations against enemy forces.
Learn more: Distinguished Service Cross
Navy Cross
The Navy Cross is the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard’s second-highest award for heroism in combat.
It honors extraordinary acts of courage performed while serving with naval forces or Marine Corps units during military operations.
Many famous Marines and Sailors have received the Navy Cross for actions during World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
Learn more: Navy Cross
Air Force Cross
The Air Force Cross is awarded to members of the United States Air Force and United States Space Force for extraordinary heroism during combat.
Like the Distinguished Service Cross and Navy Cross, it is second only to the Medal of Honor within its service branch.
Recipients demonstrate exceptional bravery while facing hostile enemy forces.
Learn more: Air Force Cross
Silver Star
The Silver Star is the nation’s third-highest military decoration for valor.
It recognizes gallantry in action against an enemy that involves exceptional courage under fire.
The Silver Star has been awarded in every major American conflict since World War I and is respected across every branch of the military.
Learn more: Silver Star
Bronze Star Medal with Valor
The Bronze Star Medal may be awarded either for meritorious service or for acts of heroism.
When awarded for heroism during combat, it includes the Valor Device (“V” Device) to distinguish it from awards presented solely for meritorious achievement.
The Bronze Star with Valor recognizes courageous actions performed while engaged with enemy forces.
Learn more: Bronze Star Medal with Valor
Purple Heart
The Purple Heart differs from other valor awards because it recognizes those who were wounded or killed by enemy action.
It is awarded to military personnel who suffer injuries directly resulting from hostile action or who make the ultimate sacrifice in combat.
The Purple Heart serves as a lasting symbol of sacrifice and dedication to the nation.
Learn more: Purple Heart
Who Can Receive Valor Awards?
Eligibility depends on the specific decoration, but recipients generally must:
- Serve in the U.S. Armed Forces.
- Perform qualifying actions during combat or hostile military operations.
- Meet the award’s documented criteria.
- Have the recommendation approved through the military chain of command.
Some awards, such as the Purple Heart, have specific eligibility requirements related to combat wounds rather than acts of heroism.
Can Valor Awards Be Awarded Posthumously?
Yes.
Many of America’s highest military decorations have been awarded posthumously. Families often receive these medals on behalf of service members whose heroic actions resulted in their death.
Posthumous awards ensure that extraordinary sacrifice is permanently recognized.
Replacing Lost Valor Awards
Veterans and eligible next of kin may request replacement medals and military records through the appropriate federal agencies.
Replacement medals are generally available for authorized recipients who can verify military service.
Visit our Veteran & Family Resources section for step-by-step guidance on replacing medals and requesting military records.
Why Valor Awards Matter
Valor awards preserve the history of military service, recognize extraordinary courage, and honor those who risk everything in defense of the United States.
These decorations remind future generations of the sacrifices made by America’s service members and ensure their heroism is never forgotten.
Whether displayed in a family collection, museum, or military ceremony, each medal tells a story of courage, dedication, and selfless service.
Related Articles:
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Medal of Honor – Learn about the nation’s highest military decoration for extraordinary acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty.
Distinguished Service Cross – Discover the Army’s second-highest award for extraordinary heroism in combat against an armed enemy.
Navy Cross – Explore the Navy and Marine Corps’ prestigious combat award recognizing exceptional heroism in battle.
Air Force Cross – Find out who qualifies for the Air Force’s second-highest award for extraordinary heroism during combat operations.
Silver Star – Understand the eligibility requirements and history of the Silver Star, awarded for gallantry in action against an enemy.
Bronze Star Medal with Valor – Learn how the Valor Device distinguishes heroic actions in combat from meritorious service awards.
Purple Heart – Discover who qualifies for the Purple Heart and the requirements for wounds or death caused by enemy action.
Military Awards Order of Precedence – See how U.S. military medals and decorations are officially ranked and worn according to precedence.
How Military Valor Awards Are Approved – Learn how recommendations are reviewed, verified, and approved before a valor award is officially presented.
Veteran & Family Resources – Access helpful guides, military records information, replacement medal resources, and support services for veterans and their families.