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Category: United States

The Public Health Service Citation Medal

Ranked as the tenth-highest distinction in the PHS awards hierarchy, the medal highlights achievements of particular significance.

The Public Health Service Citation Medal is an honor awarded by the United States Public Health Service (PHS) to recognize members of the PHS Commissioned Corps and other Uniformed Services for notable contributions to the Corps’ mission. Ranked as the tenth-highest distinction in the PHS awards hierarchy, it highlights achievements of particular significance.

Eligibility and Criteria

The Citation Medal is granted for a specific and commendable accomplishment, typically over a short timeframe. Eligible actions may include:

  • Meaningful contributions toward achieving a program objective.
  • High-quality performance or results that, while significant, do not meet the higher standard required for the Achievement Medal.

This medal acknowledges dedicated efforts that support the Public Health Service’s goals, emphasizing impactful yet focused contributions.

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The Public Health Service Achievement Medal

The Public Health Service Achievement Medal is an award for accomplishments of outstanding or unique significance to the Corps’ mission.

The Public Health Service Achievement Medal is an award conferred by the United States Public Health Service (PHS) to recognize members of the PHS Commissioned Corps and other Uniformed Services for accomplishments of outstanding or unique significance to the Corps’ mission. It ranks as the ninth-highest honor within the PHS Commissioned Corps.

Eligibility and Criteria

This medal is awarded to officers who demonstrate superior performance in achieving a program’s mission. Eligible achievements include:

  • Advancing program objectives through exceptional effort.
  • Sustained above-average accomplishments in professional duties.
  • Superior dedication to duty over a relatively short time frame.

The PHS Achievement Medal highlights noteworthy contributions and commitment that significantly support the Corps’ public health initiatives.

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The Public Health Service Commendation Medal

Ranked as the eighth-highest honor within the PHS, this medal acknowledges officers who demonstrate commitment and performance.

The Public Health Service Commendation Medal is a distinguished award presented by the United States Public Health Service (PHS) to recognize exceptional proficiency and dedication among members of the PHS Commissioned Corps and other Uniformed Services. Ranked as the eighth-highest honor within the PHS, it acknowledges officers who demonstrate commitment and performance beyond the standard expectations.

Eligibility and Criteria

The Commendation Medal is awarded to officers who:

  • Exhibit sustained, high-quality achievements in scientific, managerial, or professional fields.
  • Apply unique skills or creative solutions to address and resolve complex problems.
  • Make significant technical or professional contributions within a specific area of public health.

This award highlights the dedication and expertise of officers whose outstanding efforts contribute meaningfully to the mission of the Public Health Service.

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The Public Health Service Outstanding Service Medal

This medal recognizes exceptional achievements or contributions that are uniquely significant to the Corps’ mission.

The Public Health Service (PHS) Distinguished Service Medal is the highest honor awarded by the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps.

It recognizes exceptional accomplishments by officers of the Corps or other members of the U.S. Uniformed Services whose achievements significantly advance the Corps’ mission. This prestigious medal is the top decoration of the Department of Health and Human Services Public Health Service Commissioned Corps.

The medal is conferred upon officers who demonstrate:

  • Sustained outstanding leadership with a significant impact on the health of the nation.
  • A heroic act that directly results in the preservation of life or health.

"With Valor" Designation

The medal may also be awarded “With Valor,” marked by a bronze “V” device, to honor acts of extraordinary bravery. This designation is reserved for officers who perform specific acts of courage or heroism that save or preserve life or health. General exposure to hazardous conditions does not qualify; the award requires clear evidence of personal risk, bravery, and a demonstrable act of heroism.

This prestigious award underscores the PHS’s commitment to recognizing officers whose exceptional contributions advance the Corps’ mission and impact public health at the highest level.

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The Surgeon General’s Exemplary Service Medal

The Surgeon General’s Exemplary Service Medal is a distinguished award presented by the U.S. Public Health Service.

