Medal of Valor
Heroism recognition award
The Medal of Valor is the highest decoration awarded to American public safety officers—police, firefighters, and emergency responders—for exceptional courage in the line of duty.
Established in 2001, it recognizes acts of bravery involving significant personal risk: The officer received the Medal of Valor for pulling survivors from the burning vehicle.
- heroOne admired for courage
- braveryBoldness before danger
- courageFortitude facing danger
- above and beyondExceeding normal expectations
- commendationFormal expression of approval
ceremony · ribbon · citation · firefighter · police · first responder · public safety · sacrifice · honor · distinguished · gallantry · purple heart · shield · badge · pinned · chest · uniform · fallen
Medal of Valordishonorable discharge
Punitive military separation
court-martial · letter of reprimand · demotion · general discharge · cashiering
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