The Surgeon General’s Exemplary Service Medal is a distinguished award presented by the U.S. Public Health Service. It is administered by the Office of the Surgeon General and granted exclusively at the discretion of the Surgeon General of the United States.

This medal recognizes outstanding contributions to the initiatives and priorities of the Surgeon General by members of the U.S. Uniformed Services. Unique among awards, it does not require a formal nomination process or specific criteria, as it is solely awarded based on the Surgeon General’s judgment of exemplary service.

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The Public Health Service Meritorious Service Medal

This medal is awarded for exceptional achievements or contributions of significant impact to the Corps’ mission.

The Public Health Service Meritorious Service Medal is awarded to members of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and other Uniformed Services of the United States for exceptional achievements or contributions of significant impact to the Corps’ mission. As the second-highest honor bestowed by the Public Health Service, it recognizes distinguished service that advances public health goals.

Eligibility and Criteria

This medal is awarded for outstanding service in one of the following areas:

  • A single, highly significant achievement in research, program management, or administration.
  • A career marked by remarkable accomplishments in technical or professional fields.
  • Exceptional leadership demonstrated with notable quality and initiative.
  • A period of sustained, meritorious service or a series of major contributions to public health.
  • Acts of great courage or heroism in an emergency.

"With Valor" Designation

The medal can also be awarded “With Valor,” denoted by a bronze “V” device, to recognize acts of extraordinary bravery. This designation is reserved for individuals who demonstrate specific acts of courage or heroism that result in saving or preserving life or health. It does not apply to hazardous duties or general exposure to dangerous conditions but requires clear evidence of personal risk, bravery, and selflessness.

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The Public Health Service Distinguished Service Medal

The highest honor awarded by the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, it recognizes exceptional accomplishments.

The Public Health Service (PHS) Distinguished Service Medal is the highest honor awarded by the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps.

It recognizes exceptional accomplishments by officers of the Corps or other members of the U.S. Uniformed Services whose achievements significantly advance the Corps’ mission. This prestigious medal is the top decoration of the Department of Health and Human Services Public Health Service Commissioned Corps.

Award Criteria

The medal is presented for extraordinary contributions that have a profound impact on national or global health. Recipients demonstrate an exceptional commitment to public service and make significant advancements in public health. The award may also honor acts of heroism that save lives or protect health.

The medal can be awarded “With Valor”, denoted by a bronze “V” device, to acknowledge acts of courage and bravery. This designation is reserved for officers who demonstrate conspicuous bravery, risking their own safety through specific actions that save or preserve lives. It does not apply to general exposure to hazardous conditions but instead requires clear evidence of extraordinary risk and heroism.

In summary:

  • Members of the United States Public Health Service
  • Commissioned Corps
  • Members of any other Uniformed Service of the United States

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The Surgeon General’s Medallion

The Surgeon General’s Medallion is the fourth-highest honor within the U.S. Public Health Service. It’s given for exceptional achievements.

The Surgeon General’s Medallion is the fourth-highest honor within the U.S. Public Health Service and the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. Presented by the U.S. Surgeon General, this prestigious award recognizes exceptional achievements in public health and medicine.

The criteria for the award are determined by the sitting Surgeon General and typically include groundbreaking contributions to public health, advancements in disease prevention and control, or outstanding service in senior roles within the Department of Health and Human Services.

Due to its high regard, the Surgeon General’s Medallion is authorized for wear on active-duty uniforms of the U.S. Armed Forces. For Public Health Service Commissioned Corps members, it is worn after the Public Health Service Meritorious Service Medal and before the Department of Commerce Silver Medal, the Surgeon General’s Exemplary Service Medal, and the Legion of Merit.

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The Humanitarian Service Medal

The Humanitarian Service Medal (HSM) is a U.S. military award that recognizes members of the Armed Forces for humanitarian missions.

The Humanitarian Service Medal (HSM) is a U.S. military award established on January 19, 1977, by President Gerald Ford 🔗 through Executive Order 11965. It recognizes members of the Armed Forces, including Reserve and National Guard, for meritorious participation in humanitarian missions, such as disaster relief, refugee support, or non-combatant evacuations.

The medal was proposed in 1975 by Julia V. Taft, head of the Interagency Task Force for Indochinese Resettlement, to honor military personnel aiding Vietnamese and Cambodian refugees after the Vietnam War. Despite initial opposition from Army Lieutenant General Harold G. Moore, who favored certificates over medals, Army Lieutenant General John W. Vessey supported the idea, leading to its approval by President Ford.

The Humanitarian Service Medal Criteria

The HSM is awarded for activities designated by the Department of Defense, including natural disaster relief and humanitarian operations. It cannot be given for domestic disturbances or when other military awards like the Armed Forces Service Medal are issued for the same mission. The award is retroactive to April 2, 1975.

For civilians, the Department of the Army offers a similar recognition, the Civilian Award for Humanitarian Service.

The Humanitarian Service Medal Design

The Humanitarian Service Medal (HSM) is crafted from a durable, high-quality metal alloy and features intricate detailing that symbolizes its purpose. The medal is accompanied by a ribbon made of woven fabric, designed to complement the medal’s theme of service and recognition.

The obverse of the medal features a laurel wreath encircling a raised depiction of a helping hand. The hand is symbolic of assistance and support, reflecting the humanitarian mission recognized by the award. This imagery highlights the dedication of U.S. military personnel to aiding those in need. The reverse side bears a simple inscription that reads “For Humanitarian Service,” along with space for additional engraving if required. The clean, understated design emphasizes the selfless nature of the contributions being honored.

The medal is suspended from a ribbon featuring alternating vertical stripes of purple and white. The purple symbolizes dedication and compassion, while white signifies purity of purpose and service. The ribbon’s color scheme reinforces the theme of humanitarian aid and the noble qualities associated with such efforts.

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The Southern Cross of Honor

The Southern Cross of Honor a commemorative medal established by the United Daughters of the Confederacy to honor Confederate veterans.

The Southern Cross of Honor was a commemorative medal created in 1899 by the United Daughters of the Confederacy to recognize the service of Confederate veterans.

The idea for the Cross of Honor was conceived by Mary Ann Erwin in 1898 and designed by her and Sarah E. Gabbett. The first medal was issued on April 26, 1900, to Captain Alexander S. Erwin. Initially produced by Charles W. Crankshaw of Atlanta, Georgia, and later by Schwaab Stamp & Seal Co. and Whitehead & Hoag, the medal’s issuance was managed by Anna Davenport Raines until her death in 1913. The program, which began with the intention to end in 1913, continued until 1959, with at least 78,761 medals awarded.

Eligibility and Allocation

The Cross of Honor could only be awarded through the United Daughters of the Confederacy and was not available for purchase.

It was given to living Confederate veterans in recognition of their honorable service in any branch of the Confederate military.

The final medal was awarded posthumously in 1951 to Rear Adm. Raphael Semmes. Wearing the medal without entitlement is a Class 3 misdemeanor in Virginia, punishable by a fine of up to $500. The Cross of Honor, akin to the Union’s GAR Medal, was never authorized for wear on U.S. military uniforms.

The Southern Cross of Honor Design

The medal is a cross pattée, suspended from a metal bar designed for engraving, and lacks a cloth ribbon.

The obverse side features the Confederate battle flag at the center, encircled by a wreath. The arms of the cross bear the inscription “UNITED DAUGHTERS OF THE CONFEDERACY TO THE U. C. V.“

The reverse displays the Confederate States’ motto “DEO VINDICE” (With God as our Vindicator) and the dates “1861 1865,” surrounded by a laurel wreath. The arms on this side are inscribed with “SOUTHERN CROSS OF HONOR.”